Average MA GPA?

[red7tribe]

This is a completely general question, but I'd just like to have some perspective. What would you say is the average GPA for a student graduating from an MA history program?

[ashiepoo72]

As close to 4.0 as you can get. Mine is like 3.9, and that made me nervous when I was applying to PhD programs. It also helps if you have a strong history GPA from undergrad (I think an A- or better average is good, so like 3.7ish).

[eeee1923]

There's no real way to answer this but for the most part students tend have pretty high GPAs (3.8 - 4.0) in MA/MS programs

[anthrohis7092]

Mine was 3.95 by the time I apply to PhD programs. I guess your GPA should not be lower than 3.7 (just trying to cast a wider ballpark). Ideally 3.8-4.0.

[dr. t]

Wait, are we talking about are or should?  Because the OP is phrased as are, and you all are talking about should.

[Deadwing0608]

Mine was 3.96, and I think that was about the average in my cohort. I never got the impression it mattered much since grad students (in my program anyways) were expected to make A's (or, in a less than ideal semester A-'s) across the board. B's indicated serious problems in the program and rarely happened.

[ashiepoo72]

OP asked the average, so my answer stands. Most MA grads would be close to 4.0, especially the ones applying to PhD programs.

[red7tribe]

Mine should be sitting at about a 3.95 at the end of this semester, so I am just want to see where that fits more generally. Is there a significant difference between what M.A. students should have compared to what they actually do have? I find it hard to believe that too many students are below a 3.8, at minimum. 

[ashiepoo72]

I think that's pretty accurate. My GPA is probably the lowest of my friends who are planning to apply to PhD programs. My MA adviser told us that you can explain one B, but more than one is a red flag.

[stillalivetui]

I was told GPA is irrelevant. As long as you don't receive anything below an A- then you're fine.