Vir0n

I have a question about history graduate school admissions. It seems that most of the programs do not specifically require a BA in history. Most require a certain amount of undergrad credit hours in history and foreign language, but some are a bit vague in their requirements. I assume that the majority of grad students actually do have a BA in history or closely related discipline. Is this actually the case?

From a practical standpoint, how easily could a student with a BS in the sciences (+/- additional grad/postgrad training) get into a history grad program by taking the requisite number of undergrad history credit hours without obtaining a BA in history or related discipline?

Comet

It depends on your credentials while getting that BS. Honestly, a BA means little anymore. What a BA does is tell future employers that you can start and finish something....in other words, a commitment to something. After I got my BA in history, I nearly went directly after my MA in education, but decided it would be more difficult for me to find a job that way than to get a second BA in education.

I also remember that one of my professors had a Ph.D in Psychology and all of the major credentials of a psychologist but was one of the leading scholars of the Dead Sea Scrolls. He taught about the Dead Sea Scrolls as well as teaching about Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. So I guess my point here is that you can go after what you want no matter what your undergraduate degree is. I'd say you have a pretty good shot at getting into a program...but, again, it depends on how you did as an undergrad and those other grad courses.

Vir0n

Thanks. Specifically I have a BS in biology and an MD with board certification in otolaryngology. GPA is not an issue. I took only one history class in college (although I currently have a goal to complete one undergrad class every semester online from an accredited institution).

After reading literature provided by several graduate schools, I am under the general impression that my previous science education doesn't count for a whole lot as far as selection to a graduate program. I don't have a problem with this. I would just like a straightforward answer about what I actually have to do to pursue the degree in my situation (which I realize is probably a bit unique).

Comet

As far as I know...all you need is a BA from an accredited institution to get into the graduate college...but it's really up to the history graduate program whether you are going to be accepted into their program or not