COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in History is a 30-unit graduate program that combines professional development, advanced historical colloquia, and graduate seminars to build strong research, analytical, and historiographical skills. The program is designed to train students in deep historical inquiry while also allowing them to specialize in major fields such as European, United States, or World history. It prepares graduates for careers in teaching, archival and museum work, public history, governmental research, and doctoral study.The program begins with 2 units of professional development through HIST 298 (Special Study), which is typically completed in the first semester and helps students begin shaping their academic focus and research direction. The core of the program consists of colloquia ranging from 8 to 12 units, where students develop advanced knowledge and historiographical skills. In the European History primary field, students may take HIST 209 (Colloquium in Ancient and Medieval Europe) and HIST 211 (Advanced Colloquium in Modern Europe), both of which can be repeated for credit and emphasize deep engagement with major European historical periods. In the United States History primary field, students complete HIST 210A, 210B, and 210C, which collectively provide advanced study of U.S. historical themes and interpretations. In the World History track, HIST 220 (Advanced Colloquium in World History) allows students to explore global historical developments and may also be repeated for credit.In addition to colloquia, students complete 8 units of graduate seminars selected in consultation with a graduate advisor, along with an additional 8 to 12 units of graduate or upper-division coursework that further support their specialization and research interests. These courses allow students to refine their analytical skills and deepen their subject expertise.The program culminates in a formal verification of completion of the culminating experience, ensuring that all academic and research requirements have been met. Overall, the MA in History provides rigorous training in historical analysis, critical thinking, and scholarly research across multiple geographic and thematic fields.