Graduate Studies               
Department of History               
California State University San Marcos               

Overview of the Master of Arts in History

The Department of History at California State University San Marcos offers an innovative graduate degree that combines advanced historical studies with media and technology skills as applied to the research, the presentation, and the preservation of history. The graduate degree is designed to prepare students for the modern world of historical research, writing, and teaching.  Our degree furnishes students with the opportunity to pursue a traditional Master of Arts degree in History while gaining experience in using new technological advances that are revolutionizing the field. Students may tailor their coursework to their individual historical interests and technological needs.  Students have the option of completing their degree with either a traditional master's thesis or an extensive project involving technology and history.  Additionally, the program will provide opportunities for internships and experience teaching history in the college classroom.

During their course of study, students will take required courses on:

• Historiography and the philosophy of history
• Thematic historical topics in specific world areas
• Media and technology skills as applied to historical research, writing, presentation, and teaching

The CSUSM History Master of Arts degree offers preparation for a variety of post-graduate goals including:  doctoral education; community college and post-credential teaching; public history employment (museums, historical societies, and archives); careers in media and journalism; urban planning; governmental jobs; and a host of other possibilities both in the public and private sectors.