history ma phd programs

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The MA in history is intended as a terminal degree that will prepare our students for careers in teaching, research, archives or museums, or business. Students who have been admitted to the PhD program in history earn the MA on the way to the PhD. Students admitted to the MA program may apply to the PhD program, but enrollment in the MA program does not confer an advantage in the PhD admissions process.

Course Requirements

MA students must take eight courses (32 credits), usually taken as four courses (16 credits) per semester, to satisfy the requirements for the degree. The Department of History aims to familiarize graduate students with historiographical and methodological paradigms in fields beyond their own area of interest. All students in the MA program are thus required to take the following four courses:

• GRS HI 800: European Historiography
• GRS HI 850: American Historiography
• GRS HI 870: African Historiography
• GRS HI 801: The Historian’s Craft

HI 800, 850, and 870 are reading and research courses on historiographical issues and approaches in the areas where the department has special strengths. In contrast, The Historian’s Craft (HI 801) is a research seminar designed to help students move from the original conception of a problem to a publishable article.

Candidates for the MA may count courses designed primarily for undergraduates (numbered at the 500-700 level) for the degree. Students are also permitted to take up to one graduate level course in relevant disciplines other than history. Courses taken at other accredited graduate schools or in other schools or colleges of Boston University not used toward the awarding of any other degree may be transferred on recommendation of the department. For the MA degree, no more than two such courses may be transferred. To be awarded the master’s degree, the candidate is expected to earn a grade point average of 3.0 or above. Note that a grade of B- or lower constitutes a failing grade.

Major Research Paper/MA Capstone Experience

Within the context of HI 801 (see Course Requirements above) students will write a major research paper, which will be separately certified by the Graduate Studies Committee as the student’s capstone experience. The paper must be between 25 and 40 pages in length, the equivalent of a publishable journal article, based on primary sources , and meeting professional standards of documentation, argument, and literary structure. It will be graded by the instructor of HI 801, after which a copy of the paper must be approved by the student’s advisor and then submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies to determine if it fulfills the research requirement. A paper accepted as fulfilling the requirement remains in the student’s file.

Language Requirement

Given the increasing globalization of research and the significant secondary literature produced outside the English-speaking world, the Department believes it is important for all of our students, including Americanists, to demonstrate a genuine ability to read research in foreign languages. To this end, we require that all MA candidates demonstrate a reading knowledge of one relevant foreign language.

Students can demonstrate reading proficiency in a foreign language in one of three ways:

• Language examinations. Students are given an excerpt from a scholarly text and asked to translate as much as they can as accurately as they can into good English (a dictionary is permitted). These exams are administered during the semester in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies. Exams must be scheduled with an administrator at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Language courses. The Department of Romance Studies offers reading courses for graduate students in French (GRS LF 621), Italian (GRS LI 621), and Spanish (GRS LS 621). The Department of World Languages & Literatures offers a reading course for graduate students in German (GRS LG 621). Passing one of these reading courses fulfills the department’s requirement for the language in question. Note that these courses may not be taken for credit toward the degree.
• Prior graduate school certification. If the candidate has passed a reading examination at another accredited graduate school and submits evidence to that effect to the Director of Graduate Studies, the departmental requirement will be waived in most instances.

Applying for Graduation

Students must file an application for graduation in the Graduate School office ( check with that office for deadlines ). Note that an application is good only for the specified date (September, January, or May); if a student needs additional time to complete requirements, a new application must be filed. Note also that a student must be registered for the semester in which he or she graduates and in the preceding one and that a student must be registered for any semester in which a degree requirement is completed (such as submission of the research paper or passing the language examination).

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History, MA

The Graduate Program in History at the University of Pennsylvania has a long tradition of distinction. Beginning as one of the first programs in the United States to offer doctoral study in history, (the first Ph.D. in History was conferred in 1891); the Department continues to pioneer new areas of scholarship. In the last twenty years, faculty members of the departments in American, European, and World History have assumed a leading role in their fields. Today, few departments in the country match Penn's Department of History in coverage and depth across the entire range of history from medieval times to the present.

For more information: http://www.history.upenn.edu/graduate/program-guidelines

View the University’s  Academic Rules for Research Master's Programs .

A minimum of 8 course units are required for graduation.

Courses must be approved by advisor and Director of Graduate Studies. Courses must be appropriate to students' career objectives.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

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Earning a graduate degree in history involves analysis, research and presentations. In some cases, students must also complete a thesis and master a second language before graduation. These are the top graduate schools for history. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

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College of Arts & Sciences

Director of Masters Program: Professor James Millward Graduate Programs Manager: Carolina Madinaveitia Student Assistants to the Director of MA Studies : Eamonn Bellin and Matthew Miyamoto

Georgetown’s MA in Global, International, and Comparative History (MAGIC) offers students the opportunity to develop a historical perspective on our interconnected world and provides multiple avenues for students to engage with the issues and insights that arise from an international historical perspective. The program provides a foundation for professional participation in the world of global affairs as well as strong preparation for doctoral studies. Students both delve deeply into the history of a particular world region and situate that same region within a broader context through the study of transnational, comparative, and thematic trends. The program offers students rigorous training in historical methods, foreign languages, and analytical and writing skills. Graduates have gone on to careers in fields such as government service, NGO work, and global business, as well as top-ranked doctoral programs in History and related disciplines. 

The MAGIC program is small and selective. MA students work closely with faculty mentors and participate in classes with Ph.D. students. They enjoy access to classes in a variety of disciplines across the university, a rich campus intellectual life, and the vast archival, cultural, and career resources of the wider Washington, D.C. area.  MA students at Georgetown are also invited to participate in the Georgetown Institute for Global History’s research seminars and workshops. These are periodically convened sessions in which scholars from around the country present their current research in the form of pre-circulated papers. 

Organized in the 1920s, the Master of Arts (MA) in History program at the University of Maryland provides broad and intensive instruction in bibliography, research, and writing in various fields of historical study.

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History MA Program Overview

The History MA degree may constitute a step toward Doctoral  (PhD) research or preparation for a variety of other fields, such as archives administration, museum scholarship and exhibitions, public history, primary or secondary school teaching, law, or international relations.

Admission to the Master of Arts (MA) program is offered to highly qualified applicants holding at least a Bachelor's (BA) degree, normally in History or a related discipline. Application and admissions procedures are described on the department's website.

The MA degree program requires a total of thirty (30) semester hours of coursework and research credits and the submission of one or two (1 or 2) original research papers. In addition, MA students must successfully defend a thesis or pass a written examination (the non-thesis option).

The anticipated period for completion is two (2) years of full-time study. The degree must be completed in no more than five (5) years.

General Requirements :

General program requirements are coursework and either the degree-by-thesis option or the degree-by-examination option

About the History MA

Course requirements.

All MA students must complete a minimum of 30 credits. The mandatory course requirements are as follows:

• History and Contemporary Theory (HIST 601; 3 credits)
• 608J-K (East Asia)
• 608G-I (Latin America)
• 606F (Science and Technology)
• 608E (Women's and Gender History)
• 608D (Middle East)
• 608C (Modern Europe)
• 608A-B (United States)
• Equivalent seminars in other fields
• Research Seminar (HIST 8XX; 3 credits)

There is no general language requirement for the MA degree, but certain fields may require demonstrated language competency and/or special skills. 

All MA students must take at least 12 credits in a “major field” within history, including at least 3 credits of general seminar in that field and at least 3 credits of Research seminar in that field.  In certain fields, students may take more than one General Seminar in that field. Often students take Research Seminars as independent study courses with faculty in their fields.  Typically students take other readings courses in their fields or in other fields that interest them.

Special Notes

• Courses completed during previous post-baccalaureate degree programs, for example an MA, at other institutions or as an "advanced special student" at the University of Maryland may be considered to satisfy course requirements.
• Requests for course requirement waivers, equivalency, and credit transfers should be directed to the Director of Graduate Studies. A request must include the course syllabus and transcripts showing the final grade. The endorsement of the advisor is typically sought.
• Up to 9 credit hours of major and minor field readings courses may be taken at the 400 level.   Students seeking to take a 400 level course for graduate credit should consult the instructor of record to discuss course expectations before registering.

