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New York University NYU College of Arts and Sciences Master's degree in history
New York University NYU College of Arts and Sciences

New York University NYU College of Arts and Sciences

Master's degree in history

Syracuse, USA

MA

English

Sep 2026

On-Campus

Key Summary

    About : The Master's degree in History offers an in-depth exploration of historical events, scholarly methods, and cultural contexts. Designed for those passionate about understanding the past, this program provides a comprehensive curriculum that enables students to engage critically with historical narratives and methodologies.
    Career Outcomes : Graduates can pursue a variety of career paths, including roles as historians, educators, museum curators, archivists, and researchers in various sectors. This qualification also prepares students for further academic endeavors, such as doctoral studies or specialized research positions.

The Master's degree in history offers students graduate work that serves a variety of needs and purposes. A master's program can be an end in itself for students whose personal and/or professional goal is an M.A. degree. The M.A. can also be a preparatory graduate degree en route to the doctorate; however, acceptance into the M.A. program does not constitute admission into the Ph.D. program in the Department of History. Students who decide they want to pursue a Ph.D. may later apply for admission to the doctoral program.

The M.A. in History requires the completion of 32 points of course work, of which at least 24 must be within the Department of History. No more than 8 points may be transferred from other graduate schools. Students must take the M.A. Proseminar, HIST-GA 2022, which provides them with an introduction to the professional study of history. Students must also write an M.A. thesis (normally determined by the end of the first semester). Students select a faculty advisor to direct the thesis and complete the M.A. Thesis Course (HIST-GA 3019) with the advisor in the final semester (4 points). All students enrolled full-time are expected to complete their course work after three semesters. Part-time students are allowed to stretch the program out over a maximum of six semesters.