MA in History

An official transcript or degree certificate is a verification of your academic record issued in the original language from the original issuing source (i.e., college, university, technical school, or secondary school). Official transcripts or degree certificates issued in languages other than English must be translated into English and submitted to Portland State along with the original official documents. International transcripts must be submitted in paper form to be considered official. Electronic transcripts will only be accepted from U.S. institutions.

Submit an unofficial transcript from each post-secondary institution at which you received a degree. These transcripts must be a scan of both the front and back of each page of an official transcript issued to you, and may not be a printout of your academic record from your school's website. If you are accepted into the program and decide to attend, you must submit official transcripts to the Graduate School before you can register for classes for your second term of attendance.

Provide financial documentation demonstrating adequate financial support for at least the first year of study

Use this section to add the names and contact information for the two individuals who will submit letters of recommendation on your behalf. For further details about letters of recommendation see the Frequently Asked Questions on the Department website. Each recommender will automatically receive an email requesting a recommendation after you click the "Send to Recommender" button. You may manage your recommendations by logging in to your student portal. Please keep in mind that it is your responsibility to ensure that your recommenders have submitted their recommendations by the appropriate departmental deadline.

Please upload a statement of about 500 words that addresses the following questions: Why do you want to obtain a Master's degree in history? What are your professional goals? If admitted, what specific field(s) would you be most interested in studying and why? (If appropriate, include discussion of the public history or world history concentrations.) How have you prepared yourself to undertake advanced study in this specific field? If appropriate, include discussion of relevant co-curricular, volunteering, or work experiences. If specific language skills are advisable for research in your chosen field, what previous language study have you undertaken and what plans do you have for further language study? How would the MA Program in History at Portland State serve your interests in terms of curriculum, faculty research areas, or program specialties?

TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo

: Please upload two (2) writing samples, preferably history research papers. In addition to showing good writing skills, your samples should demonstrate your ability to frame and support a historical argument, to conduct independent research, and to think critically about both primary and secondary sources. The samples should show your best achievement in independent research and careful writing. They are a crucial component of the application. For more information about writing samples see the Department’s FAQs.