Master of Arts in the Field of History

Students delve into history with George Washington University's world-renowned scholars. The program's proximity to some of the most important research repositories in the world—the National Archives, the Folger Shakespeare Library, the National Security Archive, and the Smithsonian museums—makes GW an ideal place to examine a variety of fields, from Renaissance Europe to the Cold War, and from imperial and colonial studies to modern American political and social history. Because the programs are relatively small, students work closely with faculty and graduate with the knowledge, analytical tools and writing skills for a range of professions.

The MA program offers students the opportunity to focus on an area of their choice. Alternatively, students may opt to specialize in one of the departments' concentrations: History and Public Policy; Imperial and Colonial Studies; and US Legal History. The program prepares students for PhD work and careers that range from teaching high school, working for the government, or conducting research within the private sector.

Visit the program website for additional information.
 

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences - Office of Graduate Studies
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052

For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Frequently Asked Questions page.

Contact:

askccas@gwu.edu
202-994-6210 (phone)

Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.

A minimum of 30 credits in upper-level undergraduate and graduate-level courses, including completion of 6 credits in a field of focus.* Remaining credits are taken in elective courses selected in consultation with the advisor.

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 to remain in good standing and to earn the degree.

 *A field of focus is centered on a specific period, region, or theme. Students work with the MA advisor to decide the specifics of their field of focus. 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required
HIST 6005	Introduction to Historiography (*taken in the first semester)
HIST 6007	Historical Research and Writing
Thesis option (6 credits)
HIST 6999	Thesis Research
Non-thesis option (6 credits)
Students choosing the non-thesis option must complete two research seminars for which a research paper is required.
Electives
For all students, remaining credits are selected in consultation with the advisor. Up to 9 credits in undergraduate courses may be taken for graduate credit. To receive graduate credit for an undergraduate course, the course must be taken at the 3000 level or above and the student must arrange with the instructor for extra work. A maximum of 6 credits in approved courses may be taken outside of the Department of History. Students may take up to two courses (6 credits) as part of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan area.