51¶¯Âþ

Master of Arts in History

Develop historical knowledge, prepare for doctoral study and learn methods of historical research with the Master of Arts in History in 51¶¯Âþ’s College of Liberal Arts. This flexible, 30-credit master's programÌýprovides students with a deep understanding of major historiographical questions, with opportunities for students to tailor their curriculum based on their interests.Ìý

History MA coursework Ìýemphasizes basic issues of history and the latest approaches of professional historians. This master'sÌýprogram is designed for full-time students to complete their coursework in two years. In your first year, you will study the methodological and historiographical evolution of professional history. In subsequent semesters, you can concentrate your coursework in one geographical area while also taking courses focused on other regions. Students have the option to write a master’s thesis, the product of their own original research, over two semesters.

Faculty members in the History MA program specialize in the following areas.Ìý

• Diplomatic and military historyÌý
• Environmental history
• History of capitalismÌý
• Modern historyÌý
• Public historyÌý
• U.S. social and cultural history
• Urban history

The History MA program provides enrichment opportunities for teachers in secondary schools, students who wish to pursue history doctoral programs and professionals in various public history fields. Philadelphia is a rich public history environment with numerous opportunities for internships and fieldwork.

The department is currently able to offer funding to some students whose work focuses on public history; it does not offer funding to students who concentrate in other fields.

Optional Concentration in Public History

trains graduate students for careers in museums, historical societies, archives, national parksÌý²¹²Ô»å anywhere else history is appreciatedÌýin public.

Students in 51¶¯Âþ’s two-year Public History concentration choose from a variety of advanced graduate courses in American history, accompanied by specialized public history courses. Each course is built around a significant community-engagement project, and each student acquires real-world experience through a host of internships throughout the Philadelphia area.

Applicants must indicate their intent to concentrate in Public History. A limited number of tuition waivers and fellowships are awarded each year to the most qualified applicants.

An internship is required of students pursuing Public History as a primary or secondary field.

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The Barnes Club Conference

The is one of the largest and most prestigious graduate student conferences in the region, drawing participants from across the nation and around the world. The annual two-day conference takes place in March during the spring semester. It gives rising scholars the opportunity to present their projects, receive critical feedback, and network to establish and expand their academic communities. Select conference papers are awarded cash prizes in various geographical and scholarly categories.

History MA students host the James A. Barnes Club Graduate Student Conference each year.Ìý

Program FormatÌý& Curriculum

Classes for the History MA are offered in-person on 51¶¯Âþ’s Main Campus. The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Students may take up to three years to complete the History MA, although students whose advisors certify that they are making satisfactory progress may apply for a program extension for up to a maximum of five years.

Courses you are likely to take as part of the History MA curriculum include

• Atlantic Revolutions,
• Digital History,
• GenderÌýin History,
• Nonprofit Management for HistoriansÌý²¹²Ô»å
• Studies in the Cold War.

Learn more about History MA courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

• History PhD