It strives to provide students not just historical content but also the ability to recognize and analyze themes and patterns across the historical landscape. The Master of Arts in History program is particularly well suited for pre-doctoral students, for secondary school teachers seeking additional enrichment, and for those interested in pursuing careers in public history. Close student and faculty contact is encouraged through a combination of lecture-discussion courses and research and reading seminars that are designed to broaden and deepen the students' historical knowledge and provide training in history as a scholarly discipline.

The History MA program is intended to prepare students for entry into doctoral programs in history and art history. Graduates of the program also are prepared for secondary-level teaching in history and social studies, as well as careers in public history (i.e., the practice of history in a non-academic setting).

In addition, the master's program in history develops a variety of skills that are basic to success in many careers in business and other professions. Recent graduates have demonstrated skills in conceptualization, research, analysis, and oral and written communication in careers in banking, the media, insurance, journalism, law, marketing and advertising, publishing, and government service.

All members of the graduate faculty participate in the activities of local and national historical associations and are active in research and publication in their fields of specialization. In recent years, faculty members have made important scholarly contributions in the form of books and articles on diverse topics, such as modern Germany, gender in late medieval and early modern Europe, 20th century black popular culture, American labor and immigration history, sexuality and gender in China, tenantry and landownership in the American revolution, tourism in New Orleans, Moroccan political and social history, and racial discourse and labor activism in the 19th century South. The MA program is designed to encourage students to interact closely with faculty in their areas of interest. Through research and reading seminars, independent study, and/or the writing of a master's thesis, students are encouraged to develop independent research and writing skills.