Marquette University

Programme overview

This 30-credit MA is designed to increase students’ command of historical knowledge and methods over a typical two-year course of study. The program emphasizes both breadth and depth in historical inquiry and offers support for students pursuing academic careers as well as those preparing for public-facing or administrative roles. Students begin in the fall; the program accepts applications on a rolling basis.

What you'll study

Students build competence in two distinct fields of history and demonstrate mastery through a comprehensive examination and a major research essay. Key assessed elements described by the program include:

• Comprehensive examination: an eight-hour written exam with six hours on the major field and two hours on a minor field to evaluate synthesis of factual and historiographical material.
• Final MA Essay: an article-length piece of original research, typically a revised seminar paper, evaluated by the faculty adviser and the director of graduate studies using the department rubric.
• Training in historical research tools and methods aimed at producing publishable-length work.

Entry requirements

To be eligible applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (or international equivalent) before starting graduate study and have a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. For admission to the MA, applicants should have an undergraduate major in history or a closely related field. Students apply to begin in the fall term.

• Required application components: completed online application and fee, transcripts from current and previous institutions (final official transcripts required after admission), a one-page statement of purpose identifying proposed areas of study, and three letters of recommendation.
• For doctoral applicants only: a writing sample (ideally a master’s thesis or a formal seminar paper).
• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency (TOEFL or other acceptable proof) and adhere to the earlier international materials deadline.
• Admission timeline: rolling admission with a fall-term materials deadline of August 1 (June 1 for international applicants).

Career prospects

The department reports that around 40% of MA alumni go on to doctoral study at Marquette or elsewhere; roughly 20% apply their graduate training in public history or library and information science. The remaining graduates enter a mix of teaching, academic administration and student affairs, or business roles. The program ties career planning into orientation, coursework and workshops and collaborates with campus resources such as the Center for Teaching and Learning, Preparing Future Faculty and Professionals, and the Career Center.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The Graduate School publicizes an initiative to reduce humanities tuition by offering a $500 per credit-hour rate for humanities master’s programs (including History), reflecting institutional support for these fields. The program page also lists a tuition cost per credit of $625 for the master’s program and notes additional costs may apply. Applicants can pursue federal loans if eligible and explore private scholarships. Candidates with relevant service or nonprofit experience may consider the Trinity Fellows Program, a 21-month study/work fellowship that pairs graduate study with urban-service commitments; details and eligibility for that fellowship are provided on the Trinity Fellows website.