The History M. A. degree provides students with a rigorous introduction to the graduate study of history. Small classes taught by a dedicated faculty afford students close supervision as they learn to research and write about the heritage of our country and others. Established in 1938, the history graduate program is one of the oldest at Marshall University and in the state of West Virginia.
During the last fifty years more than 300 Master of Arts degrees in history have been awarded. The History Department offers courses in American, European, Asian, Latin American, African American and Women’s history. Students are encouraged to take classes covering a wide range of times and places as they discover the topic for their thesis or the subjects they wish to prepare for comprehensive examinations.
An M.A. in history allows students to explore their interest in the study of history at the next level. For students who wish to pursue a Ph.D., or history master’s degree, it hones their academic skills and enhances their prospects for admission into the doctoral programs of their choice. Students with a master’s degree in history are also attractive candidates for admission into other graduate programs such as law and library science. In earning an M. A. in History, you will acquire the ability to:
- Research and assemble material
- Analyze information
- Clearly and concisely present findings both orally and in writing
These skills are always in high demand by employers in private and public sectors.
- Find out which of our academic programs is right for you.
- Meet some of our current students and hear about their favorite Marshall moments.
- Receive invitations to special events for future students.
- Get help with the application and enrollment process.
Many graduate students take advantage of internships in the University Archives and Special Collections to enhance their archival research skills and explore a possible career option. The History Department supports three of our graduate students with assistantships that provide tuition remission and a generous stipend.
Graduate students are also eligible for several scholarships and monetary awards for outstanding work. Funding is available for research expenses and travel to present work at academic conferences.
Students working on their Masters of Arts in History will also have the opportunity to work with the Clio App. Developed by Marshall University historians, Clio connects the public to nearby historical sites throughout the United States, giving the public a different view of U.S. History.
- Lawyer
- Historians
- Museum Curators
- Teachers
- Librarians
- Geographers
Admission Requirements
Students who have not completed an undergraduate major in history must have at least 15 hours of undergraduate courses in history, including 12 hours in the World and American history surveys. Students with deficiencies may be accepted provisionally and may be asked to take undergraduate courses suggested by the Director of Graduate Studies before full admission to the program.
Deadlines
Applicants should follow the admissions process described in the Graduate Catalog, or at the Graduate Admissions website at www.marshall.edu/graduate/admissions/how-to-apply-for-admission.
All materials should be submitted to the Graduate Admissions office.
Applicants must also submit to the Graduate Admissions office:
- two letters of recommendation;
- a writing sample drawn from work in a college course;
- a personal statement identifying the applicant’s reasons for pursuing an M.A. and how the degree will contribute to the applicant’s broader plans (1-2 pages);