Make a career in history your future
History includes politics, economics and aesthetics, as well as social, spiritual and cultural relations—our past, our present and our potential as human beings. The history graduate program, mindful of the discipline’s manifold importance and application, offers master of arts and doctoral degree programs in breadth and depth.
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Accelerated Degree Program
Graduate study in history allows students to increase their knowledge of the past and the processes that have shaped the human experience. Such study may prepare students for careers in scholarship, teaching or certain public service fields.
Choose from three areas of study
The three major areas in the master of arts program and corresponding fields are:
- European History – Medieval, Early Modern or Modern
- United States History – Early U.S. or Modern U.S.
- Global Studies
Graduate education in the humanities is affordable
The Graduate School is excited to offer all students in humanities graduate programs a $500 per credit hour rate. Take advantage of this nearly 60-percent tuition reduction in the following master of arts programs: English, History, Theology and Philosophy. This competitive rate reflects Marquette’s commitment to the humanities, which are at the heart of our Catholic, Jesuit tradition.
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1. Construct syntheses of factual and historiographical information in two distinct fields of history.
2. Use historical research tools and methods to write article-length papers on original, historical topics.
History Graduate Students
Around 40% of our MA students enter doctoral programs (both at Marquette and other schools). An additional 20% are applying their studies to work in public history or library and information science. Of the remaining 40%, there is a healthy mix of teachers, those working in academic administration and student affairs in colleges and high schools, as well as those working in business.
See where our other graduate students have been placed since Graduate School.
Current members of the department have been awarded grants in the following areas:
- Fulbright-Hays
- Mellon Foundation
- Fulbright
- Rockefeller Foundation
- ACLS
- NEH
- American Philosophical Society grants
- Marquette University Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence
- College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Award for Advising
Our faculty have also published books by top university presses like Cambridge, Johns Hopkins, North Carolina, California, NYU, Oklahoma, Syracuse and Kansas, and by academic presses like Routledge, Berg, Brill and Bedford-St. Martin’s.
While maintaining a focus on academic excellence and continuing to anchor our program in the intellectual rigors of historical inquiry, we also actively support those planning for careers outside the academy.
Career planning begins in our orientation program and continues in discussions through our coursework and workshops, often in conjunction with Marquette’s Center for Teaching and Learning, the Preparing Future Faculty and Professionals program and Career Services.
Take the next step towards your future
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To be eligible for admission to the Graduate School at Marquette University, applicants must meet the following requirements:
For admission to the master of arts program, an applicant must have an undergraduate major in history or a closely related field. Students preparing to go on to the PhD program must first obtain their master's degree.
Application Requirements
Read all application instructions prior to beginning an application.
- Transcripts:
- Submit copies of all current and previous college/universities except Marquette1
- A one-page statement of purpose specifying proposed areas of study and academic interests
- Three letters of recommendation from former teachers
- For doctoral applicants only: a writing sample. Ideally, the sample should be the master’s thesis, but, for graduates of non-thesis programs, it may consist of a formal seminar paper.
- For international applicants only: TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency
1Upon admission, final official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities, with certified English translations if original language is not English, must be submitted to the Graduate School within the first five weeks of the term of admission or a hold preventing registration for future terms will be placed on the student’s record.
Students begin their studies in the fall of each academic year. This program has rolling admission, which means you may apply and submit application materials any time before the following dates:
- Fall term admissions – August 1 (June 1 for international applicants)
Financial Aid
Private scholarships may also be available. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for student loans to help fund their educational expenses as well.
Trinity Fellows Program
Students interested in the history master's program may want to consider applying for the Trinity Fellows Program as well. The Trinity Fellows graduate fellowship program is dedicated to developing urban leaders with a commitment to social and economic justice. Trinity Fellows participate in a 21-month study/ work program while earning a master's degree. Those who have completed a full-time service program (minimum 10 months), and/or have worked for 2+ years in the nonprofit sector are eligible to apply. Details and instructions to apply are found on the Trinity Fellows website.