Master of Arts in Historical Studies

Why Study Historical Studies?

The Master’s in Historical Studies program at UMBC provides rigorous training in the methods and techniques of professional historians. Students learn how to conduct research, analyze sources, and apply current analytical tools and technologies that are reshaping the discipline. The program emphasizes both traditional approaches and innovative practices, preparing graduates to engage with history in academic, public, and applied contexts.

Historians play a vital role in documenting events and interpreting the forces that shape societies over time. In this program, students deepen their ability to ask critical questions, evaluate evidence, and uncover new perspectives on the past. Coursework emphasizes the importance of connecting facts with interpretation, giving graduates the tools to produce meaningful scholarship and share it with wider audiences.

History provides essential context for understanding the present and shaping the future. UMBC’s Historical Studies master’s program equips students with advanced research techniques, strong storytelling skills, and broader analytical frameworks. By linking past and present, graduates are prepared to illuminate pressing social, cultural, and political issues and contribute to the ongoing conversations that define how history informs our world.