Graduate Certificate In History

Reaching Your Goals

Department of History General Information
119 Rogers-Stout Hall / P.O. Box 70672
Johnson City, TN 37614
423-439-4222

William Douglas Burgess, Ph.D., Department Chair
119 Rogers-Stout Hall
Box 70672
423-439-4222
Email: burgessw@etsu.edu

Dinah Mayo-Bobee, PhD. Graduate Certificate Coordinator
Department of History
119 Rogers Stout Hall
(423) 439-6696
Email: mayobobee@etsu.edu

The Department of History offers a 12-credit Graduate Certificate that provides an array of courses for qualified applicants interested in graduate-level studies.  The program allows students to enjoy American, European, World, and Public History within the political, cultural, environmental, or intellectual contexts of their choice.  This certificate was created to enhance the academic, personal, and professional accomplishments of current ETSU graduate students, those who have already earned a bachelor's degree, and professionals who want to add a historical component to their transcripts or career portfolios.  Certificate students will be able to update their research and writing skills while augmenting their knowledge of history. Should a student wish to continue after earning the certificate, all 12-credits can be applied to the MA in History Program.  If you are interested or have any questions contact mayobobee@etsu.edu or attend a Virtual Information Session.


Admission Requirements


  • In addition to meeting ETSU School of Graduate Studies criteria, submit the following:
  • Minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Personal statement or application essay no more than 500 words explaining qualifications, reason for seeking the certificate, and specific area(s) of history you plan to study (if applicable).
  • Three letters of recommendation, from current or former professors, or professional recommendations from supervisors or colleagues.
  • A resume or CV
  • Application materials must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies.
  • Current ETSU graduate students need to submit all application materials listed above and a Dual Degree form.
  • Submit all application materials to the School of Graduate Studies (click on "Apply Now" button below.

Application Due Dates

Fall Enrollment August 1
Spring Enrollment  January 1

Apply Now!

Completed applications will be evaluated by the Department of History Graduate Committee and Certificate Coordinator.  Along with your GPA and recommendations, consideration will be given to your essay writing skills, identification of a specific area of history and time period you wish to study (if applicable), and the name(s) of Department of History faculty with whom you would like to work. See faculty (see link below). Explain in your essay how the certificate will help you accomplish your goals.  Potential students can also address personal and professional accomplishments and how the certificate will be valuable.


Articulation Agreement
A student who completes the Graduate Certificate in History and later wishes to pursue the MA in History may apply all 12 certificate credits into the master’s program with approval of the Department of History Graduate Coordinator and ETSU School of Graduate Studies. Only credits that meet GPA requirements and completed within the six-year matriculation period will be accepted.

Graduate Certificate in HIstory 12 Credit Requirement Breakdown

Core Requirement    3 Credits
Advisor Approved Electives    9 Credits
Total 12 Credits






Required Course (3-Credits)


HIST 5940 - Studies in Historiography (3 credits), OR


HIST 5950 - Introduction to Historical Research (3 credits)


Advisor Approved Electives (9-Credits)
Select three courses for nine credits.

Only one split-level (4xx7/5xx7) course can be taken to complete this certificate.
If you desire to take both HIST 5940 and HIST 5950, one can be taken as your required course and the other an elective.
HIST 5010 - Studies in United States History (3 credits)
HIST 5020 - Studies in European History (3 credits)
HIST 5030 - Studies in World History (3 credits)
HIST 5047 - The Early Republic (3 credits)
HIST 5067 - The Civil War Era (3 credits)
HIST 5077 - American History through Film (3 credits)
HIST 5247 - History of Women in U.S. to 1945 (3 credits)
HIST 5257 - History of Women in Appalachia (3 credits)
HIST 5267 - Constitutional History: Congress, the Law and Slavery (3 credits)
HIST 5277 - Foreign Policy in the Early Republic (3 credits)
HIST 5287 - Topics in American History (3 credits)
HIST 5387 - History of the Holocaust (3 credits)
HIST 5540 - Public History: Theory and Practice (3 credits)
HIST 5541 - Historic Site Interpretation (3 credits)
HIST 5560 - Sherrod-History Graduate Research Practicum (3 credits)
HIST 5717 - Modern Middle East (3 credits)
HIST 5727 - Modern Africa (3 credits)
HIST 5837 - Women Since 1945 (3 credits)
HIST 5847 - American Sports 20th Century to Present (3 credits)
HIST 5900 - Independent Studies (3 credits)
HIST 5927 - World War II in Europe (3 credits)
HIST 5937 - World War II in the Pacific (3 credits)

History Faculty Research Areas

College of Graduate and Continuing Studies

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