MA in History in Washington Dc United States | American University

The Master of Arts in History equips students for doctoral studies or careers in education, public service, and diverse professional fields. Through this program, you'll gain advanced insight into historical research methods while conducting original investigations of the past. By creating scholarly work, you'll enhance your analytical abilities, define your research focus, and improve your writing and interpretive techniques.

This program particularly suits those focusing on American or modern European history, yet offers flexibility to explore other areas. Students can expand their studies through electives and research in public history, gender studies, political and diplomatic history, Jewish studies, and other faculty specialties. We promote a critical, interdisciplinary approach to historical examination.

This 30-credit curriculum strengthens writing, research, and analytical capabilities while expanding historical understanding. The first semester introduces historical methodology through the Historian's Craft course. Students then deepen their specialization with six credits of colloquium courses in US or European history, followed by six credits of research seminar for original scholarship. Alongside the Public History track for museum, preservation, and media careers, the program offers extensive elective options to develop specialized knowledge and innovative perspectives.