Masters programs in history not only examine the past and how it influences current issues such as politics, gender, race, and society as a whole. Students also learn how to put these historical events into a particular context, collect data, write reports, and of course, research!
GradSchools.com has helpful search tools to assist you in finding a school and a program that excites you and matches your career aspirations, or academic pursuits such as doctoral studies. If location is a factor in your decision, use the tabs to enter a city, state or country and then, browse these listings. Some of your choices might include Master of Arts in History, Master of Arts in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, or Historical Studies.
Once you have a few choices, request info from the schools to differentiate their curriculums, tuition, admissions requirements, faculty and other criterion. Some Masters in History programs entail both coursework and an internship as part of their curriculum, so make sure to inform yourself.
Potential Coursework in History Masters Programs
Naturally, history programs involve in depth analysis of a past event and this might include archeology, anthropology, sociology, political science, economics and education. In addition, coursework might include:
- Historiography
- Historical research and quantitative methods (advanced)
- Methodology Teaching history at the college level (if an academic track)
- Archival methods
- Editing for historical writing
FUN FACT: Historiography is the study of the methodology of historians in developing history as an academic discipline, and by extension is any body of historical work on a particular subject[i].
Explore a Career as a Historian
Graduates holding a Masters in History degree might find a variety of potential career paths, including teaching history, working as an archivist, Curator, or Museum Conservator, writing, editing, or working as policy analysts.
Archivists, Curators and Museum workers: Archivists appraise, process, catalog and preserve permanent records and historically important documents. The work of curators is to oversee collections of artwork and historic items, or conduct public service activities for an institution. Some of the areas they are employed include museums, historical sites, governments and institutions and most positions require a Masters degree in history. If you are intending to pursue this type of career, you might look into art history, archival science, museum studies or archaeology.[ii]
Some of the jobs for Historians and History Teachers (high school, and post secondary) may require a doctoral degree in history. Many historians hold a master’s degree in history or public history or complete a degree in museum studies, historical preservation, or archival management. Historians are employed by state, local or federal government, or professional, scientific or technical services, as well as by museums and historical societies.[iii]
Important Qualities of a Historian
Ideally, if you are planning a career as a historian you have:
- Good analytical skills, in order to study historical resources and draw conclusions
- Good communication skills
- Problem-solving skills to be able to decipher historical information
- Research skills to be able to examine information from documents, artifacts and other sources
- Writing skills in order to present your findings to scholars and the public
Ready To Pursue a Masters in History?
Finding an on-campus history master’s program in easy using the GradSchools.com website. While data does not indicate it is a very fast growing field, if you have a passion for it, in order to establish an edge over the competition, those with a master’s degree, or PhD are expected to have the best opportunities.
Sources: [i] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historiography | [ii] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/curators-museum-technicians-and-conservators | [iii} bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/historians | bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers
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