Wondering whether a master’s degree in history might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our faculty.
Phone: 530-898-6244
Email: slewis2@csuchico.edu
Reflecting on the past often provides the clarity needed to move forward. With an MA in history, you gain a broad perspective essential for shaping your career. Our program caters to those dedicated to uncovering historical relevance in today’s world.
Through rigorous research, writing, and analysis, you'll be equipped to make well-informed decisions, regardless of your professional aspirations. Pursuing an MA in history at Chico State is a transformative journey tailored for aspiring secondary school educators, future Ph.D. candidates aiming to become professors, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of history.
Application Deadlines
- Fall: April 1
- Spring: November 1 (October 1 for international applicants)
Requirements
Two letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and writing sample.
Program Coordinator
Steve Lewis
Courses
View Curriculum
Advanced Historical Studies
The coursework in the MA in History program provides an in-depth understanding of historical themes, methodologies, and debates. Going substantially beyond their undergraduate coursework, MA students will deepen their knowledge about the origins and development of peoples in the past and enhance their research and writing skills.
Many Career Paths
Graduates pursue career paths that leverage the strong research, analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills developed in the history MA program, making graduates valuable in various fields that require a deep understanding of historical context and evidence-based analysis. Here are some common career paths:
- Archivist: Preserving and managing historical documents and records for institutions such as libraries, museums, and government agencies.
- Attorney: Helping individuals, companies, government agencies, or non-profits with legal issues, both civil and criminal.
- Author or Journalist: Writing books, articles, or content related to historical topics for various audiences.
- College Instructor: Pursuing graduate study and then teaching at community colleges or as a university professor.
- Historian: Conducting research and publishing findings in academic journals, books, or other media.
- Historical Consultant: Providing expertise for projects requiring historical knowledge, such as film productions, historical sites, or cultural organizations.
- Museum Curator: Managing collections, creating exhibits, and organizing educational programs at museums.
- Program Director or Manager: Overseeing projects and initiatives for nonprofit organizations, particularly those related to historical preservation, education, or cultural heritage.
- Secondary School Teacher: Teaching history at middle or high schools, often requiring additional teaching credentials.
Pay and Job Outlook
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, shows the following outlook for Historians:
Median Pay
$63,940 per year / $30.74 per hour
Job Outlook
4% (As fast as average)
Work Environment
Historians must travel to carry out research. Most work full-time.
Travel for Research
Jeanette Adame (History, MA, ’18) received close mentoring from faculty and traveled to New Orleans to conduct thesis research on how enslaved and free women of African descent used Spanish law to improve their socio-economic positions. She presented her work at the Student Research Competition and won first place locally as well as statewide.
Prepared to Excel
Whether you're interested in ancient history or the causes and implications of the Civil War, a graduate degree in history can prepare you for careers in which you can share your understanding and interpretations of the past with others.
Small Class Sizes
With classes of 5–10 students, students can establish close relationships with their peers and faculty.
Paid Mentoring Opportunities
The History Writing Cooperative is both a resource and source of employment for our MA students. Peer tutors are paid positions generally filled by MA students who provide writing feedback to both graduate and undergraduate students.
Prepared to Teach
Graduate students can serve as supervised teaching assistants in undergraduate courses to simultaneously gain valuable experience and earn a paycheck.
Graduate Seminars
Take graduate seminars on the United States, Europe, East Asia, Latin America, and historiography.
Join the Club
There are two student organizations for Chico State history students.
History Club
The History Club is open to all who wish to join, whether they are history majors or not. It offers students opportunities to be involved with history beyond the classroom by hosting book talks, a careers forum, trivia nights, trips, and movie screenings that always open new discussions on the subject of history.
Phi Alpha Theta
Phi Alpha Theta is the local chapter of a national history honor society. Phi Alpha Theta members edit and produce The Chico Historian, a journal that publishes students' historical research papers written in conjunction with their coursework. The club also coordinates events throughout the semester.
Application Information
With the effort it takes to earn a graduate degree in history, you'll be well-equipped to apply your research and understanding of the past in a rewarding career that allows you to share your passion in a variety of ways. Please review our most common FAQs about the program.
All prospective students must first apply for graduate admissions through Cal State Apply. Supplementary materials will either be collected electronically via Cal State Apply or sent directly to the program department.
Application Deadlines
Fall: April 1
Spring: November 1 (October 1 for international applicants)
Supplemental Materials
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Writing sample
How to Apply
We're here to help! Reach out to graduate program coordinator Steve Lewis at slewis2@csuchico.edu with any questions.
Graduate students can qualify for traditional financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Scholarship Opportunities
California State University, Chico provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies, and many go unfilled. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc.
You can still pursue this degree if your undergraduate degree was in a different field; however, prerequisites may be required to bring you up to speed. See the history graduate coordinator Steve Lewis at slewis2@csuchico.edu for details.
The MA in history is a 30-unit program which can be completed in two years.
Related Programs
History Department
Wondering whether a master’s degree in history might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our faculty.
Phone: 530-898-6244
Email: slewis2@csuchico.edu