History (MA)

People often say that "history repeats itself," implying that there is a tangible benefit in accessing, absorbing, and understanding history. While many would deny that old adage, the implication is still true—history is not only relevant, but crucial for comprehending the present, articulating and justifying viewpoints, and preserving cultural identities. The practical need for historians is ever-present, including traditional historians, government employees, library curators, preservationists, secondary and post-secondary teachers, and educational publishers. The Master of Arts in History degree extends students' expertise in the discipline by effectively preparing them to apply their skills in a variety of professions and contexts. Students deepen their knowledge of the process of "making" history, through analyzing primary and secondary sources, evaluating historiography, applying research methods, defining and researching a specific area of history, and effectively defending and articulating theses. Students have the option of exploring history through traditional coursework, focused on research and writing, or by investigating subjects pertinent to public history, such as understanding the latest technology for preserving and digitizing history. Emphasis is also placed on strategies to keep the student on the cutting-edge of the field, such as using quantitative reasoning in historical analysis and information systems to promote the dissemination of meaningful interpretation of the past. This program will provide students the skills they need to function both ethically and practically in the real world and place themselves within the context of their field, whether in academia, the private business world, or the public realm. The abilities here will make the student a better researcher, writer, and critical thinker.