Master of Arts in History
Master's Degree
Graduate
History isn't just the past. It's your future.
The Master of Arts in history at SEMO is built for students ready to go deeper. You'll sharpen the skills that move careers forward, like critical thinking, research, and the ability to make sense of complex scenarios, all guided by faculty who are active scholars in their fields.
Where can a Master of Arts in history take you? Education, law, public policy, museums, government, archival work, and doctoral programs at top research universities. A history master's degree opens more doors than you'd expect, because the ability to think historically is rare and more valuable than ever.
What You'll Do
In the Master of Arts in history program at SEMO, you won't just read about the past, you'll truly investigate it. Every seminar, paper, and faculty collaboration is designed to push your thinking further and prepare you to do something meaningful with it.
While in the master's program, you can expect to:
- Work directly with primary sources and archival materials
- Develop and defend original research
- Build toward a completed thesis that reflects your own scholarly voice
- Collaborate closely with faculty who bring active research into the mentorship they offer
- Engage with a graduate cohort of peers who are just as driven as you are
What Can You Do with a M.A. in History?
A M.A. in History prepares you for more careers than most people realize. The analytical, research, and communication skills you build at SEMO are exactly what employers and institutions are looking for. A few options graduates could pursue are:
- Archivist/records manager
- Museum curator
- Policy analyst
- Government researcher
- High school instructor
- Community college instructor
- Legal researcher
- Paralegal
- Public historian
- Cultural resource specialist
And for those who want to keep learning, many master's graduates use their degree as a stepping stone into competitive Ph.D. programs or further education. In these paths, a strong thesis and meaningful faculty relationships make all the difference.
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Master's in History Outcomes & Jobs
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$78K
Historian
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for historians is $78,470.
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$60k
Curator
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a curator is $60,380.
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$59k
Archivist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for an archivist is $58,640.
What You'll Study With a Master of Art in History
Below you'll find everything from admission requirements to program structure for a master's degree in history. Start planning your path forward with confidence.
Required Courses:
- GH600 Introduction to Public History (3)
- GH610 Methods of Research in History (3)
- Any EH 500 or 600 Level Course (3)
- Any US 500 or 600 Level Course (3)
- Any WH 500 or 600 Level Course (3)
- GR698 Master's Final Comprehensive Examination (0)
Choose 12 Hours:
- Any EH 500 or 600 Level Course, GH 500 or 600 Level Course, HP 500 or 600 Level Course, US 500 or 600 Level Course or WH 500 or 600 Level Course
Choose 1 Group of 3 Hours:
- HP645 Advanced Project in Applied History (3)
- GH680 Teaching Practicum (3)
- GH695 Thesis (3)
- GH601 Independent Study in History (1) and GH601 Independent Study in History (1) and GH605 Capstone Experience (1)
must have the following:
- Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
- A letter of intent which indicates how the applicant’s past experiences have prepared them for a graduate degree in History and to succeed at the graduate level.
Letters should be addressed to the Director of Admissions. All documents should be
submitted directly to the Office of Admissions.
Provisional and Probationary Admission
An applicant lacking any of the above requirements may, under certain circumstances, be
admitted provisionally or on probation.
Graduate Assistantships
Getting the Job
M.A. in History FAQ's
Explore common questions about career opportunities, program length, and the skills you'll develop with a Master of Art in history.
Graduates with a Master of Arts in history pursue careers in:
- education
- museums
- archives
- historic preservation
- government
- nonprofit organizations
- cultural institutions.
Common roles include:
- historian
- archivist
- museum curator
- historic preservation specialist
- researcher
- secondary or postsecondary educator.
Many also use the degree as preparation for doctoral study or advancement in related professional fields.
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