Research Tool
Professional historians must possess special skills in order to engage in research. Both Plan A (Thesis) and Plan B (Non-Thesis) require students to demonstrate proficiency in a research tool.
For students on the Thesis Track, the research tool requirement must be met by demonstrating proficiency in a language other than English. The Modern Languages Department will administer language proficiency exams.
For students who choose to follow the Non-Thesis track, the research tool requirement may be met by demonstrating proficiency in (1) a foreign language, or (2) Mathematics 203, Statistics, or (3) History 535, provided it is not being taken for course credit as part of the program. A grade of B is required in any research tool course. The Modern Languages Department will administer language proficiency exams.
Students in the Non-Thesis track who choose not to develop foreign language or math/statistics proficiency may use History 535 (Historiography) to satisfy the research tool requirement. In this case, History 535 may not be included in the Program of Study.
