Program Overview

Master's in History Program

The Master's in History program at Marquette University offers a comprehensive education in history, with a focus on academic excellence and career preparation. The program allows students to increase their knowledge of the past and the processes that have shaped the human experience, preparing them for careers in scholarship, teaching, or public service fields.

Program Details

• The program offers a Master of Arts degree with a focus on historical research and writing.
• The program requires 30 credits to complete, which can be finished in 2 years.
• An accelerated degree program is available for eligible students.
• The tuition cost per credit for the Master's program is $500.00.

Learning Outcomes

1. Construct syntheses of factual and historiographical information in two distinct fields of history.
   • The measure used is the comprehensive examination—an eight-hour written examination, with six hours devoted to the student's major field and two hours to a minor field.
2. Use historical research tools and methods to write article-length papers on original, historical topics.
   • The measure used is the final MA Essay, usually a revised and expanded seminar paper evaluated by the faculty adviser with the director of graduate studies using the rubric developed by the graduate faculty.

Career Opportunities

Around 40% of MA students enter doctoral programs, while 20% apply their studies to work in public history or library and information science. The remaining 40% have a mix of careers, including teaching, academic administration, student affairs, business, and more.

Faculty and Research

The History Department faculty have been awarded grants in various areas, including Fulbright-Hays, Mellon Foundation, and NEH. They have also published books with top university presses and academic presses.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or international equivalent must be completed prior to starting graduate school.
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
• Demonstrated English proficiency for non-U.S. citizens.
• For admission to the master of arts program, an applicant must have an undergraduate major in history or a closely related field.

Application Details

• A completed online application form and fee.
• Transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities.
• A one-page statement of purpose specifying proposed areas of study and academic interests.
• Three letters of recommendation from former teachers.
• For doctoral applicants only: a writing sample, ideally the master's thesis or a formal seminar paper.
• For international applicants only: TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.

Application Deadline

Students begin their studies in the fall of each academic year. The program has rolling admission, with the following deadlines:

• Fall term admissions: August 1 (June 1 for international applicants).

Financial Aid

Private scholarships may be available. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for student loans to help fund their educational expenses. The Trinity Fellows Program is also available for students interested in the history master's program, dedicated to developing urban leaders with a commitment to social and economic justice.