Graduate Certificate in American History

The 18-hour certificate program in American history will prepare graduate students to read, analyze, and write about the past in a way that is meaningful today. In keeping with this philosophy, the program will offer a unique experience, which allows students to participate in graduate education through online classes. Students in the program will find a broad-based education incorporating in-depth studies of American history, immersion in the latest historiographical theories, and training in advanced research methods.

The 18-hour graduate certificate program in history will allow secondary school teachers who already hold a master’s degree in another field to earn the credentials needed to teach courses for joint high school and college credit. 

Through this program teachers will be able to:

• Work with leading scholars from SHSU’s faculty members in history;
• Complete the 18-hour program completely online from their homes or offices;
• Finish the 18-hour program in a single year;
• Apply coursework from this 18-hour program to a full MA degree in history at SHSU.

This Graduate Certificate is eligible to receive Title IV funding – Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS loans by request. To be considered for aid, students need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Applicants seeking admission to the Graduate Certificate in American History submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

1. Graduate Application: The Graduate Application is an institutional application required by SHSU. Students must provide biographical and educational information and information relevant to determining State of Texas residency.
2. Application fee: An application fee is required for all applications to graduate programs at SHSU.
3. Possession of undergraduate and master’s degrees from accredited institutions.
4. Transcripts documenting all prior degrees.*
5. Two letters of recommendation that discuss the applicant’s academic and professional potential.
6. An academic writing sample demonstrating the applicant’s ability to advance an argument in professional prose.

*Applicants may submit unofficial transcripts for review by the admissions committee. However, under university policy, admission decisions are contingent upon receipt of official transcripts.

Admissions Deadlines:
Fall: March 1
Summer: March 1
Spring: October 1

Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Select six of the following ten courses for the 18 hour Graduate Certificate in American History.