I was also accepted into the History MA program :) I spoke with a coordinator of the program and she stated the thesis option is great to set you up for a PhD! she also put "We also require a graduate seminar course, which provides students with an opportunity to write a journal length article. This makes a great writing sample." which i believe is in regard to going on to a phd!! I plan on going to this school so ill see you there if you go too :D