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MA in History

You have a knack for connecting the dots between the lessons of yesterday and the challenges of today. Put that exceptional curiosity to work with a master’s degree in history.

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Program Details

About

Master of Arts in History (MA)
In-person evening courses
30 Credits

Application Deadlines

Summer
May 1

Fall
July 15

Spring
December 1

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Overview

Studying history at the graduate level—with its focus on critical thinking, reading, and writing—is excellent preparation for careers in research, academia, business, communication, law, education, public service, and more.

The MA in History at Monmouth University is led by a distinguished faculty, with a broad range of expertise and perspectives—and you’ll get to work closely with them during your time here. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or continue into a PhD program, you’ll leave this program with marketable skills and a broader understanding of global issues.

With a highly customizable curriculum, you can create your own path of study. Whatever aspect of history you choose, you’ll be ready for the future.

Career Outcomes

A graduate degree in history opens doors to an incredibly broad range of career opportunities. Our students pursue positions with libraries and museums, research organizations and think tanks, traditional and digital media, and in schools and nonprofit settings. Additionally, an MA in history is excellent preparation for PhD programs and law school.

Learn More about Master’s in History Jobs

Curriculum & Research Requirements for an MA in History

History is a vast discipline—and our master’s program reflects that breadth and depth. You have plenty of flexibility to customize your course of study based on your interests. How fast you progress through the program is up to you, but students typically take two courses in the Fall and Spring semesters, and one or two courses in the Summer.

Course Requirements (21 credits)

Your history graduate studies will include required courses such as:

Historical Criticism; OR
- The Philosophy of History
- Introduction to the Study of History
Two U.S. history courses
Two European history courses
Two Non-Western history courses

View full degree requirements and course descriptions at the graduate catalog.

Electives (9 credits)

Customize your graduate history studies at Monmouth with a wide variety of electives that cover topics from the Renaissance to Digital History. We also offer a rotating selection of Special Topics in History electives; the themes will vary from semester to semester.

Thesis, Capstone, and Exam Options

Our MA in History can be customized to meet your academic interests and professional goals. Depending on your individual pathway, your master’s program may culminate in:

A master’s thesis – ideal for research-focused graduate students who wish to continue into a doctoral program
A capstone project – ideal for graduate students interested in pursuing careers in public history (museums, historic sites, etc.)
Comprehensive exam – ideal for graduate students with a more general interest in history

Application Overview & Requirements

Here’s an overview of the admissions process for our master’s degree in history:

Admissions Criteria & Application Requirements

To be considered for admission:

A four-year baccalaureate degree with a:
- Preferred minimum 2.5 overall GPA
- Preferred minimum 3.0 GPA in the undergraduate major

Your application must also include:

Two letters of recommendation; these should be from a professional or academic contact, such as supervisor, mentor, or colleague
Written statement that describes your historical areas of interest and how the master’s program will contribute to your professional and academic goals

Why Monmouth for Your MA in History?

Flexible Curriculum

Choose from a variety of required and elective courses based on your individual academic interests and career goals.

Expert Faculty

Study with world-class professors with a wide range of scholarly interests in history and beyond.

Enriching Experiences

Add to your credentials through independent research, GIS courses, archaeology digs, or public history projects.

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More Affordable

Learn more about tuition and financial aid options for graduate students.

Cost & Tuition

Graduate Student Financial Aid

Graduate Student Research Opportunities

Dive into the eras, events, and issues that interest you most. You’ll have a chance to embark on faculty-mentored research and present your work on campus and at national conferences.

Research and Curriculum Opportunities

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Man using an electronic device with a stylus.

Love maps and location systems? Monmouth University offers a 12-credit graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems. It’s one of only two programs in the state like it!

Geographic Information Systems Certificate

Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music

New Jersey history meets American history meets rock and roll history. Monmouth is home to the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music. Our collection has more than 35,000 artifacts dating back to 1927.

Visit the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Website

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band memorabilia, including all area access passes, bumper stickers, and concert tickets

Testimonial

“Monmouth’s MA in History helped me become more proficient and versatile in my professional life. I developed strong research and writing skills that enhanced my work as a post-secondary academic support specialist.”
Emily Homer

Program Faculty

Among the history faculty at Monmouth, you’ll find a diverse range of scholarly interests. They teach, research, publish, and present on topics such as the Japanese Empire, English Reformation, the Cold War, the Middle East, historical archaeology, gender in the United States, and the Beatles.