Master of Arts in History

Program Overview

Wright State University's Master of Arts in History program offers three concentrations: Thesis, Course Intensive, and Public History. The Thesis track prepares students for doctoral studies or research-intensive careers, while the Course Intensive track enhances teaching abilities and employment opportunities. The Public History track focuses on archival administration and museum management. Graduates pursue careers in academia, education, public history institutions, and other fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Arts in History program at Wright State University provides training for students aspiring to pursue a career as a professional historian in teaching, research, or public history (archives and museum studies). Alternatively, it can also equip students with a robust historical background for other vocational or avocational pursuits. The program prioritizes opportunities for specialized study and research while emphasizing the breadth characteristic of historical work. Recognizing the diverse interests and goals of students, the program offers three concentrations: Thesis, Course Intensive, and Public History, all leading to a Master of Arts degree.

Outline:

Thesis Track:

Students pursuing the Thesis track complete a standard number of advanced courses and then embark on preparing and defending a thesis based on primary source research. This track is recommended for students intending to continue their education through a Ph.D. in History or those seeking a comprehensive range of professional experience, including intensive research and writing. It ensures training in research techniques and the preparation of scholarly papers. Students must demonstrate a reading knowledge of a foreign language if deemed necessary for their thesis research, as determined by their thesis advisor. They are required to take HST 7000 (Historical Methods) and register for 3-6 hours of HST 7950 (thesis) near the completion of their studies. The thesis culminates in an oral defense before a panel of three professors, chaired by the thesis advisor.

Course Intensive Track:

This track is primarily intended for students who do not plan to pursue doctoral studies. Instead of completing a thesis, they enroll in two additional classes. Students must fulfill the requirements of the Graduate School and take HST 7000 (Historical Methods) along with four additional seminars and six other history graduate courses at the 6000 level.

Public History Track:

Students with a primary interest in a career in archival administration and/or museum management should opt for the Public History track. Their studies culminate in a capstone project. They must meet the requirements of the Graduate School and complete HST 7000 (Historical Methods). Students in all tracks are required to take HST 7000: Historical Methods (3 credit hours), History Courses numbered 7000-7460 (12 credit hours minimum), and History Courses numbered 6000-6870 (12 credit hours). The Thesis track also includes HST 7950: Thesis (3-6 credit hours), while the Course Intensive track requires History Courses Numbered 7000-7460 (15 credit hours minimum) and History Courses Numbered 6000-6870 (18 credit hours).

Careers:

Thesis Track:

Graduates typically pursue a Ph.D. in History, leading to academic positions at colleges or universities, administrative roles in professional organizations, or historian positions for corporations or organizations.

Course Intensive Track:

Graduates often work in secondary education and find that the degree enhances their teaching abilities and employment opportunities.

Public History Track:

Graduates pursue careers in museums, historical societies, federal, state, and local archives, state and federal park services, corporations, universities, and public programs in history education.