Admission Procedures Admission Requirements Appeal of Graduate Admission

Transfer Residency Requirement Academic Policies Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts (MA) with a Major in History at the University of North Georgia (UNG) is a 30-semester-hour program designed to provide an advanced understanding of history and the historical process with a focus on world, military history, and American history. The program in history will prepare a student whose knowledge of history can be used in the public information sector, the secondary educational and two-year college level, or in pursuit of a degree beyond the MA. The degree will provide students with the research and analytical skills that will allow them to advance in their profession or begin to explore a career in history.

For additional program information, call the Master of Arts with a Major in History program, Department of History & Philosophy, 706-864-1903, or write to the Master of Arts with a Major in History, Department of History & Philosophy, 82 College Circle, University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, GA 30597-1001. 

Graduate Studies’ Admission Procedures

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Application materials may be obtained from Graduate Studies or from the UNG website www.ung.edu/graduate/MAhistory. Applicants must pay a one-time, non-refundable application fee. Admission requirements are listed below. When all application materials have been received by Graduate Studies, notification will be sent to the applicant and a copy of all materials will be forwarded to the program.  Upon review, notification will be sent from the History program to the applicant verifying acceptance or denial.

Students who are admitted, but do not enroll by the academic year following the year of acceptance must reapply through Graduate Studies. Students who were previously enrolled but have not been in attendance within the last three terms must also reapply (see Leaves of Absence for more details). All documents and materials submitted to fulfill the application requirements for entry to a program at UNG become the property of the university and will not be returned. These materials are kept for one year for incomplete application files and for three years for individuals who complete an application, and are accepted, but do not enroll.

MA Admission Requirements

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Students will be admitted into the program only in the Fall Semester of each academic year on a selective and competitive basis. 

The following documents must be received prior to admission:

1. Graduate Studies Application.
2. Non-refundable application fee.
3. Official transcripts from all regionally-accredited institutions of higher education previously attended. Official international transcripts must have a foreign course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES). Evaluations must include certification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution and a stated calculated grade point average.
4. Official scores on the Graduate Record Exam General Test (GRE). Only those scores that are less than six years old will be considered.
5. If applying for in-state tuition, proof of lawful presence in the United States.

In accordance with Board of Regents’ policy, the following documents must be received two weeks prior to the first day of the term:

1. UNG Certificate of Immunization. Former North Georgia and Gainesville State students are required to submit documentation for any new immunization requirements since last attended.

Regular Admission

To qualify for regular admission, individuals must:

1. Hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited, four-year institution with at least a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate Studies admission procedures.
2. Have achieved a score of 156 if taken on or after August 1, 2011 (550 if taken before August 1, 2011) on the verbal section and either a score of 141 if taken on or after August 1, 2011 (450 if taken before August 1, 2011) on the quantitative section or a 4.0 on the analytical writing section of the Graduate Record Exam General Test (GRE). Only those scores that are less than six years old will be considered.
3. Have majored in anthropology, history, international affairs, philosophy, political science, or other appropriate fields. Students may be required to take some core history courses at the undergraduate level for preparation for graduate study.
4. Submit three letters of recommendation from undergraduate professors or other references able to comment on the applicant’s writing ability and potential for successful graduate study.
5. Include a writing sample, such as a research paper.
6. Include a 1-2 page personal statement commenting on your preparation for graduate study and educational/career goals. 

The meeting of all admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Final admission is a competitive process that takes all aspects of a student’s record into account. 

Provisional Admission

A student may be granted provisional admission in cases where regular admission is not granted. The individual must:

1. Hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited, four-year institution with at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (4.0 scale) calculated in accordance with Graduate Studies admission procedures.
2. Have achieved a score of 150 if taken on or after August 1, 2011 (450 if taken before August 1, 2011) on the verbal section and either a score of 140 if taken on or after August 1, 2011 (400 if taken before August 1, 2011) on the quantitative section or 3.5 on the analytical writing section of the Graduate Record Exam General Test (GRE). Only those scores that are less than six years old will be considered.
3. Have majored in anthropology, history, international affairs, philosophy, political science, or other appropriate fields. Students may be required to take some core history courses at the undergraduate level for preparation for graduate study.
4. Submit three letters of recommendation from undergraduate professors or other references able to comment on the applicant’s writing ability and potential for successful graduate study.
5. Include a writing sample, such as a research paper.
6. Include a one-two page personal statement commenting on your preparation for graduate study and educational/career goals.

