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Master of Arts in History
Do you accept applications for the MA from students interested in U.S. history and the history of technology? Yes. While the majority of our students in these fields are working toward the PhD, we welcome MA applicants in American history, history of technology, the history of the American South, public history, and European and non-U.S. histories. Applying for the master’s program can be a good way to see if graduate work in history is right for you. In addition, if your background and credentials are insufficient to prove your readiness for the "direct track" PhD, you should consider applying to the master’s program. Often such students move directly from the MA into the PhD, transferring MA coursework at Auburn toward the higher degree. Consult with our director of graduate studies for more information.
PhD in History
Do you offer distance-based or online PhD degrees? The Department of History does not currently offer distance education courses at the graduate level and has no plans to do so at this time. For us, the face-to-face component of graduate education that takes place around the seminar table simply can't be successfully replicated in an online environment.
Can I do the PhD degree in history part-time? Yes. You’ll typically take three to six classes per year, spread out over three semesters. This allows you to proceed to preliminary examinations within six years of entering the degree program. While several of our seminars are in the afternoon (typically from 1 to 4 p.m.), we try to schedule mandatory courses after 4 p.m.
Certificate in Public History
Do MA students concentrating on public history have to complete a thesis? Yes. The MA in history with a certificate in public history requires the successful completion of a master’s thesis. You’ll typically defend your thesis in the spring or summer semester of your second year.
Can I do public history as part of a PhD? Yes. We encourage students to take public history as a minor field. This expertise will increase your options when you enter the job market. Combining the PhD and public history will qualify you for employment in a range of non-academic institutions such as preservation offices, historical societies, federal agencies, consulting firms, libraries and archives. It can also open a broader range of academic teaching jobs. Having completed three courses for a minor field, we encourage you to add one more course and complete an internship to receive a certificate in public history.