Degree-by-Thesis

The degree-by-thesis option addresses the needs of two types of students. First, it offers students who are taking the MA as a terminal degree the opportunity to master historical scholarship and historiography, while also pursuing an intensive, original research project. Second, the thesis option can help students assess their aptitude for research and writing at the doctoral (PhD) level.

Students who opt for the degree-by-thesis must complete at least twelve credit hours in one of the approved major fields (see Graduate Research Fields ). Three to nine of these credit hours must be in the appropriate General Seminar(s) and an additional three must be in 800-level research seminars. The students take an additional six hours of HIST 799 (Master's Thesis Research).

In consultation with the advisor, the student develops an original research project that will require substantive analysis of primary materials, in addition to full engagement with the existing relevant scholarship. Archival and bibliographic research may last several months and be conducted in the College Park region or farther away. Writing may take an additional several months.  Typically the MA thesis is 60-80 pages long. 

All thesis research, including oral history research, must be conducted in accordance with University of Maryland rules as well as professional and legal standards. In some instances, MA students might be required to submit a précis of the thesis or other materials to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the University of Maryland or another institution. In Spring 2006, the campus IRB issued a finding that oral history does not enjoy a blanket exclusion from IRB review. It is, therefore, essential that all research projects involving oral history and other forms of research that fall under human subjects research protocols be cleared by the IRB.

In an open oral defense of the thesis, normally lasting not longer than two hours, the student must obtain approval by a majority of a Thesis Examining Committee consisting of at least three members of the Graduate Faculty, chosen by the Director of Graduate Studies in consultation with the student's advisor. The advisor chairs the committee. At the conclusion of the oral defense, the committee will determine whether the thesis is satisfactory as submitted or if revisions must be undertaken before the thesis will be officially accepted. If the student has expressed the desire to continue on to the Doctoral (PhD) program at UMD, the thesis committee will also make a recommendation to the Graduate Committee about the student's admission to the PhD program.

There is no minor field requirement or comprehensive examination for students who select the degree-by-thesis option.

Degree-by-Examination

The degree-by-examination (a.k.a. "non-thesis") option likewise addresses the needs of two types of students. For students seeking a terminal-degree M., the option offers a flexible mixture of course work and research seminars, affording the opportunity both to attain a broad general understanding of historical scholarship and to pursue original research. For students who wish to pursue the PhD degree at Maryland or elsewhere, the option prepares students for various aspects of a Doctoral program, including reading courses and seminars in a major field, comprehensive examinations, and advanced research and writing.

Students who opt for the degree-by-examination must complete at least 12 credit hours in one of the approved major fields (see Graduate Research Fields ). Three to nine of these credit hours must be in the appropriate General Seminar(s) and an additional six must be in 800-level research seminars.

Students who opt for the degree-by-examination must pass a four-hour, written examination based on the student's coursework and/or a set of readings devised by the student in consultation with the advisor. Typically the reading list for the MA comprehensive exam is around 50 books.  It is the expectation that MA non-thesis students take the examination in the fourth semester of full-time study.

At or about the time that the student registers for graduation, the degree-by-examination student will present two 800-level research papers to the MA examining committee for its approval. The examining committee will review the papers, the MA examination, and the student's entire record in the MA program to make a final determination for degree conferral. If the student has expressed the desire to continue on to the Doctoral (PhD) program at Maryland, the committee will also make a recommendation to the Graduate Committee about the student's admission to the PhD program.

Guidelines for Master of Arts (MA) Degree Examinations

All written examinations are administered twice a year, in October and April.

The examination committee consists of three members of the graduate faculty, typically all members of the history faculty. The student's advisor chairs the examination committee. The Director of Graduate Studies designates the other committee members, in consultation with the advisor and the student. Each committee member may contribute questions for the examination.

The examination will be graded pass (P) or fail (F).

Students should consult their advisors and the Director of Graduate Studies for additional guidelines on the expectations for and the grading of examinations.

Students who do not pass on the first attempt may retake the examination without prior approval. After a second failure, the student must petition for re-examination.

Petition for Re-Examination

In the case of failure of a written examination (Degree-by-Examination option only) or a language examination, the student may petition the Graduate Committee to take the examination a second time. If the petition is approved, the student must retake the examination when it is next offered.

Advising and Committees

Each student admitted to the MA program will select an advisor in history who is a member of the graduate faculty and whose intellectual interests are compatible with the student's plan of study. All graduate students are required to choose an advisor by November 1 of their first semester. If they do not choose an advisor by that date, the DGS will appoint one for them. The faculty advisor is responsible for advising the student, approving course selection each semester, monitoring the student's progress, and informing the student of the nature and timing of examinations and other evaluations. The advisor, in consultation with the student, will be responsible for constituting the advisory, thesis, and examination committees. The advisor will also represent the student to the Graduate Committee, as appropriate.

The advisory committee, to be constituted no later than the spring semester of the first year of study, consists of the student's advisor and two faculty members in appropriate fields, chosen by the Director of Graduate Studies in consultation with the student and the advisor.  At the conclusion of the first year of study, all students will make available to the advisory committee a transcript of coursework and major written work completed during the first year. The Director of Graduate Studies will provide the advisory committee with additional relevant information, such as teaching assistantship evaluations. Upon review of the appropriate materials, the advisory committee will then recommend to the Graduate Committee continuation, modification, or, as appropriate, termination of the student's program.

After the first year of study, the advisory committee may convene to discuss progress-to-degree. The advisor has primary responsibility for determining the need for an advisory committee review, but a student has the right to request formal review.

The advisory committee ordinarily serves as the MA thesis or examination committee, but substitutions are possible, provided that all members of the MA thesis or examination committee are members of the Graduate Faculty and that the student's advisor serves as the committee chair.

MA students may change advisors at any moment of their studies, registering the change with the Director of Graduate Studies.

A change of advisor or of the composition of the advisory committee must be recorded in the student's electronic file.

Registration and Degree Progress

Continuous Registration

All graduate students must register for courses and pay associated tuition and fees each semester, not including summer and winter sessions, until the degree is awarded.

Master of Arts (MA) students who will be away from the University for up to one year may request a waiver of continuous registration and its associated tuition and fees. Waivers shall be granted only if the student is making satisfactory progress toward the degree and can complete the degree requirements within the required time limits. Interruptions in continuous registration cannot be used to justify an extension to time-to-degree requirements.

The Graduate School makes available an official Leave-of-Absence for Childbearing, Adoption, Illness, and Dependent Care. The Dean of the Graduate School must approve the leave. The time-to-degree clock is suspended during an approved leave-of-absence.

Additional information on Continuous Registration and Leave-of-Absence policies is published online in the Graduate Catalog .

Time-to-Degree

Whether a full- or part-time student, all students admitted to the Master of Arts (MA) program must complete all degree requirements within five (5) years from initial enrollment.

Progress-to-Degree

All students in the MA program will be expected to demonstrate steady progress towards the completion of degree requirements. At a minimum, the Graduate School requires students to maintain a B average in all graduate courses. However, the Department of History expects a higher level of performance.

Failure to make satisfactory progress-to-degree or to maintain the expected grade point average (GPA) may result in the suspension or loss of departmental funding, the denial of a petition for extensions, and, in extreme cases, a recommendation for dismissal.

Extensions and Waivers

The Graduate Committee will consider petitions for waivers to departmental guidelines. Petitions for waivers to Graduate School requirements must be submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School, using the appropriate form. In most instances, the petitioning student will be required to provide a rationale for the waiver request, and, as appropriate, a convincing plan of study. The advice of the student's advisor may be sought. The advisor will be required to endorse any waiver request that involves extensions to overall time-to-degree as well as the major benchmarks of progress-to-degree.

All petitions should be directed to the Director of Graduate Studies. The Director of Graduate Studies, and in some cases the Dean of the Graduate School, will notify the student of his/her disposition of petitions for extensions.

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Graduate Coordinator, History

2131 Francis Scott Key Hall College Park MD, 20742

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Note that the GRE is now optional for our graduate admission process.  

Admissions process for the history phd:.

Each year the department receives nearly 400 applications to the doctoral program and offers admission to about 6% of applicants . The typical incoming class size is 16 students.

