History, Master of Arts (M.A.)

Thesis option: 30 credits
Non-thesis option: 30 credits 

Organized in the 1920s, the Master of Arts in History program at the University of Maryland provides broad and intensive instruction in bibliography, research, and writing in various fields of historical study. The MA degree may constitute a step toward doctoral research or preparation for a variety of other fields, such as archives administration, museum scholarship and exhibitions, public history, primary or secondary school teaching, law, or international relations.

Admission to the Master of Arts program is offered to highly qualified applicants holding at least a bachelor's degree, normally in history or a related discipline. Application and admissions procedures are described on the Department's website.

The MA degree program requires a total of thirty (30) semester hours of course work and research credits and the submission of one or two original research papers. In addition, MA students must successfully defend a thesis (the Degree-by-Thesis option) or pass a written examination (the Degree-by-Examination or 'non-thesis' option).

The anticipated period for completion is two (2) years of full-time study. The degree must be completed within five (5) years.

Thesis Option

Non-thesis Option