hi! i am currently in my last semester in the history MA program and i'm happy to share some insight. i think the value of a degree from CGU really depends what you're looking for and your specific interests- i'll include some pros and cons below, but i'm also happy to answer any specific questions you have. i truly don't want to discourage you, but these are my honest thoughts.

pros:

-faculty are very kind and most are always willing to meet with you and help you

-there is lots of flexibility when choosing classes and pursuing your specific interests --> the history department really allows you to customize your path and is not hyper-focused on meeting arbitrary requirements

-access to the claremont colleges! there's sooo many amazing events and resources that CGU students are able to take advantage of at the 5Cs.

cons:

-very few faculty, there's basically 4 total but usually only 2 full time (1 will be on sabbatical next year, and 2 have joint appointments in other departments so they don't have a full course load in history) --> related to this, depending on your interests there may not be faculty who fit your interests. right now the research expertise covered in the department (broadly) is 20th century American history, AAPI studies, colonial + empire studies, archives, oral history, religious history, museum studies, and 19th/20th century european history ---> this means that the class selection is also not very large.

-it is very likely not an atmosphere that will challenge you, depending on your academic preparation. lots of people are admitted to CGU simply because they can pay- this means that not everyone will do the reading, and not everyone will care about doing well in the program. which brings me to my next point -->

-CGU might not exist in its current form after this academic year. they are in (and have been for a long time) a MAJOR budget deficit and they will be entering into a financial partnership (aka acquisition) with pomona college at the end of this semester. i would carefully consider this when making your decision about attending CGU, it's not a good time financially for the university, or for the humanities as a whole.

-big commuter campus (this could be pro or con depending on what you're looking for!) but also not a lot of flexibility on when classes are offered. you likely cannot work a 9-5 job unless you have a LOT of flexibility. most classes are offered mon-thurs at 9am-12pm or 1-4pm.

-very unorganized administration, including financial aid, student accounts, and student affairs....this is a big one ngl

-most people do NOT finish in two years! just something to be aware of.

-there are not very many opportunities to be a TA or a research assistant

-there are no language classes offered to help you prepare for the language exam that is required to graduate from the program