The admissions process is extremely competitive , but if you are serious about pursuing a PhD in history, you are encouraged to apply.

Successful applications have shared many of the following characteristics:

Statement of purpose that makes clear why the applicant wants to study history in graduate school, and why the applicant wants to study at Harvard. This statement often illustrates the applicant’s research interests and notes potential advisors Three strong letters of reference from people who know the applicant’s writing Personal Statement that shares how the applicant’s experiences or activities will contribute to the school’s mission to attract a diverse and dynamic community. (Should not exceed 500 words.) Writing sample of remarkable quality that asks historical questions Fluent or nearly fluent in English Reading ability in two languages other than English Strong undergraduate , and, if applicable, graduate record , with excellent marks in history courses

Follow the link for more information about applying to the  History Department PhD program

Harvard Griffin GSAS does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification.

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College of Social Sciences & Humanities

The Master of Arts in History is a leading master’s program focusing on world history, public history, and the digital humanities. Our 16 full-time faculty members introduce students to a range of historical questions and methodologies through coursework, fieldwork, and research projects. Students learn to put the past in context and to discern its relevance to current conditions and future possibilities at the local, national, and global levels. Graduates have continued on to employment in an array of fields, as well as to PhD programs in history and related disciplines.

Emphasizing global and applied approaches to historical study, this program provides students with rigorous training in the theory and practice of history and digital humanities through coursework. By the time they graduate, all students will have the tools to analyze the past and its present legacies. Our Boston location allows us to develop a rich set of educational and professional opportunities for students. We also feature a dynamic faculty and a commitment to socially engaged scholarship and practice.

The program offers two concentrations: World History and Public History. MA students concentrating in world history learn to think comparatively and transnationally. Students focus on historical themes that span the globe, exploring histories of trade, migration, the environment, state formation, colonialism, and other themes that intersect and connect disparate parts of the globe. MA students concentrating in public history prepare to apply their intellectual training to apply history outside of the classroom, considering issues, methods, and questions faced in historical societies, museums, archives, documentary film production, and other cultural and historical organizations. 

All students have opportunities to participate in co-ops or fieldwork in New England's wealth of historical, cultural, and nonprofit organizations. 

Learn more about the Master of Arts in History from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities .  

More Details

Unique features.

• Master’s students may choose to complete their studies with a master’s thesis or a comprehensive exam
• Students may apply to the master's concentration in public history, one of the oldest programs of its kind in North America
• Candidates for the MA in World History degree must demonstrate reading competence in one foreign language

Career Outlook

Graduates of Northeastern’s master's programs in both world history and public history have gone on to work in a range of academic programs and fields around the country. Graduates who have earned a master's degree in public history are employed as editors at Harvard University Press, Bedford/St Martin’s Publishing and Houghton-Mifflin; as museum curators at the JFK Library, the Indiana Historical Society, and the Texas State Library; and as researchers at the New England Historic and Genealogical Society and the Adams National Historic Site. The diversity of these positions, as well as their prestige, speaks to the quality of graduate education at Northeastern University.

Looking for something different?

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Application
• Application fee
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
• English proficiency for international applicants
• GRE optional
• Writing sample

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Social Sciences and Humanities admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

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Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.

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Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

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By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Humanities & Social Sciences alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

• Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• City of Boston
• Liberty Mutual Insurance
• Fidelity Investments
• State Street

What They Do

• Business Development
• Community and Social Services
• Media and Communication

What They're Skilled At

• Public Speaking
• Social Media

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The University of Chicago has several programs if you want a masters degree or need more training to make a successful application to a doctoral program. The innovative one-year  Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences  encourages graduate work with History faculty within a context of interdisciplinary social-science training, individualized curriculum, and intensive counseling for subsequent employment or further study. Other MA programs in  International Relations  and the  Center for Middle Eastern Studies  welcome applicants who have a specific regional focus in mind. There are also joint degree programs available for those interested in history and the social sciences but who also want to earn degrees in law, public policy, or business.

Admissions : Apply through the  Division of the Social Sciences . 

Campus Visits : The University offer  graduate tours  throughout the year that are led by graduate students

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History, MA

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus , or online
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MA History

ASU's MA program in history combines classes taught by ASU's distinguished faculty in an online or in-person environment with an emphasis on the development of analytical and communication skills. It offers dynamic content that deepens students' knowledge of history while developing their core competencies, which are applicable in a variety of settings. Students graduate from the program with an enhanced ability in finding and analyzing information, planning and organizing projects, and writing and speaking effectively.

The Master of Arts program in history offers studies in North American, European, public and global comparative history, and it provides students with opportunities for professional development through colloquia, internship experiences and conference attendance.

(Online) Student Handbook

Degree Requirements

30 credit hours including the required applied project course (HST 593)

Required Core (6 credit hours) HST 640 Historical Methods (3)

Pick one from the following: HST 502 Public History Methodology (3) HST 641 North American History (3) HST 643 Global History (3)

Electives (12 credit hours)

Other Requirements (6 or 9 credit hours) HST 500 Research Methods (3) and HST 598 Special Topics (3) or HST 500 Research Methods (3) and HST 591 Seminar (3) and HST 598 Special Topics (3)

Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) HST 593 Applied Project (3) or HST 597 Capstone (3) or HST 599 Thesis (6)

Additional Curriculum Information There are two options for the master's degree program in history: the thesis option (for in-person students only) and the nonthesis option. The thesis option requires 30 total credit hours of coursework, including six credit hours of HST 599 Thesis, three credit hours of HST 500 Research Methods, three credit hours of HST 598 Special Topics and 18 credit hours of coursework. The nonthesis option requires 30 total credit hours, including three credit hours of HST 593 Applied Project or HST 597 Capstone, three credit hours of HST 500 Research Methods, three credit hours of HST 591 Seminar, three credit hours of HST 598 Special Topics and an additional 18 credit hours of coursework.

For elective coursework, students should refer to the unit for a list of approved courses.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. The most competitive applicants have a GPA of 3.30 or higher.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of purpose
• resume or curriculum vitae
• writing sample
• two letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. The history program requires a TOEFL iBT score of at least 90.

All applications are reviewed by multiple ASU faculty members and assessed holistically to determine if they demonstrate the capacity to succeed in a rigorous and writing-intensive graduate program. This decision is made on the basis of prior coursework in history and other social sciences, the quality of the writing sample, the statement of purpose and the letters of recommendation. Prior coursework in history is not a requirement, but in such cases, applicants should have a strong writing sample that demonstrates their ability to engage in historical analysis. In cases where applicants do not have a suitable writing sample or demonstration of past success in historical coursework, they are encouraged to take one or two classes as a nondegree-seeking student and then apply.

Applicants are required to provide a minimum of two professional letters of recommendation, but a maximum of three letters of recommendation may be included. Recommenders should be faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic abilities but may also be work supervisors who are able to speak to the applicant's ability to succeed in a graduate program.

The statement of purpose, about 500 words in length, should be addressed to the history admission committee and should explain the applicant's scholarly background and training, career goals, the primary field the applicant wishes to pursue, and why the applicant wants to pursue graduate study at ASU. It is not necessary to specify a research topic, but if an applicant has one in mind, they should include it in the statement of purpose.

The writing sample may be an article (published or unpublished), a research paper or any other extended sample of expository writing no longer than 35 pages in length. Longer writing samples should not be submitted without first consulting the graduate director. Documents and files should not be password protected. Acceptable file types are .rtf, .pdf and .doc.

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu

Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options.

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BA - History -->

Ba - history.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, learning outcomes.

• Students will demonstrate successful attainment of program goals in research and historiography.
• Students will gain proficiency in historical methods and demonstrate nuanced understanding of different historical lenses and interpretive frameworks.
• Students will be able to conduct and defend original historical research.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will have acquired advanced historical thinking skills as well as other skills employers consistently identify as highly valuable, including effective oral and written communication, critical thinking and problem-solving.

Graduates possess the fundamental training needed for careers in research, teaching, public history, government service and a host of other positions in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. They serve as first-rate historians, highly qualified teachers at the elementary and secondary levels and community colleges, researchers and consultants, archivists, foreign service officers, management professionals, community organizers and public servants.

