Master of Arts in History

Hours: 30 On-Campus Online

About

The Master of Arts in History at Fort Hays State University delivers a comprehensive and rigorous education in historical studies, tailored to support a diverse range of professional and academic goals. Whether preparing for doctoral studies, enhancing teaching credentials, or applying historical expertise in government, media, or the private sector, graduates of this program gain in-depth knowledge and critical skills in historical research and analysis.

Available both online and on campus, this program is distinguished by its flexibility and the option to complete a thesis, making it well-suited for students seeking a personalized educational experience. Its structure accommodates traditional students as well as working professionals, offering multiple pathways aligned with varying career objectives and academic interests.

Furthermore, the program features an accelerated track that enables high-achieving undergraduates to transition seamlessly from a B.A. in History to an M.A. in History. This pathway integrates advanced undergraduate and graduate coursework, facilitating timely degree completion. Faculty members identify and invite exceptional students, typically at the junior level, to participate in this opportunity.

Why pursue a Master of Arts in History at Fort Hays State University?

Choosing to pursue an M.A. in History means engaging in a curriculum that combines extensive historical knowledge with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and research skills. The program stands out for its fully online delivery option, which includes the ability to complete a thesis remotely. This flexibility enables students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments without sacrificing educational quality.

Additionally, the Department of History and Philosophy at FHSU is recognized for its dynamic faculty, who are both dedicated educators and active researchers. Their expertise covers a wide range of historical topics, offering students current insights into traditional subjects as well as emerging trends and methodologies in the field.

Who is this program for?

The program is designed for a diverse group of individuals united by a passion for history and a commitment to exploring the complexities of the past. Whether pursuing advancement in academia, seeking opportunities in educational institutions, museums, or archives, or applying historical perspectives to careers in law, government, or consulting, the program supports a wide range of professional goals.

Individuals aiming for academic careers in history
Professionals seeking roles in education, archives, or museum management
Those interested in careers in research, law, or government
Students planning to pursue a Ph.D. in history

Learning Outcomes

The Master of Arts in History is designed to foster a deep understanding of history and its methodologies, preparing students for a variety of professional and academic paths. The program’s learning outcomes demonstrate a commitment to educational excellence and career readiness. Graduates will possess the ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate historical information effectively, equipped with skills applicable across numerous fields. Those who complete the program will be able to:

Critically Evaluate Historical Narratives

Graduates will demonstrate the ability to critically assess and contextualize historical narratives within their broader socio-political frameworks, effectively distinguishing among different historiographical approaches.

Conduct Independent Research

Students will acquire the skills to design and carry out independent historical research using both primary and secondary sources, following the highest disciplinary standards.

Effectively Communicate Historical Knowledge

Graduates will be skilled at conveying complex historical ideas and research findings clearly to both scholarly and public audiences, using suitable platforms and media.

Apply Historical Knowledge Professionally

Graduates will apply their historical expertise and analytical skills across diverse professional settings, enhancing their impact in educational, cultural, and policy-making roles.

Real-World Applications

The M.A. in History equips students with both a deep understanding of historical knowledge and the practical skills necessary to apply this expertise in various professional settings. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in education, contributing to academic environments or advancing into administrative roles. The program’s strong emphasis on research and analysis also makes alumni competitive candidates for positions in archives, museums, and cultural heritage organizations.

Students are encouraged to engage with real-world challenges through opportunities such as thesis research, which involves an in-depth investigation of primary and secondary sources. This hands-on experience is especially valuable for those pursuing careers in fields like law, where strong analytical and investigative skills are essential.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The curriculum continually incorporates the latest academic research and methodologies, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the discipline. This commitment prepares students not only to engage in current historical debates but also to lead them. By introducing emerging research and trends, the program equips students with the tools and perspectives necessary to analyze contemporary issues through a historical lens.

Additionally, the faculty’s active involvement in ongoing research brings fresh analysis and current historiographical debates directly into the classroom. This integration of new ideas and findings from the field guarantees that students receive a cutting-edge education.

Hands-on Activities

At Fort Hays State University, experiential learning is a fundamental element of the M.A. in History program. Students have opportunities to engage directly with historical practice through hands-on experiences such as internships at archives, museums, and historical sites. These placements allow students to apply historical methods and theories in real-world settings.

