History - MA

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a thriving center of intellectual excellence that encompasses 14 academic departments and 80 degree programs. Its more than 2,500 students are engaged in a wide variety of challenging courses and hands-on learning experiences that extend across all areas of the humanities and sciences – from the great philosophers and classic literature to the world economy and environmental sustainability.

At the core of each department are faculty members who have garnered national acclaim for their best-selling books, ground-breaking research and creative endeavors. Together, students and their professors explore globally significant subjects and work towards the goal of improving every aspect of the way in which human beings live. To learn more about a specific area of study, click on the left-hand navigation bar for a full listing of academic departments.

The department
Undergraduate and graduate studies within the Department of History are dedicated to providing students with an education that enables them to understand their place in contemporary society by exploring how individuals, ideas, and social conflicts in the past created historical change.

Our faculty of accomplished historians will introduce you to the histories of America, Europe, Latin America, and the Ancient world. We also offer thematic courses on historical subjects that transcend geographic and chronological boundaries, including the history of science and medicine, ethnicity and migrations, cultural history, religious history, urban history, and the history of women, family, and sexuality. All of our courses emphasize the importance of asking questions, analyzing evidence, and evaluating conflicting interpretations.

The Department of History has a chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society, and annually awards prizes for majors who have excelled in history courses and for the student who has produced the best senior essay.

M.A. in History
The 30-credit Master of Arts in History is designed for educators, or those considering entering the field of teaching, those in the fields of law, journalism, business, and government seeking to deepen their knowledge of history. It also provides a springboard for those who plan to enter doctoral history programs. Graduates of the Master’s program are ideal candidates for positions as researchers, journalists, museum curators and public service professionals.

The Master’s program places emphasis on acquiring proficiency in a wide range of historical scholarship, developing analytical and research skills, and producing well-argued written and oral presentations. Faculty members in the Department of History have broad teaching and research interests, with particular strengths in American, European, and Latin American history. Courses are scheduled in the late afternoon or evening to accommodate those who are employed full- or part-time.