Other career examples include:

• business executive
• college instructor
• editorial and publishing professional
• museum director and staff
• nonprofit director
• research professional

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here .

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-5778

History Graduate Programs in Massachusetts

1-18 of 18 results

MIT School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Cambridge, MA •

Massachusetts Institute of Technology •

Graduate School

Massachusetts Institute of Technology ,

Graduate School ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Harvard University •

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   9 reviews

Other: I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student' in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Through this School, I will be focusing my time at the John A. Paulson school of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Looking forward to wrapping up my final year on campus! ... Read 9 reviews

Harvard University ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student'... .

Read 9 reviews.

School of Arts and Sciences - Tufts University

Medford, MA •

Tufts University •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: My experience was mostly great! I felt supported by faculty and staff and became involved in student activities. It was just unfortunate that my on-campus experience was cut short due to the pandemic so I was not able to fully take advantage of all the program and graduate school had to offer. ... Read 4 reviews

Tufts University ,

MEDFORD, MA ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says My experience was mostly great! I felt supported by faculty and staff and became involved in student activities. It was just unfortunate that my on-campus experience was cut short due to the pandemic... .

Read 4 reviews.

Rowan University Graduate

Graduate School •

GLASSBORO, NJ

• • Rating 4.38 out of 5   29

San Francisco State University

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

• • Rating 4.19 out of 5   52

College of Arts and Sciences - Lehigh University

Lehigh University •

BETHLEHEM, PA

School of the Museum of Fine Arts - Tufts University

Boston, MA •

• • Rating 1 out of 5   2 reviews

BOSTON, MA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 1 stars.

Read 2 reviews.

College of Social Sciences & Humanities - Northeastern University

Northeastern University •

Northeastern University ,

Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences

Chestnut Hill, MA •

Boston College •

Blue checkmark.

Boston College ,

CHESTNUT HILL, MA ,

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Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - Boston University

Boston University •

Boston University ,

Brandeis University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Waltham, MA •

Brandeis University •

Brandeis University ,

WALTHAM, MA ,

College of Humanities and Fine Arts - University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, MA •

University of Massachusetts Amherst •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Alum: It was a good school with a great environment and a lot of good people. The computer science program was good and fun, but sometimes it was a little stressful. ... Read 1 review

University of Massachusetts Amherst ,

AMHERST, MA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says It was a good school with a great environment and a lot of good people. The computer science program was good and fun, but sometimes it was a little stressful. .

Read 1 reviews.

Clark University Gradute Arts and Sciences

Worcester, MA •

Clark University •

Clark University ,

WORCESTER, MA ,

College of Fine Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences - University of Massachusetts Lowell

Lowell, MA •

University of Massachusetts Lowell •

University of Massachusetts Lowell ,

LOWELL, MA ,

College of Social Sciences, Policy, and Practice - Simmons University

Simmons University •

• • Rating 4.36 out of 5   14 reviews

Current Doctoral student: I like to choose this school because advanced online program in field of clinical social work and experienced scholars. ... Read 14 reviews

Simmons University ,

14 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says I like to choose this school because advanced online program in field of clinical social work and experienced scholars. .

Read 14 reviews.

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College of Liberal Arts - University of Massachusetts Boston

University of Massachusetts Boston •

University of Massachusetts Boston ,

School of Humanities and Social Sciences - Worcester State University

Worcester State University •

Worcester State University ,

College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences - Westfield State University

Westfield, MA •

Westfield State University •

Westfield State University ,

WESTFIELD, MA ,

Marshall M. Sloane School of Business and Communication

Weston, MA •

Regis College •

Regis College ,

WESTON, MA ,

College of Arts and Sciences - Salem State University

Salem, MA •

Salem State University •

Salem State University ,

SALEM, MA ,

School of Arts & Sciences - Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA •

Fitchburg State University •

Fitchburg State University ,

FITCHBURG, MA ,

Law School - Suffolk University

Suffolk University •

• • Rating 2.71 out of 5   7

Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

University of Pittsburgh •

PITTSBURGH, PA

College of Liberal and Fine Arts - Tarleton State University

Tarleton State University •

STEPHENVILLE, TX

Showing results 1 through 18 of 18

Department of History

Ph.d. programs.

The Department of History’s doctoral degree program seeks to train talented historians for careers in scholarship, teaching, and beyond the academy. The department typically accepts 22 Ph.D. students per year. Additional students are enrolled through various combined programs and through HSHM.  All admitted Ph.D. students receive a  full  financial aid package  from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. 

History of Science and Medicine

The  Program in the History of Science and Medicine  (HSHM)  is a semi-autonomous graduate track within the Department of History. HSHM students receive degrees in History, with a concentration in the History of Science and Medicine.  There is a separate admissions process for students interested in the History of Science and Medicine. For more information, please see the  HSHM website . 

Combined Doctoral Programs

Joint ph.d. programs.

Department of History

Guidelines for 5th Year MA and Open Graduate Education History MA.

The terminal MA in History is suspended as of winter 2018-19.

The History MA program is offered for applicants in the Fifth-Year Master's and Open Graduate Education programs. It is designed to be intellectually rigorous yet also flexible enough to permit students to adapt it to a variety of professional contexts and goals. The intellectual rigor is achieved through MA-specific coursework and its combination with PhD seminars. The flexibility is achieved through a choice of one of two tracks.

Professional Track

Professional Track   incorporates two “skills” courses (for example, in writing, language, computer science, design, or public history) that will help students meet individual professional goals.

Academic Track

Academic Track   is designed to prepare students to continue work at the PhD level. It replaces one of the “skills” courses with a research credit in the spring for which the student will produce an article-length research paper. In choosing the other “skills” course, a student on this track might select a language course or another PhD seminar, as appropriate.

A standard MA curriculum is 8 credits. 5th year MA students may apply up to two undergraduate courses toward this curriculum. Open Graduate Education students may double count up to two courses from their other degree program. Please consult the DGS on course planning. Course distribution for the overall eight credits is as follows:

5th Year MA

The 5th year MA is designed to be completed in one year. Open Graduate Education MA degrees can be pursued more gradually. Each student will plan an individual curriculum in consultation with the DGS; for a yearlong program, eight credits are typically distributed as follows:

• PhD Seminar (Ph.D. Colloquium by petition only)
• PhD Field Seminar (2970 series)
• Elective (1000- or 2000-level course)
• Elective (skills course)
• PhD Thematic Seminar (2980 series)
• Elective (skills course or MA research paper)

Seminars should be taken with at least two different instructors. All courses must be completed with grades of B or better for the student to receive graduate credit. There is no foreign language requirement for the master's degree.

Jennifer Lambe

MA in History

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Study History in a Historic City

The Master of Arts in History will prepare you to pursue a doctorate or a career in education, public service, and many other fields. In this program, you will develop a deeper understanding of how historians investigate and interpret the past while you explore the past with your own original research. In producing your own scholarship , you will sharpen your analytical skills, hone your research interests, and refine your writing and interpretation skills.

Our program is ideal for students interested in American or modern European history. However, the program also provides room for flexibility , allowing you to broaden your study, pursue your intellectual interests, and focus your expertise with elective coursework and research in public history, women’s/gender history, politics and foreign relations, Jewish history, and other areas of faculty specialization. We encourage our students to approach the study of the past through a critical and multidisciplinary lens .

A Degree of Flexibility

This 30-credit program will develop your writing, research, and analytical skills while broadening your historical and historiographical knowledge. In the first semester, you will develop an understanding of the practice of history with a course on the Historian’s Craft. You will deepen your knowledge of US or European history with six credits of colloquium courses. You will then engage in the production of original scholarship with six credits of a research seminar. In addition to the Public History option for students interested in careers in museums, cultural tourism, community history, historic preservation, new media, and related professional fields, the program includes ample room for elective courses, so you can develop specialized expertise, expand your historical knowledge, and bring new perspectives to your work.

See MA Admissions & Degree Requirements .