Moreover, students may present their research at academic conferences, further enriching their education. These activities not only deepen learning but also help build professional networks and connect students with the wider community of historians.

What You’ll Learn:

Critical analysis of historical texts
Research methodologies
Theoretical approaches to history
Application of historical knowledge
Presentation and defense of arguments

How You’ll Learn:

Interactive online and on-campus classes
Comprehensive exams
Participation in academic conferences
Collaborative projects with peers
Guidance from expert historians

Courses

The core curriculum includes Graduate Historical Methods, Historiography, and several seminars. Students may choose between a thesis and a non-thesis track based on their career objectives. A wide selection of electives is available, enabling students to specialize in fields such as American, European, or World History.

HIST 879: Historiography

This course is an examination of the development of historical writing from Herodotus to the present with particular emphasis on philosophies of history and on methodological issues.

HIST 889: Graduate Historical Methods

This course acquaints graduate students of history with major philosophical concepts and problems underlying their discipline and directs them through the steps of historical research methods to the final product of publication.

HIST 675G: Seminar in History

This is a research course requiring mastery of a limited topic with presentation and discussion of a research paper to the seminar.

Discover the full Master of Arts in History course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Graduates are well-equipped for a wide range of career paths. The skills and knowledge gained through the program are versatile and applicable across numerous fields, highlighting the enduring relevance and value of historical study.

Secondary School Teacher

Graduates with an M.A. in History are highly qualified to teach at the secondary level, contributing significantly to academic outcomes and curriculum development.

Community College Instructor

Community college instructors are engaging students in critical thinking about the past and its implications for the present.

Museum Curator or Manager

Museum curators or managers utilize expertise to manage collections, organize exhibits, and engage the public in historical learning and appreciation.

Historical Consultant

Historical consultants serve as consultants for businesses, filmmakers, authors, and others who need detailed historical analysis to ensure the accuracy and depth of their projects.

Government Research Analyst

Government research analysts apply historical research and analysis skills to inform government policy, cultural preservation efforts, and public knowledge about historical events.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the M.A. in History program at Fort Hays State University aims to identify and select students with the potential to make meaningful contributions to the field of history. The program’s comprehensive admission criteria ensure the enrollment of academically qualified candidates who also bring diverse experiences and perspectives. The qualifications required to join this distinguished group of scholars are outlined below.

Bachelor's Degree

Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 18 credit hours in history coursework, including at least one course focused on historical or research methods.

Academic Performance

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 in their last 60 credit hours. Those with a GPA between 2.50 and 2.99 may be admitted conditionally, provided they earn a grade of B or higher in their first six graduate credits at Fort Hays State University.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation that highlight their academic and professional abilities.

Writing Sample

Applicants are required to submit a writing sample that demonstrates research skills, advanced writing proficiency, and proper documentation.

Personal Statement

Applicants must provide a detailed personal statement outlining their academic interests, professional goals, and potential research topics.

Alternate Requirements for Advanced Degree Holders

Applicants holding advanced degrees must have completed at least nine credit hours of history courses during their prior studies with satisfactory performance.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,559.42* (on-campus) or $3,139.02* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the Graduate resident/regional tuition rate ($284.38/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate (348.78/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

Feel free to contact Dr. Kim Perez or Dr. Juti Winchester, History Graduate Advisors, if you have any questions.

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Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers a range of programs that complement and enrich the M.A. in History, addressing students’ interdisciplinary interests. These programs provide additional pathways for exploring academic and professional goals across diverse fields. The following outlines several related programs that students may pursue alongside or after completing the M.A. in History.

FAQ

Information about the Department of History and Philosophy

The Department of History and Philosophy at FHSU provides a rich educational experience that equips students with critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. Our History Programs offer in-depth courses that allow students to explore diverse historical contexts, preparing them for careers in education, research, public history, and beyond. Meanwhile, our Philosophy Programs challenge students to engage with fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and values, fostering advanced problem-solving abilities and a reflective approach to life.

Together, these programs offer a holistic education that combines the study of the past with the pursuit of timeless philosophical inquiries. Graduates from these programs are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to society and are equipped with the intellectual tools to excel in a variety of careers.

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