History (M.A.)

History (M.A.) | Graduate

Our M.A. in History program is noted for its strengths in regional, transnational, and comparative historical study of the African Diaspora and in public history. U.S. News ranks our History graduate program 48th in the nation and our graduate program in African American History 3rd in the nation.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in History at Howard’s Graduate School prepares students to pursue further graduate study at the doctoral level or for careers in education, public history, archives administration, law, public affairs, or research in the public and private sectors. Our M.A. in History program is noted for its strengths in regional, traditional, transnational, and comparative historical study. You'll benefit from the close mentorship of faculty notable for their wide-ranging research in the areas of social, economic, intellectual, and cultural history of the African diaspora, as well as transnational, urban, and gender history. You may choose from six distinct fields of specialization: United States, African-American, African, African diaspora, Latin American and Caribbean, or public history. Our students pursue original research in a major subfield while sharpening their analytical skills. As a student in the M.A. in History program, you may select between the thesis or non-thesis program of study. The latter requires completing a seminar paper. In Washington, D.C., you will benefit from quick access to the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian, located just minutes away from Howard’s campus. In addition, you can draw on extensive archival collections, library resources, and coursework across our regional academic Washington, D.C. Consortium of colleges and universities. Washington, D.C., is also home to smaller historical organizations like the D.C. Historical Society and the D.C. Preservation League.

Program Snapshot

      ❱  30 credit hours 
      ❱  Full-time
      ❱  Hybrid format (online and in-person classes)
      ❱  Degree: M.A.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2025 entry: 
      ❱  No spring entry 

Fall 2025 entry: 
      ❱  Dec. 1, 2024 (early deadline)
      ❱  Feb. 15, 2025 (priority deadline)
      ❱  Apr. 15, 2025 (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: M.A.

Application for Admission

• Online GradCAS application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest (500-1,000 words)
• GRE scores not required
• Official transcripts sent to GradCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent 
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement (500-750 words)
• Critical writing sample of best academic research or historical analysis (Well-organised, well-written, and well-sourced. The history faculty appreciates papers drawing on primary and secondary sources)

GRE Required?

• No

GRE Preferred Minimums

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: N/A

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Coworker
• Clergy
• Friend
• Family Member
• Other