History Master's Degree

Our mission

The Master of Arts in History is a 30-credit-hour program that enables students to develop and hone the skills and techniques professional historians use to analyze the past.

Our program seeks to develop in students an understanding of not only past events but also how different historians have interpreted them.

This program is open to both seated and online students. It can be completed 100% online.

Explore your master's program

Study numerous historical fields within the broad curriculum of our Master of Arts (MA) in History.

Develop the skills needed to pursue independent research.

Two students seated at their desks have a discussion during their graduate history education class. In the background, Dr. Travis Seay gives feedback to a student on his presentation.

Student learning outcomes

Learn about the program's aims

Discover how a graduate degree in history will benefit you.

Students in Dr. Chelsea Davis' world history class discuss and draw an image of WWII propaganda on the screen at the front of the class.

Core curriculum

Find out what you'll study

Examine the required learning material and seminars to get a master's in history.

Dr. Chelsea Davis checks in with her students during a class activity.

Tracks of study

Choose an emphasis area

Focus your degree in one of our three option areas.

Research requirements

Prepare for in-depth research

Understand what you need to do to complete your research seminar and/or thesis option.

Why earn your master's degree in history at MSU?

Get a grasp on the past – Enjoy courses covering a wide range of historical periods and geographical regions, from ancient Egypt and medieval Europe to Nazi Germany and the American Civil War.
Receive career guidance from the experts – Whether you want to enter a doctoral program or a specific career field, your knowledgeable professors will prepare you for graduation and beyond. Prepare for jobs in education, law, journalism, cultural preservation and more.
Adapt your academics to fit your goals – Choose from three different tracks of study and explore thesis and non-thesis options. You can earn your history master's degree completely online, a perfect route for working students and distance learners.
Join our friendly learning community – Participate in departmental events and gain practical experience in an internship. Our department also offers a limited number of scholarships as well as both full- and part-time graduate assistantships.

Degree options

Earn your degree on a timeline that suits you. You can pick from a variety of classes that match your interests.

Degree option

Traditional master's

Start earning your master's degree after you complete your bachelor's. Degree plans are available for full- or part-time students.

Degree option

Accelerated master's

Get started on your graduate studies as you finish your bachelor's degree (major).

Embrace your future

Build up your career expertise and thrive in the workforce.

Susan Hardy, a history intern at the Greene County Archives, places an artifact in a display case.

Careers and Outcomes

Explore your potential career paths

Take history with you wherever you go. Share your knowledge in museums, schools, libraries, and more.

Grace Mudd writes on the whiteboard in her classroom at Cherokee Middle School.

In-service teachers

Take your teaching to the next level

Learn about how a graduate degree in history can help you advance in your career.

Alumnus spotlight

From student to faculty

Dr. Maurice Gipson earned his M.A. in history at Missouri State. Since then, he's been a champion for activism and intellectual dialogue in African and African American studies.