The joint Master of Arts program is offered by the History Departments of The University of Winnipeg and The University of Manitoba. Courses and thesis direction are offered at both institutions, and students completing the program may elect to receive their degrees from both of the participating universities. Students may choose between a course M.A. and a thesis M.A. The first involves four courses, three of which should be 7000/700-level History courses. In addition, the student is required to select a major field, and must pass both a written and an oral comprehensive examination upon that field. The second choice involves two 7000/700-level courses and the presentation of a thesis. In both programs the student is required to demonstrate a reading knowledge of a second language (French for Canadian History).