It is one of the leading Master's programs in the United States, both in terms of total degrees granted and in the number of our Master's students who go on to PhD programs. In order to meet various students' needs, the program provides training for those preparing for further graduate work, for those interested in a teaching credential, and for those planning to terminate their training at the Master's level and seek employment in areas for which they are qualified.

Thus the M.A. program is designed to accommodate students' varied interests and needs as they pursue a course of study under the direction of a committee of faculty members. Students choose their own committee, based on their interests and on those of the faculty. Together with their committee, students plan a program to give both breadth and depth to their understanding of the past.