Students admitted provisionally may register for no more than a cumulative total of six-nine hours of graduate credit while enrolled with this status. Student status will be reviewed to determine eligibility for regular admission following the completion of six hours. Additional courses may be required to be completed prior to a student’s reclassification. Provisionally admitted students who earn a grade less than a B in any graduate history course taken during the provisional period will not be allowed to continue in the History program. Students who have been removed because of a deficient grade may reapply for admission by submitting a new admission application through Graduate Studies and a letter to the History program coordinator after a period of one year from the date the student was removed. Provisionally admitted students are not eligible for financial aid. 

Non-Degree Admission

Individuals interested in taking graduate courses in History, but who do not want to pursue a graduate degree, may apply for admission as a non-degree graduate student. Individuals must receive pre-approval from the History program coordinator before enrolling in courses and may register for no more than a total of nine hours of graduate credit. Individuals must hold at least an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited, four-year institution and submit the following documents prior to admission:

1. Graduate Studies Application.
2. Non-refundable application fee.
3. Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions of higher education previously attended. Official international transcripts must have a foreign course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES). Evaluations must include certification that the applicant has received a baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 2.75.
4. Official scores of no less than 150 if taken on or after August 1, 2011 (450 if before August 1, 2011) on the verbal section and either a score of 140 if taken on or after August 1, 2011 (400 if taken before August 1, 2011) on the quantitative section or 3.5 on the analytical writing section of the Graduate Record Exam General Test (GRE). Only those scores that are less than six years old will be considered.
5. Two completed recommendation forms.
6. If applying for in-state tuition, proof of lawful presence in the United States.

In accordance with Board of Regents’ policy, the following documents must be received two weeks prior to the first day of the term:

1. UNG Certificate of Immunization. Former North Georgia and Gainesville State students are required to submit documentation for any new immunization requirements since last attended.

Non-degree students wishing to apply for admission to the History program must notify the program coordinator, submit a new application, and meet all program admission requirements. All elective credit to be applied toward a degree must be approved by the History program coordinator. Non-degree admitted students who earn a grade less than a B in any graduate course taken while holding a non-degree status will not be allowed to further enroll in coursework in the History program. Students who have been removed because of a deficient grade may not reapply for admission. Non-degree admitted students are not eligible for financial aid. 

Transient Student Admission

An individual currently enrolled at a regionally accredited college or university as a graduate student in good standing may apply to UNG as a transient student. Permission to take courses does not indicate or imply subsequent admission into the Master of Arts with a Major in History. Transient credit is capped at six credits for one semester. Individuals must receive pre-approval from the History program coordinator before enrolling in courses. Requests will be considered on a space-available basis.

The following documents must be received prior to admission:

1. Graduate Studies Application.
2. Non-refundable application fee.
3. Letter of good standing or Transient Permission Form documenting that the student is not on academic probation or suspension or on disciplinary suspension at his or her home institution. The letter or form should state that the student is in good standing and should indicate the course(s) the student is being allowed to take at UNG.
4. Official transcript from the home institution in order to verify adequate prerequisite knowledge/skills.
5. If applying for in-state tuition, proof of lawful presence in the United States.

In accordance with Board of Regents’ policy, the following documents must be received two weeks prior to the first day of the term:

1. UNG Certificate of Immunization. Former North Georgia and Gainesville State students are required to submit documentation for any new immunization requirements since last attended.

Transient admission is for one semester term only. Individuals who wish to return to UNG as a transient student for a subsequent term must re-apply to UNG through Graduate Studies.

Appeal of Graduate Admission

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A candidate whose application is denied has the right to appeal the decision. Appeals must be made in written form to the Master of Arts in History, Department of History & Philosophy, 82 College Circle, University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, GA 30597-1001. The letter should clearly state the grounds for appeal. Students whose appeals are accepted will be admitted as a provisional student and must complete at least six hours with a grade no less than B to be considered for regular admission. Provisional students are not eligible for financial aid. Applicants may not appeal for regular admission status.

Transfer Residency Requirement

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Transfer students must apply to the History program and meet the criteria for admission. To be awarded a Master of Arts with a Major in History, students must earn a minimum of 24 hours of credit applicable to the degree in residence, unless UNG has an official transfer of graduate credits agreement for History in place with another institution. In addition, no more than six hours of transfer credit may be applied toward meeting the MA requirements. All course requirements, including transfer credits, must be completed within a continuous six-year period. The History program coordinator and the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters must approve all transfer credit. Transfer credit will not be given for any course in which a grade of less than a B was earned.

MA Academic Policies

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Incomplete Grades

Incompletes must be finished by the beginning of the second term after which the incomplete was awarded. There are three terms within the course of the academic year; fall, spring, and summer. Incompletes which are not finished by the beginning of the second term will automatically become an F. No degree will be conferred on a student who has an unresolved incomplete grade remaining on his/her transcript. 

