COURSE CURRICULUM

Wichita State University’s Master of Arts (MA) in History—Thesis Program in Local and Community History is a 34-credit-hour graduate degree designed to prepare students for advanced work in public history, archival research, museum studies, and community-based historical scholarship. The program focuses on the study of regions, cities, neighborhoods, institutions, and organizations, with a special emphasis on Wichita and Kansas history, while integrating traditional historical training with applied learning and field experience. Students begin with foundational coursework such as HIST 519 Introduction to Local and Community History and HIST 725 Advanced Historical Methods, which build essential research, historiography, and analytical skills. Regional expertise is developed through courses like HIST 528 History of Wichita or HIST 535 History of Kansas, allowing students to examine local development within broader historical contexts. The program also requires students to take specialized public history training through options such as HIST 703 Museum Administration or HIST 803 Internship in Public History, ensuring hands-on experience in professional historical environments. Seminar coursework in American and European history (HIST 730A–Z and HIST 733A–Z) strengthens comparative and thematic understanding, while additional 500- and 600-level electives provide academic depth and flexibility. The degree culminates in HIST 802 Thesis, where students complete an original research project focused on local or community history, demonstrating advanced research, writing, and analytical skills. Students must also complete comprehensive examinations in selected fields such as U.S. history, modern Europe, or local and community history, with written exams scheduled during designated periods in the academic year. Applied learning is central to the program, with practical experience integrated through coursework, internships, and engagement with museums, archives, and local organizations. Overall, this program prepares graduates for careers in public history institutions, museums, education, cultural preservation, government agencies, and doctoral study by combining rigorous academic training with meaningful real-world historical practice rooted in community engagement.