History MA | Temple University

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.

Learn more about the concentration in Public History.

Concentrations

You can focus on History or you can take one of the following concentrations.

Public History

Combine historical analysis with museum management, historic site preservation and other field specializations for working historians. This two-year program includes advanced courses in U.S. history and a community engagement project.
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History graduate students participating in hands-on learning in the classroom.

The Barnes Club Conference

The Barnes Club Conference is one of the largest and most prestigious graduate student conferences in the region, drawing participants from across the nation and around the world. The annual two-day conference takes place in March during the spring semester. It gives rising scholars the opportunity to present their projects, receive critical feedback, and network to establish and expand their academic communities. Select conference papers are awarded cash prizes in various geographical and scholarly categories.

History MA students host the James A. Barnes Club Graduate Student Conference each year.

Program Format & Curriculum

Classes for the History MA are offered in-person on Temple’s Main Campus. The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Students may take up to three years to complete the History MA, although students whose advisors certify that they are making satisfactory progress may apply for a program extension for up to a maximum of five years.

Courses you are likely to take as part of the History MA curriculum include

Atlantic Revolutions,
Digital History,
Gender in History,
Nonprofit Management for Historians and
Studies in the Cold War.

Learn more about History MA courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

History PhD

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,105.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,518.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Program Contact

For questions regarding the History MA, contact the following staff member.

Travis Glasson is the coordinator for the program.
Email: travis.glasson@temple.edu

The following staff members lead the History Department.

Petra Goedde is the chair.
Email: petra.goedde@temple.edu

Rita Krueger is the graduate chair.
Email: rita.krueger@temple.edu

TJ Cusack is the administrator and program contact for the History MA.
Phone: 215-204-6678
Email: tjc@temple.edu

Seth Bruggeman is the coordinator for the Public History concentration.
Email: scbrug@temple.edu

Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your History MA coursework and enhance your graduate education experience through student clubs and organizations. You’ll meet and network with other students, become involved with the community, and build invaluable skills to help you realize your personal and professional goals.

The James A. Barnes Club fosters a sense of community among graduate students in the History Department. The club works to address the concerns and issues that graduate students face each day. It serves as a vital liaison between graduate history students and the history department, informing students about department events and voicing concerns to faculty. It also informs students about department events and activities, conference and career opportunities, and club social events.

Learn more about Temple’s student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

Temple’s study away programs offer you the opportunity to spend an academic year, semester or summer abroad. Complete coursework, participate in internships or collaborate in research while immersing yourself in the culture, history and people of your host city.

Through the Global United States Study program, the History Department coordinates international graduate student workshops and sponsors graduate student exchanges with the University of Angers in France, the University of East Anglia in England, and numerous other non-U.S. universities, affording you the opportunity to study and teach abroad.

Learn more about your options for studying away.

Accreditation

LA-HIST-MA

Additional Program Information

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