Where History Is Made

Studying history in the nation's capital provides students with access to renowned museums and archives , such the Smithsonian, the National Archives, and the Library of Congress. Brimming with history , the DC area offers Civil War battlefields, the Capitol, Mount Vernon, the White House, and countless landmarks of the colonial period, Revolutionary War, Civil War, and more recent American history. A truly global city , Washington, DC, contains hundreds of embassies, cultural organizations, and enclave communities. DC is also home to smaller historical organizations, like the DC Historical Society and the DC Preservation League. As part of the Washington, DC Consortium , students at American University are able to take courses at colleges and universities throughout the DC metropolitan area, providing the opportunity to work with a variety of faculty in diverse programs and fields of study. Faculty and alumni connections with DC's most important historical institutions lead to internships and employment opportunities . Whether your interest is local, national, or global, this historic city undoubtedly has something for you.

Knowledgeable Faculty Dedicated to Your Success

Our history faculty makes national news , explores under-represented areas of history, and guides students, helping them grasp and generate scholarship. You will build strong collegial networks with your fellow scholars, including faculty, PhD students, and public history students. You will benefit from mentorship and close working relationships with professors who have headed the Organization of American Historians, predicted the outcomes of presidential elections, and written award-winning books and articles.

Explore the Possibilities

While many of our students go on to complete PhDs and pursue academic careers, the writing and research skills developed in this program can be applied to many positions. A solid background in history is an asset for education professionals at every level, from teaching to developing education programs for museums and cultural institutions. Our alumni hold positions with important institutions like History Associates, the National Park Service, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Smithsonian Institution — see Career Outcomes info for our recent graduates.

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Lonnie Bunch (BA History '74 and MA History '76), founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, speaks at AU.

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Graduate Students

Learn more about our  students' research interests and dissertation projects.

CURRENT STUDENTS

Ph.D. Program

Stanford Ph.D. Program in History aims to train world-class scholars.

Every year we admit 10-12 promising students  from a large pool of highly selective applicants. Our small cohort size allows more individual work with faculty than most graduate programs in the United States and also enables funding in one form or another available to members of each cohort.

Fields of Study

Our graduate students may specialize in 14 distinct subfields: Africa, Britain, Early Modern Europe, East Asia, Jewish History, Latin America, Medieval Europe, Modern Europe,  Ottoman Empire and Middle East, Russia/Eastern Europe, Science, Technology, Environment, and Medicine, South Asia, Transnational, International, and Global History, and United States. Explore each field and their affiliates . 

The department expects most graduate students to spend no less than four and no more than six years completing the work for the Ph.D. degree. Individual students' time to degree will vary with the strength of their undergraduate preparation as well as with the particular language and research requirements of their respective Major fields.

Expectations and Degree Requirements

We expect that most graduate students will spend no less than four and no more than six years toward completing their Ph.D. Individual students' time-to-degree vary with the strength of their undergraduate preparation as well as with the particular language and research requirements of their respective subfield.

All History Ph.D. students are expected to satisfy the following degree requirements:

• Teaching: Students who enter on the Department Fellowship are required to complete 4 quarters of teaching experience by the end of their third year. Teaching experience includes teaching assistantships and teaching a Sources and Methods course on their own.
• Candidacy : Students apply for candidacy to the PhD program by the end of their second year in the program.
• Orals:  The University Orals Examination is typically taken at the beginning of the 3rd year in the program.
• Languages: Language requirements vary depending on the field of study.
• Residency Requirement : The University requi res  135 units of full-tuition residency  for PhD students. After that, students should have completed all course work and must request Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) status. 

Browse the Ph.D. Handbook to learn more .

The History Department offers 5 years of financial support to PhD students.  No funding is offered for the co-terminal and terminal M.A. programs. A sample Ph.D. funding package is as follows:  

• 1st year: 3 quarters fellowship stipend and 1 summer stipend 
• 2nd year: 2 quarters TAships, 1 quarter RAship (pre-doc affiliate), and 1 summer stipend 
• 3rd year: 2 quarters TAships, 1 quarter RAship (pre-doc affiliate), and 1 summer stipend 
• 4th year: 3 quarters of RAships (pre-doc affiliate) and 1 summer stipend 
• 5th year: 3 quarters of RAships (pre-doc affiliate) and 1 summer stipend

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Join dozens of  Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students  who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as  Knight-Hennessy Scholars  (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your studies at Stanford. candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about  KHS admission .

How to Apply

Admission to the History Graduate Programs are for Autumn quarter only.  Interested applicants can online at  https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply/apply-now and submit the following documents: 

• Statement of Purpose (included in Application)
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
•  Transcripts are required from all prior college level schools attended for at least one year.  A scanned copy of the official transcript is submitted as part of the online application.  Please do not mail transcripts to the department.   We will ask only the admitted students to submit actual copies of official transcripts.
• 1 Writing Sample on a historic topic (10-25 pages; sent via  Stanford's online application system  only)
• The GRE exam is not required for the autumn 2024 admission cycle
• TOEFL for all international applicants (whose primary language is not English) sent via ETS. Our University code is 4704.
• TOEFL Exemptions and Waiver information
• Application Fee Waiver
• The department is not able to provide fee waivers. Please see the link above for the available fee waivers and how to submit a request. Requests are due 2 weeks before the application deadline.

The Department of History welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. Review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays in order to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.

The Department of History also recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

Application deadline for Autumn 2024-25 is Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 11:59pm EST . This is a hard -not a postmark- deadline. 

All application material is available online. No information is sent via snail mail. Interested applicants are invited to view a Guide to Graduate Admissions at  https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/ . 

Questions? 

Please contact  Arthur Palmon  (Assistant Director of Student Services).

Department Bookshelf

Browse the most recent publications from our faculty members.

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Uncertain Past Time: Empire, Republic, and Politics | Belirsiz Geçmiş Zaman: İmparatorluk, Cumhuriyet Ve Siyaset

Embodied Knowledge: Women and Science before Silicon Valley

Compton in My Soul

The Fox Spirit, the Stone Maiden, and Other Transgender Histories from Late Imperial China

Graduate Advisement

Dr. Alexandra Macias

Sierra Hall 210
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA 91330-8332

Phone: (818) 677-7484

Research Links

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M.A. in History Catalog

View on the University Catalog

M.A. In History

The M.A. program in History offers advanced training in historical research, writing, and teaching. Seminars are small, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to work directly with faculty.

The graduate program includes courses in historical methods and research, concentrated study in specific historical fields (e.g., United States History, Modern European History, Latin American History, California History, and World history), and professional development for careers in teaching, archival administration and public history. Graduates of the program have gone on to teach at high schools and community colleges, pursued careers in museums and archives, and gained admission to top-tier Ph.D. programs.

The History MA program consists of 30 units (ten classes) of coursework, followed by a Culminating Project course in which students revise, expand and deepen a research paper with the goal of turning it into a publishable article. Students have the option of pursuing their degrees full- or part-time, and classes are available both during the day and in the evening.

Students seeking additional information about the program should contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator, Dr. Rachel Howes, at  [email protected]

The application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is April 1, 2024.

Program Requirements

Requirements for admission.

• A BA degree with a major or strong background in history, cumulative minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.3 in the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) hours. Students who do not meet these criteria must demonstrate sufficient preparation or interest in history, as determined by the History Department Graduate Coordinator. This can be achieved by showing a minimum GPA of 3.5 in at least three History courses at the 400- to 600-level (Upper Division or graduate), including HIST 601 (Theory and Historiography) or the equivalent and at least one course requiring a substantial research paper.

• Two letters of recommendation from faculty under whom the applicant worked as an undergraduate or graduate student.

• A 1-2 page statement of purpose describing the applicant's academic background, career goals, historical interests and anticipated field of study.

• A writing sample, such as a research paper, not to exceed 25 pages in length.

• Acceptance by the History Department.

• Acceptance by the University. This is separate from acceptance by the History Department, and applicants MUST ALSO apply and be accepted to CSUN.

Documents in support of applications should be emailed to  [email protected] .  Please note: official transcripts should not be sent to the History department . Transcripts are only required by the University, and should be sent directly to Admissions and Records as instructed in the CalState Apply portal. Sending official transcripts to the department office may delay your admission by the University.

Requirements for the Degree

Courses : A minimum of 30 units of approved graduate work consisting of:

• HIST 601 to be taken during the first two semesters in the program.
• Seven graduate-level history courses (21 units) including at least two 600-level research seminars and three 500-level graduate colloquia.
• Two courses (6 units) at the 500- or 600-level in History or in related disciplines with approval of the graduate coordinator.