Repeated Courses

Graduate courses may not be repeated in an attempt to improve an earlier grade. 

Academic Standing Policy

Graduate History students whose academic performance is unsatisfactory will be subject to the following:

1. Probation – A student will be placed on probation if a student’s overall cumulative grade point average falls below a 3.0.
   
   No student may be a candidate for the degree while on probation due to a cumulative grade point average below a 3.0. probation will be removed when the student’s overall GPA is 3.0 or higher.  Students on probation will have three consecutive terms, beginning with the first term the student enrolls after being placed on probation, to raise their overall GPA above a 3.0 or be dismissed from the program.
    
2. Suspension – A student will be placed on suspension for any of the following reasons:
   a. Student earns more than two grades of C.
   b. Student earns a grade below a C.
   c. Student has already served three consecutive terms on academic probation.
   
   No student may enroll in graduate courses at UNG while on suspension. Courses taken at another institution during the period of suspension will be not recognized for transfer credit. A student seeking reinstatement in the History program must submit a new Graduate Studies Application and petition the History program coordinator in writing outlining a rationale for reinstatement. A decision on readmission will be made by the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters and the History program coordinator.

Academic and Professional Integrity Policy

At the end of each term, the program faculty or History program coordinator may intervene to establish a plan of action for any student in the program whose competency is in question for reasons including unprofessional, disruptive, or unethical behavior in the classroom or applied setting. The plan will be signed by the student and the History program coordinator with copies forwarded to the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters. 

Academic Integrity

The University of North Georgia recognizes honesty and integrity as being necessary to the academic functioning of the university. UNG graduate students are expected to uphold the university regulations addressed in the Student Code of Conduct, Article 3, Rule 2.

Professional Integrity

The Master of Arts with a Major in History program adheres to the university’s definition of professional integrity as described in the Academics section of the Graduate Catalog.

Policy on Plagiarism

The History faculty will use a combination of methods to detect plagiarism in the program including turnitin.com and Google searches, among others. Any student engaging in plagiarism will be immediately removed from the program. A student removed from the program for issues of plagiarism will be banned from ever reentering the program. Students dismissed from the program may appeal following the appeal process provided in the front section of the Graduate Catalog.

Time Limit, Residence Requirement

All work must be completed within a continuous six-year period. It is expected that the student will complete the program with reasonable continuity. Students called into military service, stricken by serious illness, or the like may apply for an extension of time. Students who have been absent from a program for 18 months will reenter under the graduate catalog that is currently in effect.

Part-Time Status

In exceptional circumstances, students may carry less than the usual credit load. The student should notify their major professor and the coordinator of the History program. 

Leaves of Absence

Should circumstances warrant, students may apply for a leave of absence by submitting a petition to the coordinator of the History program accompanied by a letter of support from their major advisor. If a student fails to register for any fall or spring semester without having the coordinator’s permission to take a leave of absence, the Department of History and Philosophy may drop him/her from the program. Students so dropped who wish to reenter the program will have to apply for readmission. Students who have not been enrolled for three consecutive semesters will be dropped from the program and will need to reapply through Graduate Studies.

Program

All courses for the degree will be offered within a two-year cycle.

MA Degree Requirements

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Graduation requirements for the Master of Arts with a Major in History include:

• Completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours (12 hours of the master’s core courses, 12-15 hours of advanced courses, and 3-6 hours of thesis/capstone courses).
• Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 with no more than two courses with a grade of C.
• Completion of at least 24 hours of graduate degree requirements in residence with no more than six hours of transfer credit.
• Completion of all degree-related course requirements, including transfer credit, within a continuous six-year period.
• Students are required to file their Plan of Study with the Registrar’s Office prior to the earning 24 hours.
• Prior to beginning their Thesis or Capstone Seminar, students must fulfill the language requirement.

Language Requirement

All candidates for the Master of Arts with a Major in History must demonstrate competency in one language in addition to English. 

The language competency requirement is met by taking a translation examination administered by the department. The exam will be a translation of about 500 words to be completed in two hours with a dictionary allowed. The translation exam may be attempted three times. 

If a student has completed four semesters of a foreign language, or the equivalent, within the last five years at a university or community college, the student is eligible to take the translation exam with no further coursework. For a non-European language, the student should consult with his/her primary professor concerning minimum skill level to qualify for the translation exam.

If a student’s foreign language hours are more than five years old, the student must take a competency exam. If successful in placing at the level of a fourth semester in the language, the student is eligible to take the translation exam.

In order to pass the translation examination, a student may find it necessary to take language courses at UNG or another institution. These courses never count toward the degree requirements for the MA.