History M.A. or M.S.

Program type:

Major

Format:

On Campus

Est. time to complete:

2-3 years

Credit Hours:

Shape the future of history in higher education, public service and research.

The Department of History master's programs prepare students for a diversity of careers in research, education, public service, and other fields both within and outside the academy. You can focus your studies on the history of the United States or Europe, as well as the ancient world and many non-western countries.

Requirements Additional Requirements Tuition & Aid How to apply

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Why earn a History Master's Degree?

Graduate classes normally include eight to 12 students, allowing you to receive personal attention from the instructor. Course offerings are available in the areas noted above as well as in environmental, imperial, and women's and gender history. Our departmental strengths include Texas history, military history, and food history. Through extensive reading, writing assignments and specialized seminar classes, you'll strengthen your analytical, writing, research and presentation skills.

Our classes are taught by faculty who have published numerous books and articles, been awarded many research grants, and earned national and international recognition in their fields.

Marketable Skills

Mastery of historical research theory/research
Advanced oral and written communication
Qualitative data synthesis/analysis
Critical examination of sources and narratives
Design/deliver multi-audience trainings/presentations

History Master's Degree Highlights

Students earning an M.A. must demonstrate reading proficiency in a foreign language relevant to the student’s major research focus. Students earning an M.S. do not have to demonstrate reading knowledge of a foreign language.

For both the M.A. and M.S., thesis and non-thesis options are available to suit your goals and learning style.

Several nationally and internationally recognized speakers address faculty and students on different topics each year.

The UNT chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society, organizes scholarly and social events during the year.

Our department houses the Kingsbury-Thomason Departmental Library, the Military History Center and an extensive collection of books and films.

You'll also have access to several other major libraries and institutions in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, including the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, the National Archives at Fort Worth, the Dallas Public Library, the Dallas Historical Society, and libraries of numerous area colleges and universities.

What Can You Do With a History Master's Degree?

The knowledge and skills students gain while earning a history degree offer excellent preparation for a seemingly endless variety of occupations. Students of history learn to analyze and evaluate evidence with care, to communicate persuasively and clearly, and to understand diverse perspectives and experiences.

Many history majors directly apply course content to fulfilling careers as historians, museum professionals, historical interpreters, researchers, writers, filmmakers, and educators. According to the American Historical Association, history graduates work in almost every field imaginable, ranging from financial services to healthcare to community and social services and beyond.

Particularly large numbers of history majors leverage their critical thinking and communication skills for careers in business administration or management, sales, and in the legal profession. Earning an undergraduate degree in history also offers students excellent preparation for graduate school, launching them on pathways toward careers in fields such as higher education, journalism, law, and public policy.

History Master's Degree Courses You Could Take

The history of the Russian State Security Service from the 19th century to the present. Emphasis is given to the discussion of theoretical and historiographical works, as well as collections of documents, primary sources, and memoirs.

History of modern Egypt with an emphasis on the most important recent work in the field and engaging contemporary political and social issues.

Extensive readings and study of the history, theory, and methods of oral history. Emphasis is given to discussions of best practices in recording, editing, archiving, and presenting interviews; legal and ethical concerns; the overlaps and divergences of history and memory; and how oral history is used in museum exhibitions, plays, documentary works, podcasts, digital projects, and other media. Students also record and transcribe their own oral history interviews for the permanent collection of the UNT Oral History Program.

History of the Cold War in East Asia, emphasizing the profound effects of global competition between the Soviet Union and the United States on military conflict and everyday life in Korea, Vietnam, and other nations.

Introduction to research and writing skills that are demanded of professionals in the historical discipline in the 21st century.

Examination of the philosophies and techniques of teaching history at the college and university level.