MA in History - Public History Track in Boston United States | University of Massachusetts Boston

Gain the analytical frameworks, research techniques, and critical reasoning skills essential for excelling in historical disciplines.
UMass Boston's Master of Arts in History presents a challenging yet adaptable curriculum focused on historical studies. More than just a series of classes, this program demands deep engagement with historical scholarship and practice. The MA functions as either a final degree for those pursuing diverse career paths or as preparation for doctoral studies elsewhere. This program strengthens your research, writing, and analytical capabilities while providing comprehensive historical knowledge.

Boston's prime location grants you proximity to numerous archives, libraries, museums, and historic landmarks. The campus neighbors significant institutions including the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Edward M. Kennedy Institute, Massachusetts State Archives, and Commonwealth Museum.

Our full-time History faculty conduct classes primarily during late afternoon and evening hours to suit working professionals. With seminar-style courses capped at 15 students, the program explores American, European, and global historical themes.

Public historians examine how societies commemorate and understand the past. They apply historical methods to preserve, curate, and present history for public engagement, working across museums, historic sites, digital platforms, and community organizations.

These professionals investigate public historical awareness and how different groups promote historical understanding and analytical thinking about the past.

Methodological training forms the core of public history practice, which is why this program awards an MA in History rather than a specialized public history degree. Students develop substantive historical knowledge, research proficiency, and foundational public history theory through this interdisciplinary approach that enhances professional preparation.