Master of Arts in History

Understand the Past. Help Shape the Future.

Broaden your perspective and master the tools of historical scholarship with a Master of Arts in history from The University of Texas at Tyler.

Explore the past from a global point of view, diving deep into U.S. history, European history and world history in the process. Develop as a historian with applied courses featuring hands-on investigation. Undertake your own research under the guidance of an expert faculty mentor to develop a thesis, or specialize your historical knowledge with more electives in the non-thesis track. Graduate ready for doctoral studies or to make an impact with your advanced analytical skills and subject expertise.

Why Earn a Master’s in History at UT Tyler?

You know history matters. It’s a mirror that helps us see ourselves and our context with greater clarity so we can navigate our complex times with greater wisdom. Maybe you’ve been inspired by those who made history come alive for you and are ready to pursue a career in education. A graduate degree is the first step to engaging others in the past’s significance and effect on the present.

Or, you want to take part in historical research and preservation in settings like museums, libraries or historical societies. As a third possibility, you may aim to apply the critical skills and perspective of a historian to a career path in business, government or the nonprofit sector in East Texas.

Whatever your career goals, build a solid foundation at UT Tyler through:

• Inspiring Faculty Mentors: Learn the craft from experienced guides. Our faculty are published scholars and seasoned teachers who prepare you for professional success.
• Research: Work one-on-one with experienced faculty members on your own research project with the thesis track and build a strong CV for applications to PhD programs.
• Unique, Hands-on Experience: Don’t just learn about history; help write it. Students have participated in a local oral history project and joined research trips to Russia, China and Poland.
• Individual Attention: Build relationships to shape your career. With an average class size of 15, faculty become mentors and friends invested in your growth as a historian.
• Successful Placement: Our graduates experience a high level of placement success, whether seeking a teaching position in history or admission to a PhD program upon graduation. Graduates have continued their studies at UCLA, the University of Oklahoma and the University of California, Berkeley.
• Affordability: Build your skills without building a burden of debt. We offset our already-low tuition with graduate assistantships, scholarships and other forms of financial support.

Curriculum

The master’s in history is a 36-credit-hour course of study you can complete in two years. It is designed for those planning to pursue doctoral studies in history and further prepares you to teach history at the primary, secondary or junior college level or to work in public history or any position where careful, contextual thinking is needed.

Start with the big picture as you examine the legacy, philosophy and practice of recording and analyzing history. Then, explore a period of interest in depth with a number of available electives focusing on U.S. history (to 1877 or since 1877), European history (to 1715 or since 1715) and world history (African history or Latin American history).

Develop and defend your own research project with the thesis option. This is especially encouraged if you plan to apply for further studies. Or, take additional electives to expand your expertise in the non-thesis track.

Whichever track you choose, during your time at UT Tyler:

• Learn to analyze ideas and problems from a historical perspective for greater clarity and understanding.
• Solidify a comprehensive knowledge of history and acquire expertise in a specific area.
• Be prepared to conduct historical research and draw conclusions from the results.
• Sharpen your oral and written communication skills.
• Lay the groundwork for further studies in history.

View All MA in History Degree Requirements  Visit the History Department

What Can You Do With a Master’s in History?

Uncover success in many fields requiring more nuanced analysis and communication skills. Your unique, historically informed perspective allows you to see today’s challenges in a wider, more detailed context. Your soft skills are exactly what employers are searching for and highlight multiple paths forward.

Pursue a career as a history teacher in a high school or junior college, and share your love of periods, trends and events with the next generation. Continue your studies with a PhD and become a professor at the university level.

Or, find a home for your passion as a historian, writer, curator, preservationist or archivist working in settings like museums, libraries, educational institutions, government agencies, research organizations and consulting firms. Alternatively, apply your in-demand communication and analytical skills in the business or nonprofit sector.

Graduates of the program find work in positions like:

• Archaeologist
• Archivist
• Curator
• Grant Writer
• High School Teacher
• Historian
• Historical Preservationist
• Journalist
• Postsecondary Teacher
• Writer