Master of Arts in History

Master of Arts in History

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Develop your understanding of the world.

The Master of Arts in History at Worcester State University helps you further develop your understanding of American, European, and world history. With classes available in the late afternoons, evenings, and during the summer, our convenient, part-time program is designed for working professionals like you, giving you the flexibility to pursue your passion for history without leaving your job. In small classes taught by accomplished faculty, you will expand the breadth and depth of your historical knowledge while gaining important critical research and writing skills. Dedicated faculty will work closely with you to identify your academic and career goals—and provide you with the personalized instruction and support to achieve them.

The history curriculum offers 2 unique tracks of study: the portfolio track or the thesis track. The portfolio track culminates in a capstone project that brings together the written work you have completed over the course of the program and allows you to reflect on your learning experience. The thesis track results in a publishable article based on your original research and writing on a topic in history that interests you; this track is recommended if you are planning to continue your education beyond Worcester State.

While many graduates of this program have pursued studies beyond the master’s level, others have found great success as history teachers in grades K-12. A master’s degree in history from Worcester State may be used toward professional teacher licensure in Massachusetts.

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Admission Requirements

  •  Hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA from a regionally accredited institution or from a recognized foreign institution of higher education
  • Completed graduate application, including fee and essay
  • Official transcripts (Official Course-by-Course transcript evaluation required for all college level courses taken outside of the United States.)
  • Two current letters of recommendation (Less than 6 months old)
  • Results of an English proficiency assessment, if applicable
  • 18 credits in undergraduate history including the following courses or their equivalents:
    • HI 103 & HI 104 World Civilization I and II
    • HI 111 & HI 112 US History I and II

Explore sample courses for the Master of Arts in History

HI-908 Teaching History

In this course, graduate learners gain knowledge and confidence developing their own rigorous and research-based pedagogical approach for effective teaching and learning in history and social studies, aligned with the emerging best practices in the discipline.
3 credits

HI-910 Study and Writing of History

Historical methodology, modern historiographical views, and the emergence of the New History, i.e., psychohistory, family history, and quantitative history.
3 credits

HI-912 Industrial Revolution: Past, Present, Future

A comparison of the European and American industrial revolutions and their consequences from the 18th through the 20th centuries. Field trips are planned to mill towns and industrial cities.
3 credits

HI-914 The Gilded Age: 1865–1900

A depiction of the period when America went through a rapid socio-economic transformation in the areas of industrialization, urbanization, and immigration.
3 credits

HI-916 Revolution in the 20th Century

After examining a number of theories regarding revolutionary developments, this course focuses upon the major revolutions of the present century, i.e., Russian, Chinese, Nazi, Cuban and Mexican.
3 credits

HI-918 The U.S. and the Middle East

Discusses growth of United States economic, cultural, political, and strategic interests in the Middle East, with an emphasis on the post-World War II period.
3 credits

HI-920 Japan in the 20th Century

An evaluation of the role of Japan as an emerging world power and economic giant during the present century.
3 credits

HI-934 Women’s Rights: 18th Century to the Present

Study of the major principles underlying the women’s rights movement. It starts by examining the claims made by individuals during the early modern period in Europe and ends by analyzing women’s rights documents of international organizations of the 20th century.
3 credits

HI-936 History of the American South

A survey from the colonial era to the present, with a particular focus upon slavery and race relations.
3 credits

HI-939 American History at the Movies

A variety of movies are used as launching pads to explore American history and the relationship of film to history.
3 credits

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