Master's in History

Make a career in history your future

History includes politics, economics and aesthetics, as well as social, spiritual and cultural relations—our past, our present and our potential as human beings. The history graduate program, mindful of the discipline’s manifold importance and application, offers master of arts and doctoral degree programs in breadth and depth.

 

30

Program Credits

2

Years to Complete

A

Accelerated Degree Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduate study in history allows students to increase their knowledge of the past and the processes that have shaped the human experience. Such study may prepare students for careers in scholarship, teaching or certain public service fields.

Choose from three areas of study

The three major areas in the master of arts program and corresponding fields are:

  • European History – Medieval, Early Modern or Modern
  • United States History – Early U.S. or Modern U.S.
  • Global Studies 

Graduate education in the humanities is affordable

The Graduate School is excited to offer all students in humanities graduate programs a $500 per credit hour rate. Take advantage of this nearly 60-percent tuition reduction in the following master of arts programs: English, History, Theology and Philosophy. This competitive rate reflects Marquette’s commitment to the humanities, which are at the heart of our Catholic, Jesuit tradition.

 

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Learning Outcomes

1. Construct syntheses of factual and historiographical information in two distinct fields of history.

  • The measure used is the comprehensive examination—an eight-hour written examination, with six hours devoted to the student’s major field and two hours to a minor field.

2. Use historical research tools and methods to write article-length papers on original, historical topics.

  • The measure used is the final MA Essay, usually a revised and expanded seminar paper evaluated by the faculty adviser with the director of graduate studies using the rubric developed by the graduate faculty.

History Graduate Students

Around 40% of our MA students enter doctoral programs (both at Marquette and other schools). An additional 20% are applying their studies to work in public history or library and information science. Of the remaining 40%, there is a healthy mix of teachers, those working in academic administration and student affairs in colleges and high schools, as well as those working in business.

See where our other graduate students have been placed since Graduate School. 

Recognized Faculty

Current members of the department have been awarded grants in the following areas: 

  • Fulbright-Hays
  • Mellon Foundation
  • Fulbright
  • Rockefeller Foundation
  • ACLS
  • NEH
  • American Philosophical Society grants
  • Marquette University Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence
  • College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Award for Advising

Our faculty have also published books by top university presses like Cambridge, Johns Hopkins, North Carolina, California, NYU, Oklahoma, Syracuse and Kansas, and by academic presses like Routledge, Berg, Brill and Bedford-St. Martin’s. 

Career Opportunities

While maintaining a focus on academic excellence and continuing to anchor our program in the intellectual rigors of historical inquiry, we also actively support those planning for careers outside the academy.

Career planning begins in our orientation program and continues in discussions through our coursework and workshops, often in conjunction with Marquette’s Center for Teaching and Learning, the Preparing Future Faculty and Professionals program and Career Services.

Take the next step towards your future

 

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Application Deadline

Students begin their studies in the fall of each academic year. This program offers rolling admission, which means you may apply any time before August 1 for the fall term. International applicants must apply by June 1 for the fall term.

 

 

Application Requirements

Read all application instructions prior to beginning an application.

  • Copies of all current and previous college/university transcripts except Marquette1
  • A one-page statement of purpose specifying proposed areas of study and academic interests
  • Three letters of recommendation from former teachers
  • For doctoral applicants only: a writing sample. Ideally, the sample should be the master’s thesis, but, for graduates of non-thesis programs, it may consist of a formal seminar paper.
  • For international applicants only: TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency

1Upon admission, final official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities, with certified English translations if original language is not English, must be submitted to the Graduate School within the first five weeks of the term of admission or a hold preventing registration for future terms will be placed on the student’s record. 

Financial Aid

Private scholarships may also be available. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for student loans to help fund their educational expenses as well.

Trinity Fellows Program

Students interested in the history master's program may want to consider applying for the Trinity Fellows Program as well. The Trinity Fellows graduate fellowship program is dedicated to developing urban leaders with a commitment to social and economic justice. Trinity Fellows participate in a 21-month study/ work program while earning a master's degree. Those who have completed a full-time service program (minimum 10 months), and/or have worked for 2+ years in the nonprofit sector are eligible to apply. Details and instructions to apply are found on the Trinity Fellows website.