Master of Arts Degree in History
Studying history allows you to have a better understanding of the world today. A master of arts degree in history is an opportunity to focus on this understanding of history through scholarly research, culminating in a graduate degree that may open up a number of interesting career opportunities. Choosing to pursue a graduate-level degree in history is an important life decision, and understanding choices and requirements of the degree will help you with the decision-making process.
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Choosing a School
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Funding and financial aid are top concerns for graduate students. Find out if the schools you are interested in offer teaching positions or assistantships that will help fund your degree. The location of the university is often a deciding factor when choosing a program. Some universities offer an online master of arts in history program, which may be important for many students, particularly those who are unable to relocate. Narrow down your list by considering your interests and the concentrations each master of arts in history program offers. Also keep in mind the internship opportunities offered with local museums or other businesses that match your career interest.
Doctorate Degree
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When evaluating master of arts in history programs, consider whether you may want to continue with a doctorate program. Some programs allow you to earn your M.A. in history, and then continue on with your Ph.D. with that same university. Other doctorate programs may require you to have an M.A. from another university, while some programs do not offer a doctorate program.
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Admission Requirements
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Entrance into all programs requires a university-specific application, consisting of a personal essay and letters of recommendation. Most master of arts in history programs require an undergraduate degree in history or social science, such as anthropology, and will require that a minimum grade point average was met. Programs that do not require a degree in history usually require a certain number of credits in history from the undergraduate university. Most programs also require scores from a standardized test called a Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Also, depending on the program, a second language proficiency may be required.
Concentrations
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Each program is unique, and some universities offer a master of arts in history degree with specific concentrations. The concentration options for George Mason University, for example, include American history, European history and world history. Other programs, such as Norwich University, offer concentrations in military history.
Careers
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A graduate with a master of arts in history degree has many career options. Some history students plan to pursue a law degree or political career. Other master of arts in history graduates may plan to teach, while others may want to work in a museum conducting research or preserving documents and artifacts.
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References
- Western Kentucky University, Distance Learning: Master of Arts in History
- George Mason University, History & Art History: MA Program in History
- Norwich University: Master of Arts in Military History
- Western Oregon University: History Department
- Southeastern Louisiana University: Master of Arts in History
Resources
- Photo Credit Louvre Statue image by Richard McGuirk from Fotolia.com
