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).

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

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 twelve courses for the 18 hour Graduate Certificate in American History.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The Graduate Certificate in American History is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

• Express ideas in oral and written communication.
• Analyze historical arguments and engage in interpretive debates.
• Assess how scholarly conversations have changed over time.
• Locate, find, and evaluate historical evidence.
• Gain an appreciation for the texture and diversity of human experiences.