Admission Requirements

Admission to the History (M.A.) program is competitive and selective. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements for consideration may not necessarily be admitted into the program. Successful applicants generally can demonstrate sophisticated achievement in composing literary analysis, and thus the writing sample is perhaps the most significant part of the application package.
Minimum Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- At least 15 credits in History from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA in all History courses.
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 overall and a combined score of at least 1000 (quantitative and verbal sections) on the GRE with a minimum of 500 on the verbal section.
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, or a combined verbal and quantitative score of at least 1000 on the GRE.
- Minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) for international students who speak English as a second language.
- Two letters of recommendation from past professors or mentors.
- Personal statement of interest in pursuing graduate work in history (2-3 pages).This statement should explain your specific research interest; why you've chosen FGCU for graduate studies; and your career goals. It should also include specific examples of any preparation you have done—such as extended research papers and internships—that demonstrate your capacity for advanced study and your commitment to history. The statement should be written in formal, academic language.
Transfer of Coursework
A maximum of 9 semester credit hours of course work may be transferred from regionally accredited institutions, subject to approval of the faculty advisor.
Application Deadlines
The application deadlines for admission to the College of Arts and Sciences graduate programs is:
- February 15 - For Fall semester enrollment
- October 1 - For Spring semester enrollment
Prior to admission to a graduate program, students may complete a maximum of nine credit hours of graduate level courses on a non degree-seeking basis. To apply as a non-degree student, application and registration information is available at http://www.fgcu.edu/graduate/postbac.asp.
Standardized Test
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
For complete information on the GRE, visit their web-site at http://www.gre.org/. The web-site includes sample GRE questions, test preparation information, test taking strategies, a GRE mini test, information on how to get test scores and order additional reports.
If you have any questions on the GRE procedures and regulations, contact the Educational Testing Service at 609-921-9000. Florida Gulf Coast University offers a GRE review course.
To find out more visit the Testing and Assessment Center Web site or call 239-590-7955. GRE exams are administered at Prometric Testing Centers nationally. The Fort Myers location can be reached at 800-473-2255. The test takes approximately three hours and is $130.00. Study guides are also available at your local library and in bookstores. FGCU's school code for the GRE is 5300.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
For complete information on TOEFL, visit their web-site at http://www.toefl.org/. The web-site includes sample TOEFL questions, test preparation information, test taking strategies, a TOEFL mini test, information on how to get test scores and order additional reports.
If you have any questions on the TOEFL procedures and regulations, contact the Educational Testing Service at 609-921-9000. Naples Language Center 239-262-6462, offers reviews of the TOEFL.
To find out more visit the Testing and Assessment Center Web site or call 239-590-7955. TOEFL exams are administered at Prometric Testing Centers nationally. The Fort Myers location can be reached at 800-468-6335. The test takes approximately three hours and is $115.00. Study guides are also available at your local library and in bookstores.
Applications to FGCU Graduate programs are processed through the Office of Graduate Studies. To contact the Office of Graduate Studies, call or write to:
Office of Graduate Studies
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Blvd. S.
Fort Myers, Florida 33965-6565
1-800-590-3428 or 239-590-7988
Fax: 239-590-7843
E-mail: graduate@fgcu.edu