Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in History
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in History at UB is a 30-credit hour program that can be completed in a flexible timeframe, typically one to two years for full-time students. It focuses on expanding historical knowledge and refining critical skills in a supportive academic environment. Students engage in a variety of topical, methodological, and research seminars, culminating in their own piece of original historical scholarship. The program emphasizes both broad historical understanding and the opportunity for students to delve deeply into their specific areas of interest, preparing them for advanced doctoral study, professional fields, or social studies teaching.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum includes required foundational courses and a significant number of elective seminars, culminating in a Master's Project. Students typically choose between "History 500: Doing History: Issues in Public History" or "History 501: Historical Inquiry" (the latter often chosen by those planning Ph.D. studies). Required courses also include core seminars in major historical fields such as European History (Early Modern and Modern), East Asian History, or North and South Atlantic History. Students take additional 500-level reading seminars, including one outside their major area of interest, and a 600-level research seminar. The program culminates in an M.A. Project, a 30-40 page piece of original research, or an extensive revision of a research seminar paper, conducted under faculty guidance. Some programs, like that at Buffalo State (part of SUNY but a separate institution), may also offer a comprehensive exam option and potentially a foreign language competency requirement.
Research Focus: The M.A. in History at UB boasts a diverse and dynamic research focus, reflecting the varied expertise of its faculty. Key areas of strength within the department include Early Modern Societies, Race, Empire, and Nation, The Twentieth Century World, and Medicine, Disability, and Science. Faculty and students also engage in research on topics such as Atlantic world history, disability studies, public history, immigration history, and gay and lesbian studies. The program encourages students to explore historical questions deeply, drawing on primary sources and historiographical debates. The capstone M.A. Project requires students to conduct original research, demonstrating their ability to formulate historical arguments, analyze evidence, and contribute to scholarly discourse.
Industry Engagement: While primarily an academic degree, the M.A. in History at UB develops highly transferable skills valued in various professional fields. The program's rigorous training in critical thinking, research, analysis, and persuasive writing makes graduates competitive for roles beyond academia. While explicit "industry engagement" details like mandatory internships are not universally highlighted in general program descriptions for an M.A. in History at UB, the university and department emphasize preparing students for diverse careers. The skills gained are directly applicable to fields such as archives, museums, libraries, public history, government, law, and education. The department's focus on practical application, particularly through "Doing History: Issues in Public History" (History 500), can provide insights into non-academic career paths.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in History at UB fosters a strong global perspective through its curriculum, which encourages students to think expansively about how continents and countries inform and influence one another. The program includes core seminars in major historical fields spanning different regions, such as European, East Asian, and North and South Atlantic history, ensuring students engage with diverse global narratives. Faculty research interests often encompass transnational and comparative historical topics, enriching classroom discussions with varied global contexts. This emphasis on interconnectedness and a broad geographical scope prepares graduates to understand complex global dynamics and to approach historical inquiry from an informed international viewpoint.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in History from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) provides graduates with a comprehensive and rigorous academic foundation in historical knowledge, research methodologies, and critical analysis. Housed within a department known for its diverse faculty expertise, the program aims to cultivate a nuanced understanding of the past while honing essential skills in communication, writing, and analytical reasoning. UB's M.A. in History is designed to prepare individuals for a variety of academic pursuits, including further doctoral studies, and to equip them for diverse professional careers that demand strong historical literacy, interpretive abilities, and transferable skills.
Archivist: Graduates can work for government agencies, universities, museums, historical societies, or corporations, responsible for appraising, preserving, and making accessible historical documents and records. Their historical training is crucial for understanding the context and significance of these materials.
Museum Curator/Collections Manager: With a deep understanding of historical periods and artifacts, graduates can work in museums, art galleries, or historical sites. They research, acquire, exhibit, and interpret collections, developing engaging narratives for public audiences.
Public Historian: This broad field involves applying historical methods and knowledge to public-facing contexts. Graduates can work in historical societies, national parks, government agencies, or consulting firms, creating exhibits, managing historical sites, conducting oral histories, or producing documentaries.
Librarian (with additional credentials): An M.A. in History provides an excellent foundation for a career as a librarian, particularly in academic or research libraries. With further study (e.g., a Master of Library Science), graduates can specialize in areas like special collections, reference, or historical research support.
Researcher (Academic or Non-Academic): Graduates can work as research assistants in universities, think tanks, or for consulting firms, conducting in-depth historical research, analyzing complex data, and contributing to reports or scholarly publications on various topics.
Editor/Writer: The rigorous writing and research training of a history M.A. makes graduates well-suited for roles in publishing houses, educational content development, journalism, or as freelance writers. They can specialize in historical content, non-fiction, or even historical fiction.
Government Analyst/Specialist: Various government agencies at federal, state, and local levels hire individuals with strong research, analytical, and communication skills. Graduates can work as policy analysts, legislative staff, or in departments requiring historical context for decision-making (e.g., State Department, National Archives).
Educator (Secondary or Community College): While K-12 public school teaching typically requires additional certification, an M.A. in History provides a strong academic background for teaching history or social studies at the secondary school level or as an instructor/adjunct professor at community colleges.
Genealogist/Family Historian: For those with a passion for historical records and investigative research, a career as a professional genealogist or family historian involves tracing lineage and family histories for clients, often utilizing archival research and critical source analysis.
Legal Support/Paralegal: The emphasis on critical thinking, evidence analysis, and persuasive argumentation in a history M.A. provides an excellent foundation for careers in the legal field. Graduates can work as paralegals or in litigation support, assisting lawyers with historical research relevant to cases.
