Master of Arts in History

The master of arts in history program is geared for those who hold an initial teaching license and are seeking professional licensure; current or future professionals in area museums and historical agencies; students who are preparing for doctoral studies in history; and those who simply love history and want to dive deeper into the discipline.

Program Features 

• Small class sizes: Most courses at the graduate level are conducted with approximately 15 students. 

• Thesis option: Degree candidates may choose to write a three-credit thesis (3.7 cumulative grade point average required) as a capstone. Students who do not want to undertake a thesis can complete the required electives.

• Flexible pacing options: This program can be completed in ~2 years full-time or 3 to 6 years part-time. Graduate history courses are offered in online, hybrid, or in-person formats in the evenings during the academic year and during two six-week summer sessions.

• Faculty: The Salem State University history department is an active community of scholars who regularly publish and contribute to their fields. The faculty prepares students for various professions while remaining committed to the core tradition of investigating the changing human condition and sharing this scholarship with the university community and the broader public.

• Concurrent enrollment opportunities: Certificate in Public History; Certificate in Holocaust and Genocide Studies; Certificate in Digital Studies; and more. 

• Graduate assistantships: Opportunities to apply for graduate assistantships, grants and scholarships. 

Curriculum 

Our robust 33-credit curriculum allows graduate candidates to explore a wide range of historical fields and methodologies. All graduate candidates are encouraged to develop concentrations in historical areas of interest for their study. All students must also take at least one distribution course in each of the following four areas:

• African, Asian or Latin American History 

• U.S. History 

• European History 

• Public History 

Opportunities 

Research Resources

Major repositories are located within a half-day's driving distance of the university. Salem State’s own library offers students access to a rich variety of print and electronic resources. Students love the valuable subscription databases available through the website. 

Professional Development 

• Professional Historical Societies: Many graduate students participate and present research as part of regional and national historical societies. 

• Phi Alpha Theta: All graduate students are encouraged to apply to Phi Alpha Theta, Salem State’s active chapter of the history honor society. Each year, Phi Alpha Theta supports a select number of students to present their scholarship at one of the organization's regional or national conferences. 

• Salem State University’s Research Day: Graduate students and faculty present papers, posters, and workshops on their ongoing research. 

Travel 

Salem State history students can travel with the department to domestic and foreign locations. The department regularly offers summer and spring break trips to European locations and the American South. Students can take these trips as part of a travel/study course or as stand-alone travel experiences.

The department also currently offers guided excursions to sites in New York City and Washington, D.C. Because travel/study programs are popular, the department will expand its offerings to the United States and Asia.

Careers 

Salem State graduate history students can take advantage of the department’s relationships with practitioners in various fields, including archives and records management, museums, and education. Recent graduates have been offered jobs in area school districts, museums, research institutions, and historical societies, and others have gone on to pursue Ph. Ds.