COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in History at University at Albany (UAlbany) offers a flexible and career-oriented program of study that allows students to choose between two distinct tracks: Academic History or Public History. Each track is designed to build strong foundations in historical analysis, research methods, and communication skills through a combination of reading-intensive and skills-based courses. Early in the program, students participate in a workshop where they learn how to develop a focused historical research question, explore relevant sources, and begin the process of analyzing and presenting their findings effectively. As the program progresses, students apply these skills to a capstone project that reflects their individual interests and career goals. This project may take various forms, such as a publishable research article, a museum exhibit, an oral history project, or another creative and scholarly work that demonstrates their ability to conduct in-depth research and communicate historical insights to different audiences. The program also offers valuable interdisciplinary opportunities, allowing students who qualify to combine their MA in History with an MS in Information Science or a Juris Doctor in Law, enhancing their expertise and expanding career prospects. Overall, the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research proficiency, and practical application, preparing graduates for careers in academia, public history, museums, archives, law, and other fields where strong analytical and communication skills are essential.