History

The History program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers students a comprehensive and intellectually stimulating exploration of the past, designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of historical processes across different periods and regions. Through a diverse array of courses, students engage with topics ranging from ancient civilizations to modern history, encompassing global, regional, and thematic studies. The program emphasizes the development of analytical writing, research abilities, and the capacity to interpret historical sources critically. Students have opportunities to specialize in areas such as American history, European history, Asian history, Latin American history, or global history, tailoring their education to their interests and career goals. The curriculum combines lecture-based courses, seminars, and research projects, often encouraging interdisciplinary approaches that integrate perspectives from politics, culture, economics, and social movements. With access to extensive archives, libraries, and digital resources, students are supported in conducting original research and producing scholarly work. The program aims to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers, including academia, education, public history, government, law, journalism, and international relations. Faculty members are distinguished scholars committed to high-quality teaching and active research, fostering an engaging academic environment. Additionally, the program offers study abroad opportunities, internships, and workshops, enhancing practical experience and global awareness. Graduates of the History program at UMass Amherst leave equipped not only with a solid understanding of historical events but also with essential skills in analysis, communication, and research—tools that are invaluable in many professional fields. Whether students aspire to pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce directly, the program provides a strong foundation in historical inquiry, critical reasoning, and cultural literacy, supporting lifelong learning and civic engagement.

Course Work
Four to eight courses in the 600-800 series, including two graduate research seminars, are generally required, the precise number depending on the field and background of the candidate.

Language Proficiency
Candidates must pass the departmental examination demonstrating reading ability in one foreign language. Students specializing in areas for which knowledge of more than one foreign language is usual for scholarly work must demonstrate reading proficiency in the relevant languages.

Preliminary Comprehensive Examination
Candidates must pass the general examination in three fields. Not more than two can be in the candidate’s area of specialization. With the approval of the major adviser and of the departmental Graduate Program Director, the candidate may pursue one field in a department other than history.

Dissertation
A dissertation, based on original research and making an original contribution, is required for the fulfillment of the degree.

Residence
Minimum: full-time residence at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for one academic year.

Courses

• 600 European Historiography to the Enlightenment
• 601 European Historiography: The Enlightenment to the Present
• 602 American Historiography Through the Civil War
• 603 American Historiography: 1865 to the Present
• 605 Approaches to World History
• 607 Latin American Historiography: Colonial Period
• 608 Latin American Historiography: National Period
• 611 Topics in Ancient History I
• 612 Topics in Ancient History II
• 613 Topics in Medieval History
• 615 Topics in the History of Early Modern Europe
• 616 Topics in the Age of the Enlightenment
• 621 Topics in Recent European History
• 626 Comparative Memory
• 636 Topics in Russian History
• 646 Topics in Early American History
• 648 Topics in the National Period
• 649 Topics in the Civil War
• 650 Topics in the Gilded Age
• 651 Topics in the Progressive Era of the United States
• 652 Topics in American Diplomatic History
• 653 Topics in the United States Between the World Wars
• 654 Topics in Recent American History
• 655 Topics in United States Intellectual History
• 657 Topics in United States Urban History
• 658 Topics in American Social History
• 659 Public History
• 661 American Material Culture
• 662 Museum and Historic Site Interpretation
• 664 Digital History
• 665 Writing History for Popular Audiences
• 671 Topics in Modern and Contemporary Latin America
• 676 Topics in Modern Middle-Eastern History
• 696 Special Problems in History
• 697 Special Topics in History
• 698 Practicum in Public History
• 699 Master’s Thesis
• 700 Seminar in Medieval History
• 701 Seminar in Renaissance and Reformation
• 703 Seminar in the Enlightenment
• 715 Seminar in Social History of Early Modern Europe
• 716 Seminar in Modern Germany
• 717 Seminar in Modern France
• 718 Seminar in Russian History
• 719 European Politics and Diplomacy Since 1815
• 731 Seminar in Early American History
• 735 Seminar in the Progressive Era in the United States
• 736 Seminar in the United States Between World Wars
• 737 Seminar in Recent American History
• 738 Seminar in American Diplomatic History
• 739 Seminar in American Intellectual History to the Civil War
• 740 Seminar in American Intellectual History Since the Civil War
• 751 Seminar in the Colonial History of Latin America
• 753 Seminar in Mexican History
• 761 Seminar in Modern Middle-Eastern History
• 771 Seminar on the Art and Technique of Biography
• 796 Special Problems Seminar in History
• 797 Special Topics Seminar in History
• 899 Doctoral Dissertation

• A completed Application Form.
• A $75 application fee. This fee cannot be waived or deferred.
• International Student Sponsor Statement is required of all international students.
• One official transcript from all colleges/universities attended, undergraduate and graduate, where (nine) 9 or more credits were taken are required. If they are not mailed directly from the college/university, they should be enclosed in sealed envelopes signed by the college/university.  If the official transcripts and/or degree certificate(s) are not in English, notarized English language translations in duplicate must accompany them. Do not list colleges/universities where (eight) 8 or fewer credits were taken.
• Letters of recommendation (academic references) from two (2) professors or instructors who have taught you in courses in the field you are applying to here. After submission of the electronic application, we will send an email to each referee giving them instructions on how to electronically deliver the recommendation to the Graduate School. All recommendations will be considered confidential unless the applicant doesn't waive his/her right of access.
• Scores from the following standard examinations:
  • GRE (Graduate Record Examination)-General Test required by nearly all graduate programs - (refer to Degrees and Programs Offered)
  • GRE SUBJECT TEST (not a universal requirement-refer to the Programspage for those programs requiring a Subject Test)
  • GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test)-for graduate applicants to Management, Hospitality & Tourism Management, and Sport Management


  • English Language Test: Either TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), or IELTS (International English Language Testing System)-only the academic version of test is accepted, or PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)

Scholarships

• Bauer-Gordon Summer Research Fellowships
• Joyce A. Berkman Endowed Fund in Women's History and Women's Studies       
• Jumpstart Grants for Dissertation Research
• Hyde Intern Scholarships
• Ermonian Prize
• Conference Travel Funds

The Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Massachusetts Amherst provides students with a comprehensive education in human history, emphasizing the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad understanding of past societies and cultures. The program offers a diverse range of courses covering different regions, time periods, and thematic approaches, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. Core courses typically include introductory surveys, specialized seminars, and research methods, fostering a solid foundation in historical inquiry. Students can explore various fields such as American, European, Asian, Middle Eastern, and African history, as well as thematic areas like gender, history of science, and public history. The program encourages the development of skills in research, writing, and oral presentation, essential for careers in education, government, museums, archival work, and beyond. Faculty members are engaged in active research, often involving students in projects and conferences, promoting an interactive learning environment. Opportunities for internships and study abroad programs are available, providing practical experience and cultural immersion. The department also supports students interested in graduate studies, offering preparatory coursework and advising. Overall, the History major at UMass Amherst aims to produce well-rounded graduates equipped with a deep understanding of historical processes and a set of versatile skills applicable across many professional fields.