Master of Arts - History

The Master of Arts in History builds students’ expertise in the field of history with an additional focus on the critical study of the history of media and/or Digital History (the use of digital technology to answer historical questions) in presenting history to the public. Historians have always used various media to communicate information about the past and they have always taken advantage of advances in technology to teach the public about its history.

The Master of Arts in History program offers students opportunities to explore media as they have changed over time, beginning with the earliest oral and visual forms of historical communication through the rise of modern electronic media. Those pursuing the Master of Arts in History are required to take courses that develop their skills in critically analyzing media as they relate to history and to acquire skills in Digital History to convey historical information to the public.

This program is designed to provide students with a practical degree that prepares them for a variety of post-graduate careers including: community college and post-credential teaching (enhanced by training in history and the new media classroom); public history (including museumship, historical societies, and electronic archives); media and journalism; doctoral education; urban planning; local, state, and city governmental jobs; public service; and a number of other possibilities both in the public and private sectors. The program is designed to offer them the opportunity to practice their skills in the workplace.

Some students may elect to pursue the option of an internship in a public or private agency where their training in historical content and media/technology can be practically applied. Additionally, the program, in an effort to serve them who are interested in educational careers in history at the college level, offers a curriculum that will allow them to explore pedagogical issues associated with history teaching and to gain actual experience teaching history in college classrooms.