The programme strives to provide students not just historical content but also the ability to recognize and analyze themes and patterns across the historical landscape.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 Department and the Art Department offer an interdisciplinary program that leads to a Master of Arts degree in History with a specialization in art history. The program provides a comprehensive approach to the integral study of history and art and allows for advanced training that broadens and deepens the student's knowledge about the relationship between art and history.

The program is broad in scope rather than highly specialized. Depth in a specialized area isachieved through independent study, thesis, and related courses in history or approved electives.The program is designed to accommodate both full-time students and those students who are currently working but are free for classes after 4 p.m. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program and the number of credits required, it is expected that the student will usually take two years (or longer if part-time) to complete the degree.

Although the Art Department is responsible for admission decisions for the art history specialization, the History and Art departments jointly supervise thesis advising and approve applications for graduation.

For non-degree students, graduate courses in art education and studio art also are available.