Admission to the program requires, subject to the general regulations of the School of Graduate Studies, an Honours BA in history or in history and another subject, with at least a B+ standing. Potential applicants with a BA Honours degree in a closely related discipline should consult with the Graduate Studies Chair or the Chair of the Department.

Completed applications consisting of the following:

1. How to Apply
2. Departmental Application Form  (This is equivalent to the required study plan).
   Once you’ve completed your Departmental Application Form, save it as a PDF and upload as an attachment to your online application. You can also send it as an attachment via email to: histdept@mcmaster.ca
3. Two Confidential Reports from referees most familiar with your academic studies
   (These can be found on McMaster University Graduate Studies Online Application – the online application process).
4. Transcripts from all post-secondary academic institutions attended (When applying online your transcripts are listed under “Academic History Checklist”).
5. The above should be submitted by 1 February for consideration by our graduate studies committee for admission and funding (September admission only). Transcripts and confidential report forms should be sent directly to the Department under separate cover.  We may consider applications after the February 1 deadline.

The MA program is a 12-month program which may be pursued either by courses and project or by courses and thesis. Candidates electing to follow the first route will complete 6 half courses of reading and research seminars, one of which is Historiography, plus the MA project course, History 797*, a major research paper based on one of the seminars taken earlier in the year. Candidates choosing the MA by thesis route will complete 4 half courses of reading and research seminars, one of which is Historiography, and a thesis.

Candidates for the MA degree normally complete degree requirements in one calendar year of continuous work. Candidates must obtain at least a B- standing in all seminars. Only graduate seminars (courses numbered 700) may be counted for graduate credits. Failure on any course in the MA program may result in  the student being  asked to withdraw from the MA program.

Visit Graduate Studies to learn more about tuition, supplementary fees and everything you need to know about being paid as a Teaching or Research Assistant. Tuition fees are assessed on a term by term basis, depending on the number of courses a student takes or if they are paying by term. 

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How much is tuition?

For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition fees are as follows:

Please note, these costs are exclusive of supplementary fees and are subject to change on an annual basis.

When is tuition due?

Tuition is usually due in mid-September.  Dates will change on an annual basis and will be communicated via departmental communication channels.

What does the course load look like for an MA student?

MA students in the Department of History are required to take 3 level-700 courses in the fall and winter terms.  Each class is approximately 3 hours in length based on course offerings and student interest.  Courses are offered one day per week.   Unless otherwise specified, courses are offered in-person and students are expected to be present in class on campus.  Course scheduling and registration takes place in the spring/summer.

Does the Department require scholarly work?

Both the MA and the PhD require completion of the supplemental application, which can be found on the respective application websites.  The PhD application requires a writing sample.

How is graduate funding decided?  Is it guaranteed?

Within the Department of History, there is a graduate committee which is composed of History faculty members.  For MA students, each individual faculty member reviews the applications and ranks the students.  Each student receives an average ranking.  The student’s GPA is then used as a further ranking tool to determine graduate scholarships.  The application and the student’s GPA has equal weighting in determining their final rank.  Top students are likely, but not guaranteed, to receive scholarship funding.  In addition to scholarship funding, there are multiple teaching assistant positions which offer students an opportunity to study and work. No funding is guaranteed and is subject to change on an annual basis.

For PhD students, minimum funding is guaranteed.  As of September 1, 2023, all full-time PhD students admitted to the program are guaranteed a minimum of $17,500 which may be composed of multiple different sources of funding.  This is guaranteed for 4 years.

Does the department offer any scholarships?

The department offers the following internal scholarships for graduate students:

Is it necessary to consult a potential supervisor?

For an MA student, you will connect with a potential supervisor by the end of your first term.

For a PhD student, it is highly recommended that you consult with a potential supervisor before applying into the program.  Supervision requires a heavy commitment from faculty members, and some faculty members may not be able to provide the necessary support required.  The department cannot guarantee a supervisor for incoming PhD students.

Can the application fee be waived?

No, the fee is mandatory to apply into the program.

How are my international grades calculated?

The university uses the Ontario University Registrars’ Association guides to calculating international grades.  These vary from country to country.  If you are interested, you may reach out to histadm@mcmaster.ca for clarification.

What testing is required if English is not my first language?  What is the minimum score required?

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide an official record of the Test of English as a Foreign Language. A minimum TOEFL score of 92 (iBT), 580 on the regular test and a score of 237 on the computerized test are required. If you are submitting the IELTS test, a minimum score of 7 is required.