Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Master of Arts program in History combines classes taught by ASU's distinguished faculty in an online or in-person environment with an emphasis on the development of analytical and communication skills. It offers engaging content that deepens students' knowledge of history while developing their core competencies, which are applicable in a variety of settings.

Program Description

The MA program in History offers studies in North American, European, public, and global comparative history, and it provides students with opportunities for professional development through colloquia, internship experiences, and conference attendance.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe or Online
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree.

Degree Requirements

• 30 credit hours and a thesis, or
• 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (HST 593), or
• 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (HST 597)
• Required Core (6 credit hours)
  • HST 640 Historical Methods (3)
  • Pick one of the following:
    • HST 502 Public History Methodology (3)
    • HST 641 North American History (3)
    • HST 643 Global History (3)
• Electives (12 credit hours)
• Other Requirements (6 or 9 credit hours)
  • HST 500 Research Methods (3) and
  • HST 598 Special Topics (3) or
  • HST 500 Research Methods (3) and
  • HST 591 Seminar (3) and
  • HST 598 Special Topics (3)
• Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours)
  • HST 593 Applied Project (3) or
  • HST 597 Capstone (3) or
  • HST 599 Thesis (6)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements:
  • All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Additional Application Information
  • An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
  • The history program requires a TOEFL iBT score of at least 90.
• Application Materials
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Writing sample
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will gain proficiency in historical methods and demonstrate nuanced understanding of different historical lenses and interpretive frameworks.
• Students will be able to conduct and defend original historical research.
• Students will demonstrate successful attainment of program goals in research and historiography.

Career Opportunities

Graduates acquired advanced historical thinking skills as well as other skills employers consistently identify as highly valuable, including effective oral and written communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Graduates possess the fundamental training needed for careers in research, teaching, public history, government service, and a host of other positions in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Other career examples include:

• Business executive
• College instructor
• Diplomat
• Editorial and publishing professional
• Museum director and staff
• Nonprofit director
• Research professional
• Teacher

Additional Information

• The program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with History, BA.
• Online students must complete HST 597 Capstone and may not take HST 599 Thesis or HST 593 Applied Project as their culminating experience.
• For elective coursework, students should refer to the unit for a list of approved courses.