History (MA)

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. All grade point averages are considered, but a B (3.0) average or higher is preferred. In general, applicants are expected to submit a completed application file that includes the following:

• A completed online application or paper application form
• Current résumé
• Statement of purpose that addresses the following: Discuss your reasons for pursuing history at the graduate level. Include any information about your academic background, your research interests, and your future aspirations as they pertain to this degree program.
• Two letters of recommendation, at least one from an academic source
• Interview (recommended): To schedule an interview, call 617–521–2915 
• An analytical writing sample (preferably a research paper written for a college course)
• Official college transcripts from every college or university attended. Must include degree conferral.
• TOEFL scores, if English is not the applicant's first language
• Non-refundable application fee of $35 (payable to Simmons College)

Application Deadlines

Graduate Studies Admission Office has a rolling admission policy. Apply early for maximum consideration for admission and financial aid. To meet priority application deadlines, completed application files should be submitted by the following dates:

• Summer: May 1
• Fall: August 1
• Spring: December 15

Admission may be deferred for up to two semesters, after which applicants must reapply.

Dual Degree Options

Master of Arts in History and Master of Library Science in Archives

Master of Arts in History and Master of Arts in Teaching

Non-Degree Enrollment Option

If you are unsure about enrolling in a graduate program, or just want to advance your educational experience, non-degree study at Simmons is the best option for you. As a non-degree student, you may enroll in up to two graduate-level courses (eight credits) before formally applying to a degree program. Find out more about our non-degree option. 

For More Information

Please contact the Office of Graduate Studies Admission at 617-521-2915 or gsa@simmons.edu if you have questions about the application process, a specific program, or the College. We're happy to schedule visits and campus tours. 

Simmons welcomes applications from international students. Students for whom English is not their first language are required to submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score that demonstrates satisfactory proficiency. Simmons must receive test scores directly from ETS.

International students also must submit a Certificate of Finances Form that demonstrates proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses while enrolled at Simmons. The College cannot issue an I-20 visa until the required financial statements have been received. I-20 visas are generated only after formal acceptance and a deposit is submitted for the program.

Officially translated and evaluated transcripts are required for transcripts not originally written in English. Only transcripts translated and evaluated by authorized organizations are accepted. The preferred provider of transcript evaluations at Simmons is listed below.

World Education Services
Bowling Green Station
P.O. Box 5087
New York, NY 10274
Tel: 212-966-6311
Fax: 212-739-6100

For more information about international student admission to Simmons, please contact the admission office at gsa@simmons.edu or phone 617-521-2915.

Please note: All Graduate Studies Admission programs require a minimum TOEFL score of 100 iBT (Internet based test) to consider applicants for admission.

FALL 2017, SPRING 2018, SUMMER 2018

Tuition is calculated on a per credit basis each semester. Below you will find a listing of the tuition rates for your program. The activity fee is mandatory for all students, so it has been included below. For information on health insurance fees, please see "Health Insurance for Graduate Students".

Merit Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are available in all full-length, on-campus degree programs, with awards ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 per year. Eligible applicants will automatically receive consideration for merit-based scholarships at the time of acceptance, and no additional paperwork is required beyond the application for admission. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure availability of funding.

Teaching and Research Assistantships

Available starting in the student's second semester of study, teaching and research assistantships are granted to qualified graduate students. Students must apply for assistantships, and are selected by the graduate program director. Teaching assistants are assigned to a specific course and work under the close supervision of a graduate faculty member. Assistantships are a $2,000 taxable award per semester, distributed by payroll checks.

View additional Funding Opportunities.

Please note, health insurance is automatically added to the bill only if the student is enrolled full time (9 or more credits). If a full time student does not wish to use the school provided health insurance, they must complete the waiver form online, each academic year, at www.universityhealthplans.com.

Simmons College does not offer health insurance coverage to students enrolled in less than 9 credits OR the dependent(s) of any Simmons College student.

**For more information on the Student Health Insurance Plan, please visit our Insurance page.

To get started on your application, click the link below:

• Master of Arts in History Spring 2018
• Master of Arts in History Summer 2018
• Master of Arts in History Fall 2018

*Please access the application through a newer version of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox or Safari. Users will not be able to access forms through Internet Explorer 6, 7 or 8 on Windows XP.