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Master of Art in History

DEGREE TYPE LEARNING MODE
DEGREE TYPE

Master of Arts 

LEARNING MODE

Face to Face

Explore the Past. Lead the Future.

30

Credit Hours

4

Semesters to Complete

1

Program Track

Take the next step in your academic and professional career with Morgan. Pursue your future – today.

Program Director

Contact Information : Dr. Lawrence Peskin

E : lawrence.peskin@morgan.edu

Library

The Master of Arts in History at Morgan State University offers students a rigorous and engaging graduate education in historical research, analysis, and interpretation. As the only history MA program at a Maryland HBCU, it provides a unique academic experience rooted in cultural understanding, scholarly excellence, and community relevance. The program prepares students for careers in education, public history, research, and archival work, or for advanced doctoral studies. With opportunities to pursue a thesis or complete original research papers, students receive hands-on training through archival research, internships, and faculty-led projects with institutions such as the Smithsonian, National Park Service, and Library of Congress.

Why Morgan?

Legacy

Morgan is the only HBCU in Maryland to offer an MA in History, giving students a distinct academic and cultural experience.

Mentorship

Faculty are committed to individualized guidance, supporting students in research, writing, and professional development.

Access

Students benefit from internships with national institutions like the Smithsonian, Library of Congress, and National Park Service.

Community

A strong network of alumni connects graduates to opportunities in teaching, research, and cultural institutions

Excellence

Graduates earn competitive placements in PhD programs with full funding and law schools nationwide.

Opportunity

Grant-funded projects allow students to conduct oral history interviews and gain hands-on field research experience

Move Forward in Your Professional Career

Choosing the MA in History at Morgan means more than earning a degree—it’s about joining a legacy of scholars committed to understanding and shaping the world. Whether your goal is to teach, research, or contribute to cultural preservation, Morgan equips you with the tools, experience, and connections to succeed.

History students

Learn In-Demand Skills

Gain a deeper understanding of the past while building skills that will serve as a foundation for a lifetime of critical thinking, research, and professional growth. Prepare to master the tools of today’s most impactful historians and educators.

  • Historical research methods
  • Archival investigation
  • Historiography and historical writing
  • Oral history and public history techniques
  • Critical analysis and interpretation of primary sources

History students

Secure Your Ideal Career

Once you graduate, you’ll be equipped to launch your career or continue on to a Ph.D. or law school. The skills you gain will open doors in education, cultural institutions, research, and public service.

Here’s a short list of job titles aligned with an MA in History:

  • Museum Professional
  • Archivist
  • Research Analyst
  • Historic Preservationist
  • Educator (Secondary or Postsecondary)
  • Public Historian

Pursue Hands-On Research and Internships

Find the competitive edge you’ve been looking for. Maximize your potential through real-world experiences beyond the classroom—engage in archival research, career-focused internships, thesis or original research projects, and dynamic networking opportunities across the culturally rich Baltimore-Washington region. Connect with the community. Work side-by-side with award-winning faculty. Gain access to renowned resources and historical institutions, including the Smithsonian, National Park Service, and Library of Congress. At Morgan, you’ll find every opportunity you need to thrive

female student at a desk on a computer

Discover the MA in History

Find meaningful success—both personally and professionally—with the On-Campus in MA History. If you are ready to learn valuable skills for a more rewarding career, why wait? Request more information today and we will reach out to you with all the details.

Request Information

Program Requirements

To earn the Master of Arts in History, students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours over four semesters. The program includes advanced coursework in historical theory and methodology, along with specialized seminars. Students must either complete a master’s thesis or submit two original research papers based on primary sources to fulfill graduation requirements.

Requirements

Course Title Credits
Course

HIST 599

Title

 Historical Writing

Credits

3

Course

HIST 598 

Title

Historiography and Historical Methods

Credits

3

Course

HIST 797 / HIST 799 

Title

Thesis Guidance / Thesis Defense

Credits

3 to 9

Course

HIST 788 / HIST 789

Title

 Supervised Research or a 700-level Seminar course in History

Credits

3

Achieve Success Like Our Alumni

Our graduates go on to successful careers and advanced study, with alumni earning professorships, teaching positions in high schools, and research roles in cultural institutions. Many have been accepted into PhD programs with full funding and law schools nationwide. Others hold positions with the Smithsonian, the USDA Forest Service, and the Maryland Center for History and Culture, demonstrating the breadth of opportunities available to Morgan History alumni.

Financial Aid Makes Things Possible

Choosing the right program is a big decision—and we are here to help you navigate the options available for funding your education. Whether you are an in-state, out-of-state, or international student, you may be eligible for Graduate Funding. We also offer two types of Graduate Assistantships: Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs). Both provide special learning opportunities in exchange for a stipend/salary and Tuition Award. In addition, by simply filing your FAFSA each year, you will be able to participate in Federal Plus Loans and Federal Direct Loan Programs. With proper planning, going back to graduate school is more than possible. We are committed to breaking barriers and opening doors for all future students. Contact us to learn more about affordability at Morgan’s School of Graduate Studies.

  • Graduate Fellowships and federal Title III Graduate Fellowships provide a stipend and Tuition Award
  • Teaching Assistantships offer you the chance to teach and assist with undergraduate courses
  • Research Assistantships give you research experience with faculty-led or external projects
  • Federal Direct Loan Programs include the Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans
  • Additional Grants and Scholarships from external sources award free money—so apply early