All courses taken to meet program requirements must be completed with a grade of "B" or higher.

Culminating Experience

In addition to the 30 required units of coursework M.A. students must successfully complete either a culminating project or an M.A. thesis.

Culminating Project : Students will enroll in HIST 698D, a course designed to establish students' mastery of the historian's craft. This culminating graduate course requires students to use an existing research paper that they produced in one of their two 600-level classes and spend the semester revising it. Students will be expected to transform the paper into a piece that could be submitted as a conference paper, a writing sample, and/or an article for publication. They will prepare a cogent 20-minute presentation of their work that may serve as a conference presentation, a mini-lecture for a class, or a brief job talk.

Thesis : Students may apply to complete an M.A. thesis. To be considered for the thesis option, students must work with a faculty advisor to develop a thesis proposal that demonstrates the viability of the thesis project and the student's ability to complete the requisite research and writing. Proposals must be submitted in the Fall semester and will be evaluated by a department graduate committee. If the committee approves the proposal, the student will enroll in HIST 698 and will form a three-person faculty thesis committee with the faculty advisor as chair to oversee completion of the work.

The Society for Military History

Graduate Programs in Military History - Listed by Degree

• American Public University System
• Arizona State University
• Austin Peay State University
• Chapman University
• The Citadel
• Columbia College
• East Carolina University
• East Tennessee State University
• General Gutiérrez Mellado University Institute
• Georgia Southern University
• Hawaii Pacific University
• Lancaster University
• Maynooth University
• Norwich University
• Sam Houston State University
• San Diego State University
• Southern New Hampshire University
• Texas A&M University - Central Texas
• University of Indianapolis
• University of West Georgia
• Western Illinois University
• University of Texas at El Paso
• University of Wolverhampton
• Wright State University
• Australian National University
• University of Birmingham
• Brunel University
• Duke University
• George Mason University
• George Washington University
• Kansas State University
• University of Kent
• King's College London
• The Ohio State University
• Ohio University
• Royal Military College of Canada
• Scottish Centre for War Studies
• Temple University
• Texas A&M University
• Texas Christian University
• Texas Tech University
• University of Alabama
• University of Calgary
• University of Houston
• University of Kansas
• University of New Brunswick
• University of New Mexico
• University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
• University of North Texas
• University of Salford
• University of Southern Mississippi
• University of Tennessee
• University of Wales Swansea
• University of Wisconsin

Terms of Use and Privacy The Society for Military History's Website Terms of Use governs all use of the smh-hq.org website and all content, services and products available at of through the website. Additional information may be found in the SMH Privacy Policy .

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UMass Boston

Acquire the analytical tools, research skills, and critical thinking abilities you need to succeed in the historical fields.

UMass Boston's Master of Arts Program in History offers you a rigorous yet flexible program of study in the field of history. Rather than being merely a collection of courses, the History MA program requires intense commitment to historical scholarship and practice. The MA serves as a terminal degree for you to seek exposure to historical study before entering a variety of careers, or a PhD program at another institution. The History MA program is designed to enhance your research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as provide a broad and advanced background in history content.

Our location in Boston offers you access to a variety of archives, libraries, museums, and historical sites. Plus, the University is located next to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, the Massachusetts State Archives, and the Commonwealth Museum.

Courses are taught by full-time History faculty, and are generally in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate working students and those with other obligations. Classes are taught as small seminars with no more than 15 students per class. Courses cover U.S., European, and non-Western topics, allowing you to sample a range of historical topics.

Students earning a Master of Arts in History have the option of choosing from two tracks: History (Online or In-Person) or Public History (In-Person) .

Career Possibilities

Alumni have gone on to a variety of jobs in different industries. These are just a few of the possibilities a History MA offers.

Become a(n):

• High School Teacher
• College History Professor
• Museum Professional
• Public Historian
• Education Coordinator
• Cultural Program Manager
• Media/Communications Specialist
• Editor/Publishing

Start Your Application

Plan Your Education

How to apply.

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are recommended.
• Applicants will normally be expected to have majored in history as undergraduates and maintained a 3.0 cumulative average in the major. Applicants who did not major in history as undergraduates may be asked to pursue a program of coursework designed to remedy deficiencies in their preparation for graduate study.
• We strongly encourage all interested applicants to contact the program track director . We are happy to discuss the program with you and guide you through the application process.
• We also encourage you to contact faculty whose research and teaching interests align with yours. You may schedule a visit to campus with the Graduate Program Director. Visits to individual classes are also encouraged and should be coordinated with the course instructor.

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines:  March 15 (on-campus) and April 15 (online) for fall

Application Fee:  The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Significant tuition discounts are available to students enrolled in the online History MA program, as well as residents of Massachusetts and the other New England states. Visit the Bursar's website for more information.

Assistantships: Each year, the History Department offers a limited number of Graduate Assistantships to newly admitted graduate students. Assistantships are “half-time”, which means students are expected to work 9 hours per week for the academic year. As compensation, graduate assistants receive a bi-weekly stipend. Graduate Assistants also receive a 100 percent tuition remission for the contract period and a 50 percent waiver of their Educational Operations Fee. There are some remaining student fees that Assistants have to pay. If Assistants get their health insurance through the university, they will also receive a discount on their Health Insurance Premium.

Assistants work as teaching assistants or research assistants. Teaching assistants are assigned to professors who teach large lecture sections. These assistants will assist with grading and general operation of the class. They may be asked to do research work for their professor. Research assistants are usually assigned to faculty members to assist them with their research projects. Other assistants may be assigned to the Graduate Program Director, the Undergraduate Program Director, the Public History Director, and the University Archives. Each year, one Graduate Assistant is assigned to assist the editors of the New England Quarterly, which is housed at UMass Boston. Online MA students are not eligible for Graduate Assistantships.

You do not need to specify your interest in an Assistantship. All admitted students will be considered for an assistantship. Admitted students will receive notification of an assistantship award after they are formally accepted into the program.

History Track (In-Person or Online)

UMass Boston's Master of Arts in History offers a rigorous set of individually selected courses and supervised research and writing. Both demanding and flexible, the history track is designed for students who intend to pursue a PhD, secondary school teachers who wish to improve their knowledge of the field, and students who seek to test their capacity for graduate work.

Knowledge of a foreign language is not required for the Master of Arts in History. Thesis advisors may require a foreign language if they determine that competence in a particular language is necessary for students to conduct research on the topic on which a student will write his or her thesis. In that case, students must demonstrate competence in the foreign language to the satisfaction of their advisors.

The History MA program offers an online MA. Online courses are available to students enrolled in the traditional History MA program.

View the History MA curriculum

The History Department also offers Certificate in Public History and a Certificate in History . A Certificate is not an MA degree, but it can be earned while also earning a History MA.

Public History Track (In-Person)

Public historians study the way we remember and interpret the past. They use historical methodologies to preserve, collect, present, and interpret history with and for public audiences. Public historians work with historic landscapes, sites, parks and monuments; in museums and historic buildings; on film and the internet; and with community groups and organizations, families, and institutions.

They study public awareness and consciousness of the past and how various actors, including public intellectuals and public interest groups, seek to “raise” historical consciousness and nurture historical thinking.

Training in historical methodology is a crucial foundation for practicing public historians. That is reflected in the structure of this program—public history students earn an MA in History rather than a specialized MA in Public History. Public History students need to gain strong subject-area knowledge and research skills, as well as an introduction to the theory and methods of public history. This model provides a cross-disciplinary approach that benefits professional training for public history students.

View the Public History track curriculum

Curriculum - History Track

History track:.

UMass Boston's Master of Arts in History offers a rigorous set of individually selected courses and supervised research and writing. Both demanding and flexible, the history track is designed for students who intend to pursue a PhD, secondary school teachers who wish to improve their knowledge of the field, and students who seek to test their capacity for graduate work. The program is designed to accommodate teachers with a demanding schedule but who wish to pursue their MA part time.

Those who desire to pursue advanced study for their own intellectual enjoyment and development can also benefit from the program’s design, and the department welcomes prospective students who have been out of school for a long time or who have majored in other areas of study and now wish to pursue the study of history.

