Master of Arts in History
Continue Your Journey as a Historian
Step into the next chapter of your career by earning a Master of Arts (MA) in History at San José State University.
In this flexible program, you can choose from one of two broader fields: U.S. History or World History. Tailor your master’s in history degree with specializations within these, including U.S. History to 1865, U.S. History from 1865-present, California History, European History, Asian History, Ancient, Medieval or Early Modern History, and more, to fit your specific academic and professional goals. With each step, you will gain a more advanced knowledge of the writing of history, how scholars have interpreted it and how it was seen and experienced by those living it.
Whether you plan to continue to a doctoral program or advance in your professional role, SJSU’s MA in History helps you build a well-rounded skill set to make lasting scholarly contributions and expand your professional opportunities.
Why Earn Your Master’s in History at SJSU?
With a 150-year legacy of excellence, SJSU’s Department of History has supported students along their path to success, ensuring you can deepen your expertise while balancing your professional and personal commitments.
During your time in our graduate history program, you can:
- Customize your degree with a focus in United States or World History to align your course work with your specific academic and career interests.
- Choose a specialization within our broader fields, including European, Asian, Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern, Global History, Early America, Nineteenth-Century U.S. History, Post-1865 U.S. History, California History, Public History, Gender and Women’s History, and more.
- Learn from and collaborate with accomplished faculty members who are skilled researchers, leaders in their fields and ready to invest in your professional development.
- Access generous, department-exclusive scholarships available to help lower the cost of your graduate history degree.
- Maintain your work-life balance with evening classes scheduled Monday through Thursday, designed to accommodate full-time working professionals.
Explore why students choose SJSU for graduate school.
What You’ll Learn
Designed to challenge you academically, SJSU’s MA in History moves you beyond simply acquiring historical knowledge into an in-depth study of historiography, or how history is written and recorded, so you can contribute original historical research.
Our 30-unit program offers a focus in either United States or World History, blending rigorous colloquia with specialized seminars. This intensive training sharpens both your analytical thinking and your ability to communicate complex narratives and perspectives with clarity.
Across both fields of history, you’ll become proficient in:
- Evaluating existing historical scholarship to identify gaps and contribute original insights to the field.
- Reading, analyzing and interpreting a range of original primary sources.
- Analyzing historical trends across regional boundaries to identify broader sociopolitical, economic and cultural developments.
- Identifying bias and narrative framing in complex historical arguments using primary and secondary evidence.
- Creating high-level academic prose and presentations that meet professional publication and institutional standards.
- Managing independent research projects, from the initial proposal and research through completion.
MA in History Degree Requirements
Language Requirements
All candidates for the MA in History must demonstrate competency in one foreign language, either through the equivalent of two full college years of the language or with a two-hour translation exam in the language. There are two exceptions. Students whose primary field is U.S. History may, if they do not wish to meet the language requirement, take two graduate-level history courses as a substitute. Language requirements are also waived for working teachers.
Culminating Experience
Students can choose one of two options for their culminating experience at the end of the MA in History: a thesis (Plan A) or a comprehensive examination (Plan B).
Plan A (Thesis)
You can pursue a thesis by securing a faculty advisor and forming a three-person faculty committee. Students must obtain departmental approval from the Department’s Graduate Studies Committee for a project that involves significant original research.
Thesis and Dissertation Information
Plan B (Comprehensive Examination)
If you choose the Plan B option, at the end of your program you must pass a comprehensive examination to demonstrate mastery of historiographical issues, subject depth and scholarly writing standards. Exams are scheduled at the end of each fall and spring semester. You must successfully pass the examination within three attempts to remain eligible for the degree.
Career Outcomes for Master’s in History Graduates
While a Master of Arts in History degree deepens your historical expertise, it also equips you with a highly transferable skill set that extends across industries, from academia to policy creation. Your graduate studies build competencies in complex data analysis and archival research. In turn, you’re able to build compelling narratives and grow as an effective communicator.
Many graduates who’ve completed their master’s in history work in roles such as:
- Ph.D. candidates at highly ranked universities, preparing for careers in higher education as professors and researchers.
- Middle and high school history teachers.
- University lecturers and community college instructors.
- Museum curators, historical consultants and other public history professionals who work at historic sites, national and state parks, and more.
- Librarians and archivists at public and private libraries, archives and institutions.
- Researchers and specialists in governmental agencies and policy organizations.
Those with a master’s degree in history can also pursue careers in journalism, law, marketing, urban planning, conservation, information technology, administration, business, the voluntary sector and more.
Explore career paths you can pursue with an MA in History.
How SJSU Equips History Students for Doctoral Programs
Along with delivering quality career preparation, SJSU’s MA in History program ensures students can excel in doctoral study by fostering innovative and original research in history, advanced skills in the writing and interpretation of history, and more.
Our history graduates have been admitted into competitive Ph.D. and higher degree programs at institutions including:
- Louisiana State University
- The New School for Social Research
- Cambridge University (UK)
- The Ohio State University
- Penn State
- Stanford University
- UCLA
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- University of Chicago
- University College London (UK)
- University of Wisconsin
- Vanderbilt University
- Washington University in St. Louis
History Graduate Program Admissions
Ready to take the next step toward earning your MA in History? Applying to San José State University is a two-step process. You must meet the university’s graduate admission requirements and the specific requirements of the history program.
If you’re in need of additional admission guidance, the College of Graduate Studies is available to guide you through the application process. You can benefit from:
Have questions about graduate admissions? Send us an email at grad-admissions@sjsu.edu for support from the SJSU team.
Explore Graduate Admissions at SJSU
How to Apply
To enroll in the MA in History, you must apply to SJSU for graduate-level admission and then to the Department of History.
Please complete these steps to apply to SJSU:
- Complete your application through Cal State Apply.
- Submit official documents to Graduate Admissions by the MA in History deadline.
When applying for departmental admission, you must submit:
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A statement of purpose.
- A writing sample, such as a past class essay.
For more information, review the MA in History admissions procedures.
Admissions Prerequisites
SJSU’s MA in History program welcomes applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds. Applicants may be admitted in either classified or conditionally classified standing.
If you have a baccalaureate degree in history, you may be admitted in classified standing, which means you do not need to take additional classes beyond the 30 units required.
If you have a baccalaureate degree in a field other than history, you may be admitted in conditionally classified standing. This requires you to complete up to 8 units in upper-division or graduate history courses.
Financial Aid
At San José State University, we’re here to help you invest in your academic success and professional future. Our Financial Aid and Scholarship Office offers the practical support and resources you need, from finding scholarships and grants to submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
Our team will walk you through each step of the process, empowering you to fund your MA in History and achieve your goals.
The College of Graduate Studies has also dedicated a Funding Opportunities page for additional funding resources.
The History Department also awards scholarships to graduate students every year. For more information about History scholarship applications, please contact Dr. Katharine Olson.
Transform Your Career With SJSU’s MA in History
Shape your future by understanding the past. The Master of Arts in History program at San José State University offers an immersive, research-driven graduate education that positions you to lead in education, public history and policy.
With flexible enrollment options and hands-on, expert-led training, your journey to becoming a professional historian is about to begin. Apply to San José State University today!
