Program Overview

Master of Arts in History

The Master of Arts in History program at Western Washington University offers students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of historical methods and to produce an original work of scholarship. The MA thesis is filed with the library and in an online database available to researchers from around the world.

At a Glance

• Degree Type: Master of Arts
• Location: Bellingham, face to face
• Total Credits: 48

Program Information

Why History at WWU?

Western's History MA prepares students for positions as researchers, writers, teachers, and curators in a variety of public and private settings. It also prepares students to teach at the secondary or community-college level and for study at the PhD level.

Goals

This program prepares students:

• For positions as researchers, writers, teachers, and curators in a variety of public and private settings
• To teach at the secondary or community-college level
• For study at the PhD level

Application Requirements

• All applicants must complete the Graduate School's application and pay the application fee.
• Within the application, applicants will be prompted to upload an unofficial transcript from each institution attended. If admitted, applicants will be asked to provide official transcripts.
• Additional application materials are specified below. Applications will not be forwarded to the department for review until all required materials have been received by the Graduate School.
• International Applicants: Please review the requirements for information regarding Degree Equivalency, English Language Proficiency, and student VISA requirements.

Additional Application Requirements

• Three (3) Letters of Reference
• Writing sample: An academic research paper or literature review of 10-25 pages that showcases the student's abilities to utilize historical materials as well as effectively engage historical methods and theories (or those from a related field)
• Statement of Purpose: Please submit a brief essay (300‐600 words) addressing your qualifications for graduate study, by answering these questions:
  1. What purposes does the study of history serve, and why do you wish to pursue graduate study in this field?
  2. Which topic(s), time period(s), and/or field(s) of history would you hope to investigate (and have you contacted the appropriate faculty in the program at WWU regarding your proposed area(s))?
  3. What specific strengths do you possess that will be applicable to that endeavor?
  4. What do you hope to achieve while in the program and how does a graduate degree in history relate to your future goals?

Application Deadline

• Fall: Funding Deadline February 1; Final Deadline May 15

Program Details

The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of historical methods and the ability to produce original scholarship. The MA thesis is a significant component of the program, and students are expected to produce a high-quality work of scholarship that contributes to the field of history.

Testimonials

The History department at Western Washington University broadened my paradigms and narratives of history. Our cohort was pushed to consider how class, race, gender, and sexuality influenced the recording and telling of historical events. Those discussions were not always comfortable, but they gave me a foundation to teach in today's political climate and a framework to view my work.

Jennifer Reidel M.A. History 2007

As curator of the Lessing J. Rosenwald Graphic Arts Collection at the Library of Congress, I spend my days among rare books printed in the last five centuries. I meet with visiting scholars and artists, plan exhibitions and conferences, and work with antiquarian book dealers to find new items for the collection. After completing my master's degree in history at Western, I went on to earn a doctorate at Kansas University and complete a postdoctoral appointment at Washington & Lee University.

Stephanie Stillo M.A. History 2011