All graduate courses consist of small seminars of no more than fifteen students, which affords all students close faculty attention and support. Not all students enter the graduate programs in history directly from college: the student body includes individuals who beginning graduate work after long absences from school. Applicants do not need to have majored in history as undergraduates, but they may be asked to pursue a program of coursework designed to remedy deficiencies in their preparation for graduate study.

For those writing a Thesis: HIST 600: Research and Methods HIST 605: Introduction to Historiography HIST 690: Final Project Prep (Students should have at least 18 credits before taking FPP) HIST 699: Thesis Five electives, two of which can be upper-level undergraduate courses (300 level or higher) For those writing a History Review Essay: HIST 600: Research and Methods HIST 605: Introduction to Historiography HIST 690: Final Project Prep (Students should have at least 18 credits before taking FPP) HIST 693: History Review Essay Six electives, two of which can be upper-level undergraduate courses (300 level or higher)

Thesis The thesis stands as the traditional culmination of a student’s graduate work, and students who wish to pursue a PhD should plan to write a thesis. The thesis should be approximately 50-70 pages long and based on original research. It should be the equivalent to an article in a scholarly journal. Theses are written under the guidance of an individual faculty advisor and defended before a committee of three faculty members, one of whom may be from outside the department. For more information on thesis requirements, see the Graduate Program Handbook.

History Review Essay The History Review Essay is an alternative to the thesis. This option is only for students in the History Track. These essays are 25-30 page reviews of existing literature that demonstrate wide, deep reading in and extensive knowledge of the student’s chosen field. They are equivalent to the “state of the field” essays that appear regularly in scholarly journals. Essays showcase the student’s ability to synthesize, analyze, and evaluate secondary texts by asking critical questions about historiography, research methods, sources, and theory. History Review Essays are as challenging as theses, but highlight different skills. They are especially appropriate for those who do not plan future academic publications, for teachers looking to synthesize a broad range of scholarship, and for those who do not have ready access to primary source repositories.

Curriculum - Public History Track

Public history track:.

Public historians study the way we remember and interpret the past. They use historical methodologies to preserve, collect, present, and interpret history with and for public audiences. Public historians work with historic landscapes, sites, parks and monuments; in museums and historic buildings; on film and the worldwide web; and with community groups and organizations, families, and institutions.

They also study public awareness and consciousness of the past and how various actors, including public intellectuals and public interest groups, seek to “raise” historical consciousness and nurture historical thinking.

Training in historical methodology is a crucial foundation for practicing public historians. That is reflected in the structure of our program—public history students earn an MA in History rather than a specialized MA in Public History. Public History students need to gain strong subject-area knowledge and research skills as well as an introduction to the theory and methods of public history. This model provides a cross-disciplinary approach that benefits professional training for public history students. 

Students in the Public History Track complete 30 credit hours for the History MA. Students in the Public History Track have the option of writing a Thesis or completing a Capstone project.

For those writing a Thesis: HIST 600: Research and Methods HIST 605: Introduction to Historiography HIST 620: Introduction to Public History and Popular Memory HIST 625: Interpreting History in Public: Approaches to Public History Practice HIST 698: Internship in Public History HIST 690: Final Project Prep (Students should have at least 18 credits before taking FPP) HIST 699: Thesis Two electives

For those writing a Capstone : HIST 600: Research and Methods HIST 605: Introduction to Historiography HIST 620: Introduction to Public History and Popular Memory HIST 625: Interpreting History in Public: Approaches to Public History Practice HIST 698: Internship in Public History HIST 689: Capstone 4 electives

Professional Training and Development Requirement Public History students must also complete 4 professional training and development activities by actively participating in hands-on opportunities to learn from seasoned practitioners and peers, explore potential career paths, and build professional skills and networks. 

Graduation Criteria

Complete 30 credits which include 6 or 8 required courses and 4 or 2 electives, depending on choice of capstone or thesis. 

Capstone:   Completion of a master’s thesis or capstone project.

Track:   Students may select a track in history, public history. Minimum grade:   No course with a grade below C may be applied toward the program. No more than one course with a grade below B- may be applied toward the program. Residency:   With approval of the graduate program director, no more than six credits from another institution may be applied toward the elective requirements for the online History, MA degree. Statute of limitations:   Five years.

Learning Outcomes

In this program, you will:

• Develop advanced knowledge of historical theories, research methods, and analytical frameworks, allowing you to critically analyze primary and secondary sources, interpret historical events, and construct well-supported arguments
• Cultivate expertise in a specific historical period, region, or theme, deepening your understanding of the complexities of human experiences, cultural dynamics, and socio-political developments across different historical contexts
• Hone your research, writing, and communication skills, enabling you to effectively convey historical knowledge, engage in scholarly discourse, and contribute to the broader understanding of history through your research

In addition, public history students will

• Demonstrate knowledge of public history theory, the literature of the field and ethical practice, the environments of public facing work, and the issues that confront public historians in the field, through completion of public history coursework and field experiences.
• Put public history theory into practice in public facing projects and environments, applying methods and skills in analysis and interpretation that makes history accessible to public audiences, through internship(s) and a culminating capstone or thesis project.
• Build professional knowledge and networks by participating in professional communities of relevant organizations, participating in professional and/or academic conferences central to the field, joining advocacy efforts, and/or engaging in public history initiatives in the community. 

Graduate Program Director Olivia Weisser Olivia.Weisser [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6860

Director of the Public History Track Jane Becker Jane.Becker [at] umb.edu (617) 287-6885

History Department

The History Department equips students for success by exploring how past societies grappled with complex challenges. It explores how people have structured & managed their relationships with one another; how and why those structures and relationships changed over time; and how globalization has shaped life, identity, opportunity, and justice. Studying history deepens our understanding of the human condition and of how the past continues to shape our lives today.

College of Liberal Arts

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Postgraduate courses

Postgraduates join an active community of hundreds of historians, exploring the past, debating their research in our extraordinarily broad seminar series, and honing their analytic skills.

MPhil in American History

American History at the University of Cambridge is a dynamic field which covers the history of what is now the United States from the colonial period to the modern era. The MPhil in American History enables students to develop expertise in this ever expanding field of historical scholarship, drawing on established strengths in histories of enslavement, the growth of cities, modern politics, international relations and conflicts over land.

MPhil in Early Modern History

The MPhil in Early Modern History provides intensive training in the history of early modern Britain, Europe and the wider world to enable its students to explore the latest historical literature and produce their own substantial piece of historical research.

MPhil in Economic and Social History

The MPhil in Economic and Social History, taught over 11 months, provides an extremely thorough training in statistical and social science methodology, while building on other strengths such as an emphasis on global interconnections, understanding causation and integrating economic, social and cultural phenomena.

MPhil in Medieval History

Cambridge University's 800-year history makes it a uniquely rich place to be a medievalist. We have a wealth of medieval buildings and traditions, as well as countless manuscripts and printed books held by our many libraries.

The MPhil in Medieval History forms an integral part of the teaching and research here at the History Faculty (widely regarded as one of the best in the world). The course provides students with intensive training in medieval concepts and methods, as well as skills in Latin and Palaeography, to turn them into innovative, cutting edge medieval scholars.

MPhil in Modern British History

British History at the University of Cambridge combines the study of the interacting nations of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, set within the contexts of the European continent and the British Empire.  It draws on established strengths across the Faculty in political thought, political history, gender history, social and cultural history and global history to consider Britain’s modern experience since around 1750 in the light of broader geographical and analytical perspectives. 

MPhil in Modern European History

The course covers Europe from roughly the middle of the eighteenth century to the present. The principal countries studied are France, Germany, Russia, Italy and Spain. It offers an introduction to key themes and selected topics in Modern European History, as well as intensive methodological and historiographical training. Particular attention is paid to the production of an independently conceived, lengthy piece of original research.

MPhil in Political Thought and Intellectual History

The MPhil in Political Thought and Intellectual History is aimed at students who have an interest in both the theory and history of political thought, understood in global perspective. It also welcomes students whose previous study had a more specialised historical or theoretical (or philosophical) bent. It encourages dialogue between different approaches, as well as offering intensive training in methodologies and traditions of political thought and intellectual history.

