History
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire Campus, United States
Master of Arts in History
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
History
Master of Arts in History at UW–Eau Claire
The Master of Arts in History at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire is designed for students who wish to deepen their knowledge of history and prepare for advanced scholarly work, teaching careers, or public service. The program emphasizes both breadth and depth, training graduates in historical research methods, critical analysis, and the interpretation of complex historical developments.
Students can personalize their degree by selecting courses organized around broad themes, topics, chronological periods, or geographic areas. The program offers two pathways: a 30-credit thesis option for those planning doctoral study and a 33-credit non-thesis option suited for K-12 educators and working professionals seeking career advancement.
With close faculty mentorship and access to resources such as the Wisconsin Historical Society's Area Research Center housed on campus, students benefit from a supportive academic environment. Two history professors have received Wisconsin Professor of the Year awards, and the department earned the University of Wisconsin Regents Teaching Excellence Award.
Program Highlights
- Flexible thesis (30-credit) and non-thesis (33-credit) degree pathways tailored to your career goals
- Award-winning faculty including Wisconsin Professor of the Year recipients
- On-campus access to the Wisconsin Historical Society's Area Research Center for primary source research
- Personalized advising and faculty mentorship for every graduate student
Curriculum and Course Modules
The MA in History curriculum blends foundational coursework in historiography and research methodology with specialized seminars that allow you to develop expertise in your chosen area. At least 18 credits must be taken in 700-level courses open only to graduate students, and up to nine credits may come from disciplines outside history with advisor approval.
Historiography and Historical Methods
3 CreditsExamines the emergence of history as a profession, major subfields within the discipline, current methodologies and models influencing historians, and dominant issues in the field today.
Graduate Research Seminar
3 CreditsIntroduces students to secondary literature on a selected topic as preparation for research in original sources, culminating in the writing and presentation of a scholarly paper.
Readings in History
3 CreditsFamiliarizes students with major issues of historical debate through intensive weekly readings. A term paper summarizing and evaluating views on a specific issue is shared with other students.
Thesis Research and Prospectus
3 CreditsAn independent study course involving in-depth reading in the student's area of concentration, guided by the thesis adviser, and culminating in the presentation of a thesis prospectus to the committee.
Master's Thesis
6 CreditsCompletion of a traditional research thesis under the supervision of a faculty committee. The thesis demonstrates mastery of historical analysis, original research, and scholarly writing.
Topics in History
3 CreditsRotating seminar covering selected topics such as American environmental history, public health history, military history, women's history, or American Indian history, depending on faculty and student interests.
Elective Course Options
Admission Requirements
Admission to the MA in History program is competitive and based on academic preparation, scholarly potential, and alignment with program goals. All applications are processed through Uni4Edu, which guides you through every step of the process.
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor's DegreeA completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required
- Undergraduate History CreditsMinimum 24 semester credits of undergraduate history (30 credits strongly recommended)
- GPA RequirementMinimum 3.00 overall GPA, or 3.15 in the second half of undergraduate work and 3.30 in the history concentration
- Research Writing SampleA major undergraduate research paper (minimum 10 pages preferred) with a letter from the supervising professor
- Letters of RecommendationThree letters of recommendation from professors familiar with the applicant's academic work and potential
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score required for non-native English speakers (contact Uni4Edu for current minimums)
- IELTSAccepted as proof of English proficiency (contact Uni4Edu for current minimums)
- Proficiency RequirementAll international students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
UW–Eau Claire offers several financial support options for graduate students in the History program, including assistantships, fellowships, and grant programs. In the 2024-25 academic year, 95% of eligible students who applied for a graduate assistantship position received an offer. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on funding opportunities.
Graduate Assistantship
Graduate assistants work 13.3 to 20 hours per week in academic departments and may be eligible for health insurance benefits and out-of-state tuition remission. Positions are awarded in early April with a March 1 priority deadline.
Graduate Student Foundation Fellowship
Awarded on the basis of scholarship and scholarly potential to students admitted in full standing to a degree program. Recipients must be enrolled in at least three graduate credit hours per semester.
Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP) Grant
Available to all enrolled graduate students with preference given to full-time Wisconsin residents. The priority application deadline is March 1 for the upcoming academic year. International students may also be eligible for nonresident tuition remission scholarships.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects for History Graduates
Graduates of the MA in History program leave UW–Eau Claire with strong skills in critical analysis, research, writing, and oral presentation. These transferable competencies prepare them for success across education, public history, government, business, and further doctoral study at leading universities.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire has been consistently recognized as one of the top regional universities in the Midwest for over three decades. Its history department has received the University of Wisconsin Regents Teaching Excellence Award, and individual faculty members have earned Wisconsin Professor of the Year honors.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Universities – Midwest (Public) | U.S. News & World Report | Top 10 |
| Best Value Schools – Midwest | U.S. News & World Report | Top Tier |
| Best Colleges for Veterans – Midwest | U.S. News & World Report | #13 |
| Public Universities – Midwest | Forbes | #128 Nationally |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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