Prepare to succeed in a rapidly changing and increasingly connected world. With a Master in Arts in History from the University of West Florida, you’ll conduct independent research, evaluate popular claims of “historical fact,” identify social patterns and reveal the voices of people from all backgrounds.
Why History at UWF?
Our faculty are passionate about teaching and working with students, something you don't often find at larger institutions. We also have access to a living-learning lab with the UWF Historic Trust and the Digital Humanities Lab on campus. The trust is a non-profit direct support organization managing thirty properties in the Pensacola National Register Historic District, giving you hands-on, real-world experience.
We offer three interdisciplinary tracks: Traditional History, Public History, and Interdisciplinary Maritime and Coastal History. Within each track, you will have the opportunity to learn a variety of interdisciplinary skills.
The Department of History and Philosophy awards several scholarships and teaching assistantships to graduate students. All students have numerous opportunities work with faculty in a variety of research areas.
What You Will Learn
The M.A. in History offers three tracks: Traditional History, Public History, and Interdisciplinary Maritime and Coastal History. Whichever track you choose, you will gain the ability to think critically, communicate effectively and ask incisive questions about the world around you.
You will be required to take two methods courses, sequenced to provide a layered approach to research. Each track also has unique requirements throughout the curriculum and culminates with a capstone project such as a thesis, M.A. research paper or internship.
By the beginning of the second year of class work, you should be thinking seriously about what you want to do for a thesis project. Before starting any work on a prospective project, you will choose a thesis advisor, a thesis committee and develop a thesis.
Throughout your studies you will have several opportunities for hands-on research. Many of our students work with the UWF Historic Trust as docents, archivists and educators. Other students find a variety of internships or research projects with local, regional and national museums, historical societies and other institutions.
The Department of History and Philosophy also offers a historic preservation certificate in collaboration with the Department of Anthropology.
UWF programs offered at the Pensacola campus or UWF Emerald Coast may require online courses. Discuss the program requirements and planning with your academic advisor.
