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California State University, Chico
College of Humanities and Fine Arts

History MA

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  • Program Type

    Graduate

  • Delivery Type

    On Campus

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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.

Smiling faculty providing feedback to a smiling student in an office setting.

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:

  • Secondary School Teacher: Teaching history at middle or high schools, often requiring additional teaching credentials.
  • College Instructor: Pursuing graduate study and then teaching at community colleges or as a university professor.
  • Museum Curator: Managing collections, creating exhibits, and organizing educational programs at museums.
  • Archivist: Preserving and managing historical documents and records for institutions such as libraries, museums, and government agencies.
  • Historical Consultant: Providing expertise for projects requiring historical knowledge, such as film productions, historical sites, or cultural organizations.
  • Historian: Conducting research and publishing findings in academic journals, books, or other media.
  • 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.
  • Program Director or Manager: Overseeing projects and initiatives for nonprofit organizations, particularly those related to historical preservation, education, or cultural heritage.
A student standing in a crowd of administrators at commencement.

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 group photo

    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.

  • Trinity Hall

    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.

Additional 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 moss 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

Stephen Lewis, program coordinator
slewis2@csuchico.edu 
530-898-6244

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 for details.

The MA in history is a 30-unit program which can be completed in two years.

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