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Department of Humanities & Religious Studies College of Arts & Letters

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Humanities Graduate Program

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The Master of Arts in Humanities at California State University, Sacramento

Our program provides a solid grounding for students to examine the foundational and transformative developments of the Humanistic disciplinary fields such as Literature, History, Religious Studies, Philosophy, Art History, Music, and Film.

We offer a course of study that aims to challenge students to cross cultural and disciplinary lines and encourages them to acquire a breadth and depth of knowledgethat enables them to pursue a rigorous line of intellectual inquiry that is both informative and innovative. Faculty, staff, and students are committed to fostering a collaborative and vibrant community of scholars that enhances the graduate school experience and enriches both the local and intellectual community at large

Admissions Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university (or equivalent preparation if the student has done undergraduate work outside the U.S.)
  • An undergraduate major in Humanities or in a closely related field (subject to approval by the Graduate Coordinator)
  • Admission as a classified graduate student in Humanities requires at minimum: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university (or equivalent preparation if the student has done undergraduate work outside the U.S.) An undergraduate major in Humanities or in a closely related field (subject to approval by the Graduate Coordinator); A minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester units attempted and a minimum 3.3 in Humanities courses (or in major in related field).
  • Students with deficiencies in Admission Requirements that can be removed by specified additional preparation may be considered for admission with conditionally classified graduate status. Any deficiencies will be noted on a response to the admission application.

(Please note that meeting the minimal requirements does not guarantee admission to the program)

Admission Procedures

Submit your online application via Cal State Apply.

Application Materials Details
Official transcripts Submit Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than California State University, Sacramento.
Statement of purpose Statement of purpose of approximately 500 words (typed) in response to the following question: How does the Humanities Master’s program fit with your talents, interests, and aspirations?
Two letters of recommendation. Recommenders should clearly state how long they have known you and in what capacity. Letters should ideally come from university instructors, but if these are not available, any other credible source who can address qualifications will be acceptable (e.g., work supervisor or community leader); applicants should provide a link from the office of Graduate Studies for recommenders to upload their letters directly. 
Academic writing sample 3-5 pages, to be accompanied by a brief explanation regarding the context (e.g., the course and assignment) for which the writing was produced.

Deadlines

Please check the Office of Graduate Studies often for deadlines, general guidelines and forms. Please remember that it is your responsibility to keep track of your progress through the program.

Application Deadlines Application Opens Application Close
Spring 2024 August 1, 2024 September 15, 2024
Fall 2025  October 1, 2024  March 1, 2025

Contact Us

Department of Humanities & Religious Studies

California State University, Sacramento

2011 Mendocino Hall

6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6083

Ph. (916) 278-6444