Adams State University was initially established in 1921 by Governor Billy Adams as a teacher's college for aspiring educators in remote and rural communities of Colorado. In 2012, ASU officially became a comprehensive senior public state-supported liberal arts institution. Near the famous Great Sand Dunes National Park, ASU is located on a 90-acre campus in Alamosa within Colorado's San Luis Valley. The campus has recently been transformed with over $65 million worth of renovations. Each year, Adams State University enrolls more than 3,500 on-campus and 10,000 online/distance students. Students at ASU can choose from 28 bachelor's and 11 graduate programs, including an Online Master of Arts in Humanities.
Following the slogan "Great Stories Begin Here," Adams State University has a close-knit, diverse campus culture. ASU is the first university in Colorado to be federally designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Currently, ASU is ranked among the top 120 regional colleges in the West by the U.S. News and World Report. Adams State University was included in the Princeton Review's list for "Best in the West." Washington Monthly crowned ASU the 184th "Best Bang for the Buck" in the Western United States. Victory Media has also recognized Adams State for being among the top 15 percent of "Military Friendly" schools.
Adams State University Accreditation Details
Reaffirmed in 2007, Adams State University has 10-year regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA). ASU is approved by the U.S. Department of Education, Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and American Association of University Women (AAUW). The university is an institutional member of the American Council on Education (ACE). Adams State is also accredited by the Teacher Education Accrediting Council (TEAC) for any history majors wishing to become educators.
Adams State University Application Requirements
Getting into Adams State University isn't easy because the selective school only accepts 52 percent of applicants. Graduate students pursuing the Online Master of Arts in Humanities with an American History Emphasis must already hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. All master's programs require students to carry a minimum collegiate GPA of 2.75. In particular, applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in undergraduate history courses. If a student's GPA is between 2.75 and 2.99, taking the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is mandatory. Passing the GRE with a minimum score of 297 will be satisfactory. Having a strong professional background with demonstrated potential to contribute to the history field is also preferred.
Before the fall cohort deadline on April 15th, students interested in enrolling at Adams State University online should submit the following:
• Completed online graduate application
• Official transcripts from every college attended
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores
• Two letters of recommendation
• Curriculum resume or CV
• One to two-page letter of intent
• Payment for the $45 application fee (unless waived)
Tuition and Financial Aid
At Adams State, online students in the Humanities program will pay $312 per credit hour regardless of in-state or out-of-state residence. Therefore, the 30-credit program will cost a total of $9,360 in tuition. Graduate students must also budget for the $17 technology fee, $36 college service fee, and $60 capital fee per credit each semester. All new degree-seeking online students must pay a one-time $100 matriculation fee. Online learners save money by avoiding the $2,250 for apartment housing and $2,200 for board per semester though.
Around 95 percent of full-time beginning students at Adams State University receive financial aid. In fact, over $3.8 million in institutional aid is granted annually. New students who filed the FAFSA form could take out Stafford, Perkins, Direct PLUS, or private/alternative loans. Grad students are limited to a total loan amount of $20,500. Some students could qualify for the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG Grant, TEACH Grant, or Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. In-state learners should apply for the Colorado Student Grant (CSG) or College Opportunity Fund (COF). Graduate assistantships are available on-campus for teaching or research positions. Over 100 scholarships are also awarded, such as the McDaniel Scholarship, Woodard Memorial Scholarship, Porter Scholars Program, and Graduate Good Neighbor Scholarship.
Will My Employer Pay for My Master's Degree?
Online Master of Arts in Humanities with an American History Emphasis
In the ASU Graduate School, the Department of History, Government, and Philosophy offers a unique Online M.A. in Humanities with an American History Emphasis. This 30-credit graduate program is designed for baccalaureate-level scholars who are seeking rigorous, directed study uncovering new truths about United States history. All nine online classes are available fully online asynchronously so that students can study at their own pace from home. Online M.A. students take just two classes every fall, spring, and summer for a manageable workload. There's only one required trip to Alamosa for students to defend their master's thesis project.
Rooted in the humanities, the dynamic curriculum deepens students' knowledge of U.S. history from the American Revolution through the new millennium. Online courses will cover topics like historiography, state history, American West, World Wars, historical geography, Civil War, political theory, African American civil rights, and Middle East relations. If chosen, students can complete a three-hour practicum at an approved education or public history setting in their local community. At the culmination, M.A. students write and defend a master's thesis showing mastery of American history. Students work closely with Ph.D. faculty to conduct directed research in their era of interest.
The Online Master of Arts in Humanities with an American History Emphasis can lead to plentiful career options, such as museum curator, historian, publisher, archivist, journalist, information specialist, librarian, researcher, archaeologist, or consultant. ASU graduates will be eligible for attaining the "Highly Qualified" teaching status in Colorado for career advancement in secondary history education. Completing the degree can also facilitate entry into a Ph.D. in History program. Students have the unique opportunity to obtain credit for a six-week, online seminar from the American Museum of Natural History. Those living near campus could also work at the Luther Bean Museum in Richardson Hall, which displays regional and local historical treasures.
Graduate students at Adams State University may also be interested in pursuing the M.A. in Humanities with a Cultural Resource Management Emphasis, M.A. in Art, M.A. in Music Education, or M.A. in Teacher Education with a Curriculum and Instruction Emphasis.