History and Political Studies
You'll embark on an exciting journey through history and political science, explore thematic tracks, and conclude with a capstone project that showcases your knowledge!
- Master of Arts
- Huntsville
- Online
- Online
- Face to Face
37 Credit Hours
Expand Your Credentials
The Master of Arts in History and Political Studies at Sam Houston State University offers interdisciplinary graduate study combining the perspectives and methods of history and political science. Students develop advanced knowledge in historical inquiry as well as political institutions, behavior, and global affairs, with coursework spanning key areas in both disciplines.
Guided by faculty in History and Political Science, students strengthen their research, critical thinking, and communication skills while exploring topics such as war and violence, rights and identity, American politics, comparative politics, and international relations. The program is especially well suited for educators seeking graduate credentials to teach both history and government, as well as students interested in further academic or professional development.
Application Deadlines
Fall
- August 1
Spring
- December 15
Summer
- May 15
Select Your Track
All students are required to start with two introductory courses that provide an overview of the disciplines of history and political science as well as a grounding in each field’s methodological approaches. Students are then required to take one course in each of the History Department’s three thematic tracks (War & Violence, Rights & Identity, and Encounters & Exchanges) and the Political Science Department’s three principal subfields (American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations). Following those requirements, students choose other history courses and political science courses as electives that best suit their professional objectives. Students complete the program by enrolling in a capstone course (HIST 6394 or POLS 6394).
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Thematic Tracks for History
- War & Violence: Courses examine how different societies have experienced, conducted, and remembered military conflict, mass killing, and genocide.
- Rights & Identity: Courses explore how individuals and collectives have defined themselves at different times and places around the world.
- Encounters & Exchanges: Courses explore how the world’s peoples have encountered and interacted with one another on a large scale over time.
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Subfields in Political Science
- American Politics: Courses examine political institutions and political behavior in the United States.
- Comparative Politics: Courses explore the political systems around the world.
- International Relations: Courses explore the cooperative and conflictual interactions of sovereign states and non-state actors on the global stage.
Scholarships
The Scholarship Team in the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office coordinates and administers SHSU scholarship programs for all student classification levels. SHSU utilizes a streamlined application, Scholarships4Kats, which simplifies the process by importing key information from student records and automatically considering students for all relevant scholarships. A student must be accepted to SHSU to apply.
Click here to explore Financial Aid's full list of scholarships
Discover Your Future
The online Master of Arts in History and Political Studies is for graduate students and educators looking to teach history and government.
Learn From Our Outstanding Faculty
Our nationally recognized and award-winning professors bring extensive educational and research experience, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in teaching.
Become a Bearkat
Ready to learn how SHSU can help you or to start your application today? Our team is here to help. Call 936-339-0148
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Sam Houston State
1905 University Avenue
Huntsville, Texas 77341
*Tuition rates, fees, and scholarship availability are subject to change and may vary by program, additional terms and conditions may apply.