A master's student may pursue substantial training and research in a single subfield of history, within a foundation of broader coursework or substantial breadth over at least two subfields.

Our Master of Arts degree programs are highly flexible, so students can design programs tailored to individual needs. All MA students will work with a three-member faculty committee for their final capstone experience. The three-member faculty committee will take the form either of a thesis committee, an oral exam committee, or (for museum studies students) a project committee.

Applicants for admission to any graduate program in history should have a minimum of a B average in history, allied humanities, and social sciences. In addition, applicants must submit current scores (within five years) from the general test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The department assesses the student's entire application, including letters of recommendation and writing sample, in making its decision on admission. Deficiencies in an undergraduate program may be rectified by coursework as a special student, but such coursework cannot be used to satisfy requirements for an advanced degree.