MPhil in World History

World History at the University of Cambridge combines the study of global and imperial history with the study of Asian, African, Latin American and Pacific histories. It draws upon the expertise of faculty members in each of these areas, as well as in Middle Eastern, Oceanic and American history. The MPhil in World History enables students to develop strong expertise and research skills in this rich and expanding field of historical scholarship.

PhD in History

The Cambridge PhD is designed as structured, flexible and individual preparation for becoming a professional researcher. It will help students develop the core skills needed by arts, humanities or social sciences professional researcher of the future, which are valued by both academic and non-academic employers.

MSt in History

This two-year, part-time Master’s programme is designed for those who wish to study at postgraduate level and are keen to develop high-level skills in historical research. It is run by the Institute of Continuing Education.

Choosing postgraduate study

The Faculty of History is internationally renowned for its research and the originality and significance of work done by its academics. Your study will benefit from the breadth of the Faculty, which spans history from around the globe, from the ancient world to the present.

At the heart of our approach is your work with a supervisor. You may wish to nominate one during your application process (although it is not guaranteed the person will be able to accept you). Our people pages will help you locate a specialist in your field.

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How to apply & deadlines.

Applications for Postgraduate study are managed centrally in Cambridge.  You should make your application to the Graduate Admissions Office, and check the relevant deadlines for course and funding applications

You will need to have the right to work in the UK.   There is help available (for Tier 4 visas) from the International Student Team's Visa Advice Service.

Postgraduate support

Both the Faculty and the University have a great number of resources which are made available to our Postgraduate Students. These include resources to help you with your studies, including dedicated research space for Postgraduates, and opportunities to develop your skills, including language classes and computer courses and sessions on how to publish your first book. 

Prospective students may also wish to see the central University's pages on  Academic Resources  for more information about what Cambridge has to offer.

Where next?

Is History at Cambridge right for you?  Take a look at what to expect when studying here and look at the kind of careers other students have followed after their course.

The vibrant research seminar environment at Cambridge is at the heart of the graduate experience. We offer many opportunities to engage with other scholars and present your own work.

History News

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History MA Alum, Jordan Brady ’23, Admitted to PhD Program

Congratulations to History MA graduate, Jordan Brady ’23, who has just accepted a position in the PhD program in Ancient History in the Classics department at the University of Cincinnati. 

• https://history.news.chass.ncsu.edu/2024/04/23/history-ma-alum-jordan-brady-23-admitted-to-phd-program/">

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Johnathan ocko memorial lecture series launched.

On April 9, 2024, the Department of History launched The Johnathan Ocko Memorial Lecture series to honor the legacy of Dr. Jonathan Ocko, the History Department’s former Chair and faculty member.

Public History MA student, Alana Gomez, curates Special Collections Research Center’s newest exhibit.

Public History MA student, Alana Gomez, blogs about her experience curating a new exhibit at the Special Collections Research Center at D.H. Hill Jr. Library.

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History M.A. Program Advising Sheet

Download a printable copy of this form:

Student Name      ______________________________________      Cohort Year _________________  

Field  _______________________________     Advisor Name ________________________________                                        

Foreign language requirement (as required by field of study)

Language  ___________________  Method of Completion  _________________  Semester Completed  _________                       

Coursework (30 credit hours)

Required:                                                                              Semester             Grade                           Credit

History 7900 (3 credit hours)                                           ________________  _______________  _________________     

Additional 7000-level courses (excluding 7193) (12 credit hours)

     History 7                                                                          ________________  _______________  _________________   

     History 7                                                                          ________________  _______________  _________________     

     History 7                                                                          ________________  _______________  _________________    

Other elective courses to complete the credit hour requirement: 

     Courses numbered at the 5000-level or higher

     Up to 6 credit hours of History 6193 or 7193

     6999, 3 credit hours, repeatable once, a total of 6 credit hours (for those pursuing the MA- Thesis option only)

     Up to 12 credit hours (3 courses) outside of the History Department (at the 4000-level or higher)

     ________________________________________________      ________________  _______________  _________________

Students may petition the Director of Graduate Studies for an increased limit in 6999/6193/7193 credit hours if necessary.

The Master’s Examination:

Advisor Name:  ___________________________________________________________                                                                          

Second Examiner Name:  __________________________________________________                                                                       

Date:  ___________________________________________________________________        

Decision: Satisfactory  __________      Unsatisfactory  __________      

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MA in Arts Administration Cost & Attendance

For the ma in arts administration graduate program, the total program is 36 credits (graduate classes are typically 3 credits each). graduate students tuition costs per semester is based on how many credits they are enrolled in each semester.  below is a breakdown for new york state residents and out of state or international students tuition rates., to assist with a better understanding of what to expect from overall tuition costs we have provided an estimated breakdown below for both new york in state tuition students as well as out of state tuition students. please note these numbers are based off what is currently in place as of 4/24/2024 and tuition rates are subject to change. all costs are quoted in usd., please note the costs listed above do not include cost of living expenses such as housing, food, transportation, books and supplies and personal expenses..

Additional Baruch College Tuition & Financial Aid Resources:

Baruch College Tuition & Fees: https://adminfinance.baruch.cuny.edu/bursar/tuition/  

Baruch College Academic/Refund Calendar: https://enrollmentmanagement.baruch.cuny.edu/registrar/academic-calendar/ 

The College’s tuition payment and refund schedule can be found here:  https://adminfinance.baruch.cuny.edu/bursar/tuition/refunds/

Information about Financial Aid for Graduate Students can be found here.  https://enrollmentmanagement.baruch.cuny.edu/financial-aid-services/financial-aid-graduate-information/

Please note: If your tuition and fees will be paid through an employee benefit, you will need to submit your voucher or letter from your employer that allows the College authority to bill them for your tuition and fees. The voucher or letter must be on company letterhead and state your name, student ID number, semester, and the amount of the voucher or what the voucher will cover. If you apply and our admitted into the program, your student ID number will be provided after you accept the offer of admission.

The information on this page was published 4/24/24

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News 2024: UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science and Technology receives grant to create new offshore wind graduate certificate program

The new program in Ocean Observing, Modeling, and Management of Offshore Wind will begin enrolling students in spring 2025

UMass Dartmouth recently received a $297,220 grant through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) Offshore Wind Works program. Supported by Vineyard Wind and SouthCoast Wind, the program provides workforce training and education in offshore wind with a focus on increasing access to opportunities for young people from underrepresented communities.   

This award will fund the creation of a new graduate certificate program in Ocean Observing, Modeling, and Management of Offshore Wind at the School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) . In addition to developing the coursework and online modules for the new certificate program, funds will also be used to support internship programs to provide experiential learning opportunities. The grant will also fund scholarships for students in the program, prioritizing those from low-income and underrepresented communities, and members from federally recognized or state-acknowledged tribes. The program will welcome its first cohort of students in spring 2025. 

Building on a strong foundation 

The development of this new program reflects UMass Dartmouth's position at the center of coordinated blue economy science and leadership in Massachusetts. The SouthCoast is a prime example of where scientific expertise in interactions among blue economy sectors will be needed; the region is both a hub for offshore wind developers and home to the nation’s most valuable fishing port, New Bedford. The marine science programs and initiatives at SMAST provide an ideal foundation for further integration of ecosystems thinking into offshore wind and marine resource management through interdisciplinary and community-engaged workforce training. 

The new program will also expand on existing efforts by UMassD and SMAST to extend career and educational opportunities to students historically underrepresented in STEM and marine science.  SMAST runs a paid summer internship program for students from New Bedford High School to introduce them to careers in marine science and technology. This summer, the award will support several of these internships.  

"We are immensely grateful for the funding received through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Offshore Wind Works program,” said Associate Professor Gavin Fay. “This support not only reinforces SMAST’s leadership in offshore wind scientific workforce development but also enhances our research capabilities in a sector critical to sustainable energy futures. This grant enables us to continue to create accessible and innovative educational opportunities in marine science."

“This support not only reinforces SMAST’s leadership in offshore wind scientific workforce development but also enhances our research capabilities in a sector critical to sustainable energy futures." Associate Professor Gavin Fay

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Apr 17, 2024 The 2024 Outstanding Scholarship Mentorship awards announced

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