FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Graduate Study in History at UIC
FAQs Heading link
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How many courses must I take if I already have a master's degree?
Students who enter the Ph.D. program with a master’s degree are normally required to take 16 hours (four courses). However, students who enter the program with an MA from outside UIC or in a discipline other than history may be required to take supplementary coursework as appropriate. Any such additional requirement(s) will be specified in the letter offering admission.
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How many 500-level courses must MA students take?
MA students must take 20 hours (five courses) of 500 level courses (courses open only to graduate students).
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How many sets of examinations will I take?
All students will take and pass one set of general examinations in order to obtain their final degree. MAT and stand-alone MA students will take comprehensive exams. Students accepted into the Ph.D. program (with or without a master’s degree) will take preliminary examinations. Students are not asked to take both comprehensive and preliminary examinations.
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Do Ph.D. students receive the MA?
Yes. Students entering the Ph.D. program with a bachelor’s degree will be reviewed after their second year of coursework to determine whether they will be allowed to proceed to the Ph.D. If the student receives a favorable evaluation this decision automatically confers the MA. If the Department decides that a student should not move on to Ph.D. candidacy, the student will be required to complete all the requirements for the stand-alone MA in order to graduate with an MA. MA/ Ph.D. students continuing on to pursue the Ph.D. must apply for graduation online for the MA to be posted on their transcript.
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What if I desire an exemption from certain requirements?
Students seeking exemptions from Department of History or Graduate College regulations must fill out a special form, known as a petition, which can be obtained from the Graduate Secretary. The student is responsible for explaining fully and clearly the rationale for the exemption. The petition must be signed by the student and endorsed by the student’s faculty adviser. Not all petitions will be granted.
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What if I need a leave of absence?
Ph.D. candidates who have passed their preliminary examinations are not eligible for leaves of absence.