M.A. in History

Brian,

Check your messages box.

You said:
Has anyone ever considered getting an M.A. in History? It seems to me that Master's level work (because of its inherent focus) could possibly afford someone to explore a lot of interesting historical topics, especially related Christianity.

==That is what I am doing in fact. I am going to start a MA/History this fall. I already hold a MAR from Liberty Seminary with several church history courses.

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You said:
I think it would be cool to write a thesis on Calvin, or Luther, or Wesley (Europe), or Paul (ancient Greece/Rome), or baptism, or Constantine, or Augustine.

==Yea, I hope to be able to look into some subject related to early christianity. Not really sure what direction that will take since I have not yet met with my advisor on that subject.

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You said:
Does anyone know how flexible History departments are in this way? That is, would they allow someone to do a lot of their research on things related to Christianity?

==Depends on the school. Some are very flexible, some are not. Usually it depends on what areas the school focuses on (American History, Ancient History, European History, etc). Of course a person looking into Church/Christian history could find topics of interest in any of those type programs.

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One word of advice on the history thing. The MA programs are very competitive. So it is important to have good:

-undergraduate gpa score
-undergraduate history background (though a undergraduate history major is not usually required)
-score(s) on the GRE (or whatever test is required). Don't take the history subject test unless you are required to. According to those who have tried the subject test it is a nightmare.

Also make sure you apply early and to several schools. It also helps to have good academic references.

In Christ,
Martin.

 

Yes, apply WAY early. I applied to UT graduate school and it was two long semesters before I could even start.

Those discipline-specific GRE tests are rough. I took the one for English Literature, and I remember many times looking over the answers and thinking, "I have absolutely no idea. I've never heard of any of these people".

 

Yours Truly received his MA in History from Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN, in May of 1981.

While my goals for entering the program were probably a little different than those of the OP, I did enjoy the opportunity to further my learning of history.

I would certainly encourage anyone who's interested in history to the extent that they wish to pursue a graduate level degree in it to do so.

It will certainly help to hone your research skills (which today are markedly enhanced by the Internet as compared to what it was in "my day") as well as broadening your understanding of society back in whatever area(s) and era(s) you wish to study. Both of which can be quite beneficial for a person desiring to be either a pastor or a writer of Biblically-related topics.

May God bless you and lead you in the path that will bring Him the ultimate glory. He alone is worthy.