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The Master of Arts program in history provides training if you intend to pursue a career as a professional historian, whether in teaching, research, or public history (archives and museum studies), as well as if you desire a strong historical background for other vocational or avocational objectives. The program offers opportunities for specialized study and research, but without neglecting the breadth that characterizes historical work at its best. In recognition of the fact that your interests and goals are varied, the program provides a choice of three concentrations, all of which lead to a Master of Arts degree. This program is approved by the Ohio Board of Regents.
You can choose from three programs of study leading to a master’s degree in history.
You can finish the thesis program by completing a standard number of advanced courses, then preparing and defending a thesis based on primary source research. Choose a public history concentration.
You can finish the course intensive program by completing two additional courses instead of the thesis. Choose a public history concentration.
You can finish the public history program through the standard advanced history coursework, but you will also gain hands-on experience and career preparation working in one of the many museums and archives in the Miami Valley area. Choose public history advanced coursework.
For more information, please contact: sean.pollock@wright.edu
Graduates of the Thesis track generally pursue a Ph.D. in History at another university. This degree can lead to an academic position at a college or university, an administrative position at a professional organization, or a position as a historian for a corporation or organization.
Graduates of the Course Intensive track are often already employed in secondary education and find that this degree enhances their teaching abilities and employment options.
Graduates of the Public History concentration pursue careers in museums, historical societies, federal, state and local archives, state and federal park services, corporations, universities and public programs in history education.
You will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience through internships during your graduate work. Students also recently participated in a living history encampment to commemorate the centennial of a group of Daytonians preparing to fight in World War I. Some institutions that have hosted Wright State graduate interns recently include:
 Dan Lauro said he is lucky to have one foot in the craft beer world and the other in the history and education world. |
 Anna Helmig, a two-time Wright State University graduate, oversees the care of 1.8 million artifacts at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. |
View the Master of Arts in History program information and requirements in the Academic Catalog.
If you are a graduate student primarily interested in a career in archival administration and/or museum management choose the public history option. Your studies culminate with a capstone project.
The thesis track is intended primarily for you if you expect to continue graduate work beyond the master’s degree level or who need or desire the full range of professional experience, including intensive research and writing. It assures training in research techniques and the preparation of scholarly papers, culminating in the submission of a thesis.
You must meet all requirements of the Graduate School and show a reading knowledge of a foreign language when deemed necessary for thesis research as determined by their thesis advisor. You will take HST 7000 (Historical Methods). Near the end of your studies, and after submitting a prospectus approved by your thesis committee, you will register for 3-6 hours of HST 7950 (thesis). HST 7950 will conclude with an oral defense of the thesis before a panel of three professors, chaired by the thesis advisor.
Summary of Courses Required
Total: 30-33 credit hours
The course intensive track is intended primarily, but not exclusively, for you if you are not expecting to pursue doctoral studies. In lieu of a thesis, you will take two additional classes.
You must meet all the requirements of the Graduate School. Besides the required HST 7000 (Historical Methods), you will take four additional seminars and six other history graduate classes at the 6000 level.
Summary of Courses Required
Total: 33 credit hours
New graduate students will be admitted in the Fall Semester of each year. Applications must be made online to the Wright State University Graduate School.
Graduate tuition scholarships are available, and all applications for this scholarship are considered. Apply for graduate assistantships during the spring semester of your first year.
In addition to fulfilling the Graduate School requirements, you must submit a statement of goals, three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample. These will also be uploaded electronically to the Graduate School.
Please note that the history department does not require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
Please feel free to contact the history program with any additional questions.
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