College of Arts and Sciences
History (M.A.)
College of Arts and Sciences
History (M.A.)
Discover the Past, Shape the Future at NMSU
At New Mexico State University, our Master of Arts in History goes beyond studying the past — it equips you to analyze the present and shape the future. With flexible tracks including a traditional thesis-based M.A., a Public History option with hands-on internships, a dual-track degree, and an accelerated program, you can tailor your studies to your career goals. Explore regional histories from around the globe or dive into thematic areas like gender, borderlands, environmental history, and political economy, all while developing advanced research, analytical, and communication skills that open doors to careers in education, museums, archives, public service, and beyond.
Admission Deadlines
Application deadlines if graduate assistantships and fellowships are needed: February 15 (Fall Admission), October 15 (Spring Admission)
- Total credits: 36-39
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
A History degree from New Mexico State University opens doors far beyond the classroom. By developing strong research, analytical, and communication skills, our graduates are well-prepared to thrive in a variety of careers that value critical thinking and cultural understanding.
- Archivist or digital archivist
- Legislative or congressional research staff
- Historical researcher
- College instructor or adjunct professor
- K–12 history or social studies teacher
- Author or historical writer
- Cultural tourism developer
- Historic preservation specialist
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Arts in History? Fill out our inquiry form.
Where the Past Comes Alive
With a master’s in History or Public History from NMSU, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of impactful careers — whether curating museum collections, preserving cultural heritage, teaching the next generation, shaping public policy, or bringing history to life through research, writing, and digital media. Our graduates work in museums, archives, government agencies, historic sites, cultural organizations, and educational institutions, using their expertise to connect communities with the past and inform the future.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
Scholarships Available
Get up to 100% of tuition covered with the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship.*
Thesis Option:
Thirty-six credits (27 of which must be at the 500 level) are required for the thesis program.
The Department of History offers graduate work leading to the Master of Arts degree. In addition to fulfilling the basic requirements for admission to the Graduate School, applicants must present undergraduate passage of at least 12 credits in history with grades of B or higher, including six upper division history credits. Those lacking this preparation must normally make up deficiencies before beginning graduate course work.
A student choosing the thesis program must receive permission for his/her thesis by passing a thesis proposal defense after earning 12 graduate credits in History.
Students who choose the thesis program must pass a final oral examination over their graduate course work and their thesis. All graduate students will be required to present a research paper in a public forum.
Take classes like:
- HIST 598 - Craft of History
- HIST 593 - Reading Seminar: History, Myth and Memory
- HIST 585 - Public History Internship
- HIST 586 - Interpreting Historic Places for the Public
- HIST 545 - Special Topics in United States History
- HIST 568 - Urban History
The Public History Track offers a degree best suited for students seeking a terminal M.A. and a desire to work in various fields of public history, such as museums, historical sites, and government agencies.
For this degree, students must complete 36 credits (27 of which must be at the 500 level) that encompass the following:
Take classes like:
- HIST 598 - Craft of History
- HIST 593 - Reading Seminar: History, Myth and Memory
- HIST 585 - Public History Internship
- HIST 586 - Interpreting Historic Places for the Public
- ANTH 518 - Advanced Historical Archaeology
- ENGL 567 - Documentary Film Theory and Criticism
The Dual-Track MA offers a similar degree as the Public History Track but includes a substantial thesis project based on original research. This track is best suited for students that will ultimately seek a Ph.D.
Students choosing to pursue both the thesis track and Public History concentration must complete the course hours required for the public history concentration, perform an internship, and defend the proposed thesis before undertaking it using guidelines provided by the department, present the public history portfolio at a public presentation, complete the thesis, and defend their course work, thesis and public history portfolio at a final oral examination. In order to satisfactorily complete both programs, such students would complete 39 credits, including three hours of internship credit and six hours of thesis work.
View more courses and degree road map
History
The graduate minor in History requires 12 credits of graduate coursework.
Application deadlines if graduate assistantships and fellowships are needed:
February 15 (fall admission)
October 15 (spring admission)
Students applying for admission to the graduate program in history are required to submit an application form and a transcript to the Graduate School and a strong writing sample, three letters of recommendation ideally from History faculty members at NMSU or other institutions, and a two-to-three page statement of purpose to the Department of History, approximately four months in advance of the desired enrollment date.
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.