Since the professionalization of history in the late nineteenth century, historians have sought to explain not only what happened but why events unfolded the way they do. In subsequent years, this has led to an increasingly sophisticated volume of materials which deepen our understanding of the past.

The process has also led to the formulation, and frequently the subsequent refutation, of models of interpretation.In order to develop a proper understanding of the past, graduate students in history need to understand not only the events of the past but how historians have interpreted those events.

As such the History MA program is committed to exposing our students to the events of history, the records of history, as well as to those who have sought to explain them. In so doing, our graduate will understand history at a much deeper level than when they entered the program.