Master of Arts in History
Develop historical knowledge, prepare for doctoral study and learn methods of historical research with the Master of Arts in History in Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts. This flexible, 30-credit master's program provides students with a deep understanding of major historiographical questions, with opportunities for students to tailor their curriculum based on their interests.
History MA coursework emphasizes basic issues of history and the latest approaches of professional historians. This master's program is designed for full-time students to complete their coursework in two years. In your first year, you will study the methodological and historiographical evolution of professional history. In subsequent semesters, you can concentrate your coursework in one geographical area while also taking courses focused on other regions. Students have the option to write a master’s thesis, the product of their own original research, over two semesters.
Faculty members in the History MA program specialize in the following areas.
- Diplomatic and military history
- Environmental history
- History of capitalism
- Modern history
- Public history
- U.S. social and cultural history
- Urban history
The History MA program provides enrichment opportunities for teachers in secondary schools, students who wish to pursue history doctoral programs and professionals in various public history fields. Philadelphia is a rich public history environment with numerous opportunities for internships and fieldwork.
The department is currently able to offer funding to some students whose work focuses on public history; it does not offer funding to students who concentrate in other fields.
Optional Concentration in Public History
The Center for Public History trains graduate students for careers in museums, historical societies, archives, national parks and anywhere else history is appreciated in public.
Students in Temple’s two-year Public History concentration choose from a variety of advanced graduate courses in American history, accompanied by specialized public history courses. Each course is built around a significant community-engagement project, and each student acquires real-world experience through a host of internships throughout the Philadelphia area.
Applicants must indicate their intent to concentrate in Public History. A limited number of tuition waivers and fellowships are awarded each year to the most qualified applicants.
An internship is required of students pursuing Public History as a primary or secondary field.