The Master of Arts in History helps you develop skills to advance your career.
As a student in the program you will learn how to think critically about historical topics and narratives, to analyze primary source material from the past, to conceptualize and organize independent research projects, and to write clearly and persuasively.
Graduates of the program use these skills in the classroom as teachers and professors; at historical sites as park rangers and museum educators; and in historical societies, publishing houses, and many other areas.
Our exceptional faculty members offer specialized courses in areas related to their research interests. They also mentor students one-on-one, sharing their professional expertise and helping students hone their abilities.
Students in the M.A. program choose one of two concentrations: thesis or non-thesis. There is also a Public History Certificate, which can be incorporated into either concentration or completed as a stand-alone credential.
Concentrations
The thesis concentration is for students who want to develop your research and writing skills to the fullest. After completing coursework, they work with a faculty member of their choosing on an original research project. This concentration is recommended for students who are interested in moving on to a Ph.D. program or who are passionate about a historical topic they want to explore in depth.
Requirements at a glance: 30 credit hours including Introduction to Research, the comprehensive exam, and a thesis.
The non-thesis concentration is for students who want to develop their historical skills and content knowledge without writing a thesis. It can be combined easily with the public history certificate for students interested in that field, but is also appropriate for teachers who want to deepen their historical knowledge and understanding.
Requirements at a glance: 30 credit hours including Introduction to Public History and Introduction to Research, an internship, and the comprehensive exam.
Course Offerings
Students in both concentrations select one area to specialize in, taking at least three courses in that area, and must take at least one course in the other two areas.
United States History
- 20th Century American History
- Abolitionism
- African American History
- American Conservatism
- American Social Movements
- American Women's History
- Asian American History
- Civil War and Reconstruction
- Civil War Prisons
- Constitutional History and Law
- History of American Ideas
- History of American Sports
- Interpreting Civil War Sites
- Labor and Industrial Relations
- The "Long" Sixties
- The Modern Civil Rights Movement
- US Military History
- US since 1940
- Western Expansion
European History
- Britain in the Age of Discovery and Revolution
- The British Empire
- Early Modern Europe
- Europe in Crisis, 1914-1939
- The French Revolution and Napoleon
- Nationalism and Democracy in 19th Century Europe
- Transatlantic Trade: A History
Non-Western History
- 20th Century Imperialism
- Colonialism and Nationalism in South Asia
- History through Film
- Modern History of Japan and Rimland East Asia
- Modern History of the Middle East
- Modern History of Vietnam and Southeast Asia
- Modern History of Women in Asia
- Revolution in China
Public History Certificate
This 12 credit certificate can help prepare you for a variety of careers in public history, including archives, curation, documentary film making, grant writing, and historical interpretation.
The certificate includes an internship at one of our region's many historical sites which includes, Grey Towers National Historic Site, Gettysburg National Military Park, and Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Contact Us
Campus Address
Stroud Hall 409
(570) 422-3286
Department Chair, History & Geography
Dr. Jeffrey Hardy
jhardy@esu.edu
(570) 422-3660
