Master of Arts in History
Wayne State's Master of Arts in History is designed to meet the needs of students with diverse backgrounds and goals, combining intellectual rigor with convenience and flexibility. Our master's program offers small classes taught by full-time faculty who are committed to student success. Students select a major field from among three areas: U.S., European or world history. Master's coursework emphasizes basic historical and historiographical issues, research methodology and career development.
About the program
You will take several courses in your major field, as well as have the opportunity to take courses in other fields and customize the curriculum to your interests. As a capstone project, all master's students work closely with their primary advisor to conduct original research and write an essay or thesis of publishable quality. The 30-credit master's degree can be completed in two years of full-time study or up to six years of part-time study.
Students often elect to pursue a Joint Master of Arts in History and Library and Information Science or earn a Graduate Certificate in World History, Archival Administration and/or Nonprofit Management concurrently with their master's in history. Doing so expands career opportunities after graduation.
Admissions
The Master of Arts in History is offered as a traditional in-person program in addition to fully online M.A. program, making earning your degree more convenient and accessible than ever. See history graduate admissions for more information.
Tentative online program three-year matrix
| Type | Fall 2024-25 | Winter 2024-25 | Fall 2025-26 | Winter 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core courses | HIS 7830 | HIS 7830 | HIS 7832 | |
| Seminars | Europe | World | ||
| Electives | U.S. History, World History | U.S. History, European History | U.S. History, World History | U.S. History, European History |
Career insights
A degree in history can lead to a variety of career paths. Here are just a few of the many opportunities available in this field.
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Anthropologists and archeologists | $68,000 |
| Archivist | $54,000 |
| Curators | $70,000 |
| Historian | $62,000 |
| History teachers, postsecondary | $90,000 |
| Middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education | $67,000 |
| Museum technicians and conservators | $39,000 |
| Political scientist | $82,000 |
| Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education | $69,000 |
This data provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.
Contact 💬
Karen Marrero, history graduate director
karen.marrero@wayne.edu