History

The Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Kansas offers students an in-depth exploration of the human past through the study of diverse historical periods, regions, and themes. This comprehensive program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of how historical events and processes have shaped the modern world. Students will engage with primary and secondary sources, learn to interpret historical data, and present well-reasoned arguments in both written and oral formats. The curriculum includes a wide range of courses covering American, European, Asian, African, and Latin American history, providing a global perspective on historical developments. In addition to core courses, students have the opportunity to choose specialized electives in areas such as ancient civilizations, medieval history, modern conflicts, social movements, and cultural transformations. The program emphasizes research skills, encouraging students to undertake independent projects under the guidance of experienced faculty members. Through internships, study abroad programs, and participatory events, students gain practical experience and a broader cultural understanding. Graduates of the History program at KU are well-prepared for careers in education, research, public history, museum work, policy analysis, and many other fields that value critical analysis and a deep understanding of historical context. The department fosters an inclusive academic community committed to academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and professional development. By completing this program, students will not only acquire a rich knowledge of the past but also develop essential skills that are highly valued in a rapidly changing global society.

The master’s program in history requires satisfactory completion of 30 credit hours of graduate courses including at least 6 hours in history research seminars and the passing of a comprehensive oral examination.

Soon after admission, the student should select a faculty member as his or her advisor. The advisor directs the student’s work and advises the student about selecting Option A or Option B.

Option A

3 fields of history

The fields are the equivalent of secondary fields drawn from 3 different major fields. With the consent of departmental advisors, when a student’s program warrants a substitution, she or he may substitute an allied field outside the department that provides vital support for the program (e.g., substituting international relations for U.S. diplomatic history). At least 9 hours of course work must be taken in each of the 3 fields. Students must take HIST 805.

9 hours of work in courses numbered HIST 801 or higher and 6 hours of research seminar are required. Normally, at least 3 hours of seminar under each program should be taken with the student’s program advisor, who chairs the oral examining committee.

All master’s candidates must produce 2 professional-quality, article-length papers (approximately 30 pages) in the 2 required seminars. The final oral examination for the master’s degree includes questions concerning the papers as well as coverage of the student’s major and secondary fields.

Option B

A major field and 1 secondary field

At least 2 history faculty members must serve on the student’s M.A. committee for the major field. At least 18 hours of course work in the major field and 9 hours in the secondary field must be taken. Students must take HIST 805.

9 hours of work in courses numbered HIST 801 or higher and 6 hours of research seminar are required. Normally, at least 3 hours of seminar under each program should be taken with the student’s program advisor, who chairs the oral examining committee.

All master’s candidates must produce 2 professional-quality, article-length papers (approximately 30 pages) in the 2 required seminars. The final oral examination for the master’s degree includes questions concerning the papers as well as coverage of the student’s major and secondary fields.

The application materials that each candidate must submit are:

• Statement of Academic Objectives, including a clear plan for graduate research in a specific field of study
• Curriculum Vitae
• Writing Sample demonstrating independent historical research and analysis (20-25 pages maximum)
  • Submit a writing sample that best represents your scholarly abilities: The Department is interested in reviewing your well-crafted, persuasively argued sample. Such papers are often derived from an upper-level undergraduate history class in which you conducted independent research and employed both primary and secondary sources. If you have an MA in history, the writing sample should be taken from your thesis or a major paper written in a graduate seminar.
• GRE Scores, conveyed from ETS to the University of Kansas (School Code 6871)
• Official Transcript from each institution that has granted you a degree, or at which you are currently enrolled
• Three letters of recommendation – The letters can be directly uploaded online directly by those who write the recommendations, or they can be mailed to the Department of History, ATTN: Graduate Administrator, 1445 Jayhawk Boulevard, Wescoe 3650, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045. A recommendation form for hard copy letters can be downloaded here.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

While it is not guaranteed, the department does its best to provide funding in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) appointments to all incoming graduate students.  GTA appointments are awarded for the academic year and come with:

• a competitive academic year (9 month) salary
• a 100% tuition waiver for all courses at KU
• payment of up to 3 hours of student fees
• optional University-subsidized group health insurance 

The appointments are guaranteed based on performance for up to 3 years for M.A. students, and 6 years for students who receive both an M.A. and a Ph.D. at The University of Kansas.  GTAs in the department receive thorough training in language instruction, close mentoring, and the opportunity to teach French at a variety of levels, providing them with a strong base of teaching experience upon entering the job market. Additional information about teaching for the department is available on the Graduate Funding page of our departmental website.

Post-comprehensive students completing their dissertations are also eligible to apply for 1 of the the departmental Max Kade Dissertation Fellowships.

The Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Kansas offers students a comprehensive understanding of past events, cultures, and societies. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for historical contexts and their influence on contemporary issues. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of periods, regions, and themes within both Western and non-Western history. The curriculum typically includes core courses in American history, European history, Asian history, African history, and Middle Eastern history, along with specialized electives that allow students to tailor their studies to their interests. The program emphasizes primary source analysis, research methods, and effective communication of historical findings through written assignments and presentations.

Students may choose to pursue additional specializations through minors or certificates in related fields such as museum studies, public history, or international studies. The department often encourages experiential learning opportunities, including internships, study abroad programs, and research projects, to enhance practical skills and global perspectives. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in education, government, public history, archival work, journalism, and further academic study. The faculty comprises experienced historians dedicated to mentoring students and fostering a dynamic academic environment. Ultimately, the History program at the University of Kansas aims to produce informed, analytical, and culturally aware individuals capable of contributing thoughtfully to society.