History
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History, M.A.
MTSU's MA in History is a great choice for students planning to pursue PhDs, secondary teachers, professionals seeking a graduate degree, and lifelong learners.
The MTSU History MA program enables students to work closely with faculty mentors and offers excellent training in historical research and writing. Our students can tailor their programs to suit their specific interests in many fields of history. Our departmental strengths in Environmental History, African American History, Russian and Soviet History, History of Science and Medicine, Women's and Gender History, and Warfare and Diplomacy offer a wide range of geographical and thematic options.
Nationally recognized faculty, close mentorship, afternoon and evening class schedules, and affordable tuition make our program a fantastic choice for full-time students and working professionals alike.
History MA Program Highlights
- One-on-one mentoring from nationally recognized faculty
- Individualized program plans that balance disciplinary training with personal interests and degree goals
- Afternoon and evening classes accommodate work and family life
- Affordable tuition and access to the regional Academic Common Market for many out-of-state students
- Graduate Assistantships and scholarships offered on a competitive basis
- Opportunities to participate in the Association for Graduate Students in History, which organizes professional development activities and social events
- Research opportunities with our partner centers at MTSU— the Albert Gore Research Center, Center for Popular Music, and Center for Historic Preservation
If you live in one of these states: AL; you may be able to attend MTSU at in-state rates under the Academic Common Market program.
News Briefs
MTSU’s new Gore Center exhibit tells story of U.S. democracy through political memorabilia
Middle Tennessee State University leaders and prominent Tennessee policy makers recently unveiled an exhibit by the Albert Gore Research Center celebrating American democracy through a display of campaign posters, political buttons, and other political memorabilia.[ Read More ]
MTSU history professor cherishes experiential learning for students beyond classroom
Middle Tennessee State University history professor Martha Norkunas emphasizes hands-on learning opportunities for her students that allow them to take their classroom knowledge and apply it in a real-world context.[ Read More ]
News Briefs
MTSU’s new Gore Center exhibit tells story of U.S. democracy through political memorabilia
Middle Tennessee State University leaders and prominent Tennessee policy makers recently unveiled an exhibit by the Albert Gore Research Center celebrating American democracy through a display of campaign posters, political buttons, and other political memorabilia.[ Read More ]
MTSU history professor cherishes experiential learning for students beyond classroom
Middle Tennessee State University history professor Martha Norkunas emphasizes hands-on learning opportunities for her students that allow them to take their classroom knowledge and apply it in a real-world context.[ Read More ]
History, M.A.
Our graduates go on to do great things! Recent graduates have gone on to doctoral programs at Columbia, Vanderbilt, and the University of Alabama, as well as the Public History PhD program here at MTSU. Other recent graduates work at the Army War College Museum, the United Nations, the Tennessee State Legislature, corporate management at Amazon, or are successful secondary teachers and community college faculty across Middle Tennessee.
Graduates with master’s degrees in history have the training to work not only as a historian, but also in a variety of other fields. In addition to writing, teaching, or preserving history, historians may find occupational opportunities in corporate, government, or non-profit settings.
Professional possibilities, with some requiring additional studies, include
- Archaeologist
- Archivist/librarian
- Attorney
- Collections manager
- College professor/instructor
- Documentary editor
- Foreign service officer
- Genealogy consultant
- Government worker
- Historian
- Historic consultant
- Historic site administrator/tour guide
- Intelligence officer
- Journalist
- Legal researcher
- Legislative staffer
- Market analyst
- Middle or high school teacher
- Museum curator
- Paralegal
- Park ranger
- Preservationist
- Public relations/communications director
- Researcher
- Scholarly publishing
- Technical writer
For more information on careers for M.A. in History graduates, please see the Organization of American Historian’s publication, “Careers for Students of History.”
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- The Dunham School (Baton Rouge, La.)
- Graceland University
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Nashville State Community College
- New Mexico Military Institute
- Pinnacle Financial Partners
- S.O.C.M. (Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment)
- Tennessee National Guard
- United Nations
M.A. History graduates have been admitted to Ph.D. programs at many fine universities such as
- Columbia University
- Kent State University
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Northwestern University
- Notre Dame
- Texas A&M University
- UNC-Greensboro
- University of Buffalo
- University of Kentucky
- University of North Carolina
- University of Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Resources
- M.A. Application Procedures
- M.A. History Major Student Handbook
- Directory of Current Graduate Students
- Forms
- History Department Scholarships
- Student Learning Outcomes for History Graduate Seminars
On-campus partners
- Albert Gore Research Center
- Center for Historic Preservation
- Center for Popular Music
- Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area
Organizations
Graduate Assistantships
To help support students pursuing graduate study, the Department of History offers a number of graduate assistantships at both the M.A. and the Ph.D. levels. These assistants are awarded on a competitive basis and are renewable for up to two years for M.A. assistantships and up to three years for Ph.D. assistantships. Graduate assistantsreceive a tuition waiver plus a stipend to cover living expenses. In return, graduate assistants work a maximum of 20 hours a week during the semester on an assignment determined by the History Department. These assignments include work as teaching assistants, research assistants, and other duties related to the on going work of the Department and its on-campus partners. To apply for a graduate assistantship with the History Department, complete the College of Graduate Studies’ Graduate Assistantship Application and submit it to the Department of History along with the rest of your application.
Many M.A. and Ph.D. students in the History Department also work as research fellows, graduate assistants, and hourly employees for MTSU’s Center for Historic Preservation. The Center has a separate application and review process for these positions. You can read full descriptions of these opportunities on the Center’s Academic Opportunities page and download the Center’s Application for Student Academic Support. The department urges students applying for a graduate assistantship with the History Department to apply to the Center as well.
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