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Applying to Graduate Program

Please note that our admission process is competitive and given the large number of applications, we cannot accommodate all applicants who meet the minimum requirements.

To apply for the Master’s in History degree at CSULB you must:

  1. Apply for admission to the University.
    Go to: http://www.csumentor.edu
  2. Apply directly to the Department of History.

When applying to Department of History’s Masters of Arts program, you must submit all of the following no later than March 1:

  1. Statement of Purpose -- approximately one single-spaced or two double-spaced page(s) elaborating on the following: why you would like to earn a Master’s Degree in History; what your plans for graduate study in history are and what particular advantages will you bring to your studies; why you specifically would like to enter our program and why our department is an appropriate graduate program for your objectives; what area(s) of concentration do you intend; and what your career goals are. You may discuss life circumstances and experiences that inform your career goals; however, a general enthusiasm for the study of history will require little elaboration.

    Tips for Writing Your Statement of Purpose

  2. Official Transcripts (sealed by the university) from the institution granting your B.A. as well as from any other college or university attended.  (Transcripts sent to Admissions with your University application are NOT sent to the Department of History -- you must send transcripts directly to the Department for the graduate committee’s evaluation.

  3. Writing sample: a paper submitted for previous course work in History or related field that clearly expresses applicant’s ideas and arguments in a coherent and cohesive way and is fully supported by primary and secondary evidence. A historiographic paper that analyzes a body of scholarship is also acceptable. An appropriate writing sample will demonstrate the applicant’s research, analytical, and writing abilities.

  4. Letters of Recommendation: Three current letters (i.e., written preferably within one year of your application date) are required, at least two of which must be from faculty members who know your work.
    Letters should speak to your analytical, research, and writing skills as well as your intellectual ability and preparedness for the rigors of graduate work. If you are unable to obtain recent letters, please consult with Graduate Advisor on how to proceed.

  5. A copy of your online application.

Starting with the academic year 2009-2010, applications to the M.A. program will only be accepted for Fall admission. All application materials must be post-marked no later than March 1.
 Please send your application materials for the Department to:

Department of History
Attention: Houri Berberian, Graduate Advisor
1250 Bellflower Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90840-1601

N.B. — GRE scores are not required to apply to our program. Applicant assessment begins the day after the deadline for application. If you have any additional questions, or need further explanation, please contact the Graduate Advisor, Dr. Houri Berberian, at hberber@csulb.edu or 562.985.4524, or Cris Hernandez, Administrative Assistant for the Graduate Program in History, at cherna13@csulb.edu or 562.985-4432.

*For current application fee information, contact the Office of Enrollment Services, Registration Unit at 562.985.5484. For current financial aid information, contact Office of Financial Aid at 562.985.4641.