Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

This MA emphasises interdisciplinary study across the humanities, social sciences and arts. Students design a programme of coursework and research in consultation with a faculty advisor, selecting courses that can include literature, history, philosophy, cultural studies, digital humanities, rhetoric and composition, and area studies. Core learning focuses on advanced critical analysis, scholarly research methods, theoretical approaches within the humanities, and written and oral communication.

Typical modules and topics you may encounter include:

• Contemporary Literary Theory and Methods
• Research Methods in the Humanities
• History and Cultural Contexts
• Philosophy, Ethics and Public Life
• Digital Humanities and Textual Analysis
• Rhetoric, Writing Pedagogy and Composition Studies
• Independent Study and Directed Research

Programme structure is intentionally flexible: students may follow a coursework-only pathway or incorporate a capstone project, thesis, or extended research portfolio depending on their goals. Many students combine seminars that emphasise theory with practicum-style courses that develop applied skills such as curriculum design, archival research, or public humanities programming.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Admissions typically consider academic transcripts, a personal statement that outlines your proposed area of study and objectives, and letters of recommendation. Relevant professional experience, clear evidence of writing and analytical ability, and a well-developed plan for a personalised course of study can strengthen an application.

English language proficiency is required for applicants whose first language is not English; acceptable evidence includes recognised language test scores or equivalent institutional proof. Some pathways may request a writing sample or a brief research proposal, particularly for applicants intending to pursue the thesis option.

Career prospects

Graduates from this liberal arts MA follow diverse career paths thanks to a strong grounding in critical thinking, research and communication. Common sectors include education (secondary and post-secondary teaching and curriculum development), public history and museums, cultural and arts organisations, publishing and editing, communications and public relations, policy and non-profit management, and roles in digital content and research.

Many alumni also use the programme as preparation for further doctoral study in humanities disciplines or related interdisciplinary programmes. The flexibility of the degree supports career changers and mid-career professionals seeking to deepen subject knowledge or add research and leadership capabilities to their CV.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers this MA with an emphasis on personalised mentoring and interdisciplinary breadth. The university's faculty include scholars with expertise across traditional humanities disciplines and applied areas such as digital scholarship and public humanities, enabling supervision tailored to individual research interests.

NAU provides access to research resources, libraries and special collections, and opportunities to engage with community-based projects and internships in the region. The programme’s flexible delivery options and supportive advising make it suitable for full-time students and working professionals seeking a programme that can be customised to academic and career goals.