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Explore the master of arts in history graduate program at UW-Eau Claire

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's master of arts in history graduate program is intended for those who wish to increase their backgrounds in history and for those who intend to do further advanced work in history. The program is designed so graduate students can prepare themselves in an area of expertise that best meets their interests and needs. Areas of expertise may be defined by broad themes, topics, chronology or geography. Courses are chosen by you, giving you the ability to personalize your degree and align it with your career goals. 

Students are able to further customize their experience at UW-Eau Claire by choosing between two program options: 1) a 30-credit thesis option; or 2) a 33-credit non-thesis option. Those who choose the 30-credit thesis option will complete a traditional six-credit research paper and thesis. Those who pursue the 33-credit non-thesis option will take additional graduate coursework to complete degree requirements.

No matter your path, coursework throughout the program will broaden and deepen your knowledge and understanding of history and techniques of historical research. Through the study of current trends in history, you'll examine the emergence of history as a profession, major subfields in the discipline, methodologies and models currently influencing the work of historians, and dominant issues historians are looking at today. The program is rooted in small reading and discussion seminars, allowing you to learn from experts in the field as well as students who, like you, are interested and passionate about the world of history. 

Whether your professional goals are related to research, teaching or public service, our supportive, expert faculty — combined with a rigorous, experiential curriculum — will prepare you well for a successful and rewarding career. 

Why complete my master of arts in history at UW-Eau Claire?

A personalized education. Both master of arts in history programs are intentionally structured so you can study the topics that most interest you. Choose from a variety of history courses, including those related to American history, American Indian history, public history, modern military history, comparative world cultures and women’s history.

Program and career guidance. While pursuing your degree, you can expect close supervision and guidance from a faculty mentor. A counseling and advising system has also been devised with the intention of providing each student with a personalized program encompassing both breadth and depth. Your advisor will work with you directly to design a plan that will allow for the completion of program requirements in the most efficient way possible while still accomplishing your educational goals. 

Exceptional faculty. UW-Eau Claire is known for its top-notch faculty. In fact, two of our history professors have been recipients of Wisconsin Professor of the Year awards. The history department also was a recent recipient of the University of Wisconsin Regents Teaching Excellence Award for Academic Departments and Programs.

Quick facts

  • Program length: two years
  • Offered: in person
  • Campus: Eau Claire
  • Credits: 30 (requires thesis) or 33 (no thesis) 
  • Cost per credit: $533.38
  • Students will earn a Master of Arts (MA) degree. 

What can I do with a master of arts in history degree from UWEC?

Graduates of the history master's degree leave UW-Eau Claire able to appreciate the historical method of searching for truth, make judgments about concrete issues and exercise careful analysis along the way. They are proficient at gathering, analyzing and presenting material, and understand the complexity of human history and historical developments. These skills allow them to succeed in a variety of roles and organizations, including work in archives and historical museums across the nation. 

Our grads have also enjoyed success in securing teaching positions in secondary schools and many have found opportunities in government and business. Students have also found the program to be exceptional preparation for further graduate work at leading doctoral universities.

Master of arts in history curriculum

Those pursuing their master of arts in history at UWEC will choose between two program options: a 30-credit program including a thesis and a 33-credit, non-thesis program. Working closely with an advisor, you'll design a degree plan that will allow for the completion of program requirements in the most efficient way possible all while studying the topics that most interest you. 

Curriculum throughout the degree will help you to analyze and interpret historical developments through historical research, writing and presentation. Coursework is intentionally designed so you can develop your professional identity as a historian and graduate with a strong knowledge of pertinent historical literature in the field you wish to enter.

What classes do master of arts in history students take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

Learn more about the history master's degree in the UWEC course catalog.

Application information

To apply to the MA in history program, please submit:

Application deadlines and information

Applications for the fall semester are due by March 1. Applications for the spring semester are due by Jan. 1. Applications are accepted until seats are filled.

Note: The department admits the best-qualified applicants from a pool each year depending on available space in the program and its assessment of a student’s potential for graduate work. Students normally are admitted from this pool for the fall semester and should have completed their applications by March 1. Students may occasionally be admitted for spring semester or the summer session if their qualifications and space in the program permit.

Please send materials to:

Graduate Admissions
UW-Eau Claire
Schofield Hall 111
Eau Claire WI 54702-4004
admissions@uwec.edu

Applying for graduate assistantships, fellowships or the AOP

To apply for a graduate assistantship, fellowship or the Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP), please also complete the online Graduate Assistantship/Fellowship/AOP Application. Applications completed by March 1 will receive priority consideration for assistantships, fellowships and AOP grants. Applications completed thereafter will continue to be considered on a rolling basis.

Admission requirements

It is also strongly recommended that a student have completed two years of foreign language study at the college level.

The department may consider the admission of a student whose GPA and/or other qualifications do not meet all those specified above where there is convincing evidence that the student is capable of performing satisfactory graduate work in the department.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Patricia R. Turner
turnerpr@uwec.edu
715-836-3369

Related programs at UW-Eau Claire

Thinking about a master’s degree in history? Here are other programs you may be interested in exploring.

Department information

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History

Hibbard Humanities Hall 701
124 Garfield Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit the History department website