History (M.A.)

Program Overview

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The University of New Hampshire's MA in History offers customizable plans for students to specialize in a subfield (Plan A), pursue multiple subfields (Plan B), or prepare for a PhD (Plan C). The program emphasizes research methods, critical analysis, and historiography, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, archival management, museum studies, and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Objective:

The Master of Arts (MA) program in History at the University of New Hampshire offers a flexible and customizable curriculum that allows students to tailor their studies to their individual interests and career goals. The program provides students with a comprehensive foundation in historical research methods, critical analysis, and historiography. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in academia, research, archival management, museum studies, and various other fields.

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Description:

The MA program offers three plans of study:

• Plan A emphasizes research and training in a single subfield of history and requires a thesis.
• Plan B emphasizes breadth and allows students to pursue two subfields without a thesis.
• Plan C is designed for students who plan to pursue a PhD in History and allows them to take the PhD qualifying exams without completing an MA thesis.
All MA students work with a three-member faculty committee for their final capstone experience. The capstone experience can take the form of a thesis, an oral exam, or (for museum studies students) a project.

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Outline:

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Content:

The MA program in History covers a wide range of historical topics and periods, including:

• The ancient world
• Medieval Europe
• Early modern Europe
• Modern Europe
• European intellectual history
• Medieval England
• Early modern England
• Modern England
• Early modern France
• Modern France
• Early modern Germany
• Modern Germany
• Iberia
• Russia
• Early U.S.
• Modern U.S.
• Colonial Latin America
• Modern Latin America
• The Far East
• The Near East
• Sub-Saharan Africa
• The history of science

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Structure:

The MA program requires the completion of at least 30 credits of coursework. Students must take at least eight courses in history numbered 800 or above, including at least one research seminar. Plan A students must also complete a 6-credit thesis (HIST 899 Master's Thesis). Plan B students must take at least 10 courses in history numbered 800 or above, including at least one research seminar, and pass an oral exam. Plan C students must complete at least 30 credits of coursework, submit a seminar or other research paper, and pass the PhD qualifying exams.

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Course Schedule:

The course schedule for the MA program in History varies depending on the student's individual plan of study and the availability of courses. However, students can expect to take a combination of core courses, elective courses, and research seminars.

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Assessment:

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Methods:

Students in the MA program in History are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Essays
• Exams
• Research papers
• Oral presentations
• Capstone projects

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Criteria:

The criteria for assessment vary depending on the course and the assignment. However, students are generally expected to demonstrate their knowledge of the course material, their ability to think critically, and their writing and research skills.

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Teaching:

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Methods:

The MA program in History uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Independent research

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Faculty:

The faculty in the Department of History are experts in a wide range of historical fields. They are dedicated to teaching and mentoring students, and they provide students with the support and guidance they need to succeed in the program.

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Unique Approaches:

The MA program in History offers a number of unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:

• The History Honors Program: This program provides high-achieving students with the opportunity to conduct independent research and complete a thesis.
• The Museum Studies Certificate: This certificate program provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to work in museums and other cultural institutions.
• The Digital History Initiative: This initiative provides students with the opportunity to learn about and use digital tools for historical research and teaching.

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Careers:

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Paths:

Graduates of the MA program in History have gone on to careers in a variety of fields, including:

• Academia
• Research
• Archival management
• Museum studies
• Public history
• Education
• Law
• Business

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Opportunities:

The MA program in History provides students with a strong foundation for a variety of careers. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for jobs that require critical thinking, research skills, and writing ability.

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Outcomes:

Graduates of the MA program in History have been successful in obtaining jobs in a variety of fields. Many graduates have gone on to pursue PhDs in History or other fields. Others have found success in careers in academia, research, and other professions.