MTSU's Master of Arts in History program is grounded in well-developed skills in research, writing, and critical thinking. Students may choose a major field in U.S. or European history while pursuing the degree. Master's candidates get to select from graduate readings seminars that are chronologically and topically based, with a focus on the historiography of each field. All students take a common core of courses in historiography and historical research methods. Research seminars teach students how to conduct effective and significant inquiry into primary source records and how to ground their work in the existing historical literature. Thesis and non-thesis options are offered. Global history coursework may serve for the minor field.

The History Department offers a traditional Master of Arts (M.A.) in History and the Master of Arts (M.A.) in History with a concentration in Public History.

Graduates with master's degrees in history have the training to work not only as a historian, but also in a variety of other fields. In addition to writing, teaching, or preserving history, historians may find occupational opportunities in corporate, government, or non-profit settings. Professional possibilities, with some requiring additional studies, include

Archaeologist
Archivist/librarian
Attorney
Collections manager
College professor/instructor
Documentary editor
Foreign service officer
Genealogy consultant
Government worker
Historian
Historic consultant
Historic site administrator/tour guide
Intelligence officer
Journalist
Legal researcher
Legislative staffer
Market analyst
Middle or high school teacher
Museum curator
Paralegal
Park ranger
Preservationist
Public relations/communications director
Researcher
Scholarly publishing
Technical writer