MA in History

The history master’s degree program stresses broad understandings of the past, the development of the capacity for specialized research, and the cultivation of collegial relationships. History MA students may concentrate on American history, modern European history, or public history and develop minor fields of study (outside fields), as well as (major or minor) cross-national and cross-disciplinary fields.

Department of History faculty offers coursework and guidance in political history, social and cultural history, diplomatic history, history of gender and sexuality, comparative history, history of imperialism and post-colonialism, intellectual history, history of medicine, African-American culture and history, ethnic history, and public history. The Department of History is flexible in its approach to graduate work. Students are encouraged to take initiative and responsibility for shaping their programs and fulfilling program requirements. The department emphasizes close consultation between student and advisor in defining fields of study, tools of research, and other features of a particular program. Graduate students are encouraged to take advantage of Washington, D.C., resources to complement coursework.

Faculty and alumni connections lead students to internships and employment. Alumni hold positions in The George Washington University Archives; Historic House Trust of New York City; Arlington House, NPS; Department of Heritage Education Services, The National Register, NPS; Eastern State Penitentiary Museum, PA; Design Minds, DC; History Associates; the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian Institution; the Smithsonian Institution Archives; Mount Vernon; and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.