The Master of Arts in History, Plan B, Liberal Arts Specialization is a rigorous degree plan based in coursework and internships, but which does not require a thesis or foreign language proficiency test. This program of study is especially appropriate for those desiring to pursue studies in general public history, employment in secondary education (licensure may be required), or those who do not want to pursue further advanced degrees.

Working closely with a faculty mentor in one of our department’s areas of expertise (for example, U.S. history, environmental history, public history), students on Plan B complete coursework and are encouraged to pursue internships or practicums. Coursework on Plan B, and in all of our programs of study, is based in small seminars and stresses historiography, research methods, and hands-on experience.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the program will be able to:

1) Develop historical research questions and conduct historical synthesis, analysis, and interpretation using primary and secondary source research.

2) Develop the critical reading, speaking, and writing skills essential to professional historical practice.

3) Define historical narratives and develop both breadth and depth of knowledge in the historiography of chosen fields of study.

4) Practice historical methods in various settings, which may include academic, applied, and/or public.

Effective Fall 2023

Required Courses in Historical Methods and Practice:
HIST 501Historical Method: Historiography3
HIST 579Professional Development Seminar1
Reading Seminars (select five courses from he following): 215
HIST 511
Reading Seminar: U.S. to 1877
HIST 512
Reading Seminar: U.S. Since 1877
HIST 516
Reading Seminar--Public History
HIST 520
Reading Seminar-Europe to 1815
HIST 521
Reading Seminar-Europe Since 1815
HIST 530
Reading Seminar: Africa
HIST 531
Reading Seminar: Latin America
HIST 532
Reading Seminar: Middle East
HIST 533
Reading Seminar: East Asia
HIST 534
Reading Seminar: South Asia
HIST 539
Reading Seminar--World Environmental History
Research Seminars: (select two courses from the following): 6
HIST 611
Research Seminar: United States
HIST 621
Research Seminar--International
HIST 640
Research Seminar--Public History
Electives 29
Portfolio and Oral Exam
Program Total Credits:34

A minimum of 34 credits are required to complete this program. 

1

At least one course should be U.S., and one course should be non-U.S. Select the remaining in consultation with advisor.

2

HIST and non-HIST subject code courses numbered 300-699.  At least 3 credits must be non-HIST.