The field of history has changed significantly in recent decades—and public interest in history has grown. From the development of the field of women's and gender history to new perspectives on cultural analysis and cultural diversity, the discipline of history has expanded in scope, theory and methodology. Moreover, increasing attendance at historical sites and museums, as well as interest in documentary films and the History Channel, has spurred the growth of the field of public history.

We offer a major MA in 19th- and 20th-Century American History and concentrations in Social, Cultural and Trans-Atlantic History, and—newly—Transnational Urban History. The concentration builds on the specializations of one of the largest concentrations of urbanists in a single history department in the country. Faculty strengths in this area include urban history, the built environment, labor, and trans-Atlantic history, the history of sexuality, the history of women and gender, the history of political economy and the history of popular culture and entertainment.

This is a 27-hour program culminating in a MA in history. Current historical research on particular subjects is treated in 400-level courses. Original research projects are pursued in 500-level seminar courses. Applicants for the MA degree should inform the Department if they intend to continue to the PhD level. This information should be included in the personal statement section of the application. Students may attend on a full-time or part-time basis