History Department Introduces Fast-Track Master's Program

The Department of History has unveiled a 5-year bachelor's and master's degree combination initiative, commonly referred to as a 4+1 Program. The program is open to students of any major who are interested in doing History graduate work during their last undergraduate year.

This program is designed to enable eligible U of A students to take History graduate hours during the final year of their undergraduate careers, be admitted to the Graduate School immediately following graduation and complete much, or all, of their remaining coursework for the M.A. in History during the fifth year.

Eligibility:

• Applicant must be a U of A student working on a bachelor's degree.
• The undergraduate degree does not have to be in History.
• Applicant must be at least a junior, having earned at least 60 hours of credit.
• Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher.
• Applicant must take all graduate coursework at the U of A.

A qualifying student can apply to the History 4+1 M.A. program either during the second semester of their junior year or first semester of their senior year.

Once the student becomes a senior, they may take up to 12 hours of History graduate coursework that will be counted toward both their B.A. and M.A. degrees. To receive graduate credit for these courses, they must be History courses, 5000-level or above.

Upon completion of the B.A. degree, those students who have at least a 3.0 GPA in HIST graduate courses will be admitted to the Graduate School and be eligible to complete the M.A. in History program.

Required Application Materials

1. A personal statement that outlines the applicant's area(s) of interest and what they intend to study during graduate work.
2. Three letters of recommendation, ideally from History faculty members who can attest to the applicant's commitment and capabilities.
3. A writing sample that highlights the applicant's writing skills, ideally 10-15 pages.
4. An official University of Arkansas transcript.
5. A current résumé.

Note: GRE Scores are not required to apply to the 4+1 program.

The fall semester deadline is Oct. 15 and the spring semester deadline is March 1.

Students who are interested in the program are encouraged to attend a Zoom Q&A session held by professors Todd Cleveland and  Alessandro Brogi, the creators of the program from 3-4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5. Registration is required.