Virtual Open House - Tuesday, May 5, 2026: 5-6:30 p.m.
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom! You'll have the opportunity to learn more
about ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, understand the Graduate School application process,
and meet key program representatives.
What You'll Learn
The Master of Arts in History is a 30-semester hour program that includes foreign
language studies, a comprehensive reading list and a focus on research methods. Students
will also get valuable practical experience by creating their own professional journal
and will have the chance to present findings and research at conferences. Students
concentrating on Cherokee Studies have the unique opportunity of immersing themselves
in the culture as ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is located in the heart of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Where You'll Go
Many graduates choose to continue their studies in a doctoral program, but those looking
to enter the workforce have exciting opportunities. Many will use their skills to
teach in secondary or post-secondary classrooms. Museums offer a variety of jobs,
such as archivists, researchers and curators, that allow you to continue hands-on
work with public history. Other opportunities in the public and private sectors exist
for graduate-level degree holders.
A graduate degree in history could be the ticket to your future working in education,
pursuing a career in the museum industry and a number of other career options in the
private and public sectors. A Master of Arts in History is also a great way to prepare
for doctoral studies. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ offers four concentrations for its
M.A. in History: American or European concentration (non-thesis option), American
or European concentration (thesis option), Cherokee Studies option (American concentration,
thesis or non-thesis) and Public History option (American concentration).
Degree Options
School
College of Arts & Sciences, Department of History
Location
Cullowhee Campus
Length
Full-Time or Part-Time Options
Time to Complete:
2 years (full-time)
Credits:
30–36 credit hours (depending on thesis or non-thesis track)
App Deadline:
February 1 (for Fall admission; priority consideration for assistantships)
More About Our Master of Arts in History Program
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s M.A. in History provides rigorous, graduate-level training in historical research,
analysis, and interpretation. Students build advanced competency in historiography,
archival research, and scholarly writing while exploring diverse fields such as U.S.
history, European history, public history, and thematic or comparative studies.
The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options, allowing students to tailor their studies toward academic research, teaching, museum
and archival work, or professional pathways that value strong analytical skills. Through
close mentorship with faculty, seminar-based coursework, access to regional archives,
and opportunities for applied historical work, students develop the expertise needed
to think critically about the past and communicate historical knowledge effectively.
Students develop advanced skills in historiography, archival research, interpretation,
and scholarly communication. The program prepares graduates for doctoral study, teaching,
museum and archival work, and careers that value strong analytical abilities.
Students in the M.A. in History program at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ may tailor their studies by selecting from several concentrations and program options.
Through immersive research and project-based learning, students learn to analyze complex
historical questions and interpret evidence effectively. This experience strengthens
preparation for doctoral programs and public history careers.
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