M.A. in Applied History and the Certificate in Public Humanities

The M.A. degree in Applied History and Certificate in Public Humanities is an innovative, interdisciplinary program that teaches students the practical skills and content knowledge they need to succeed in a wide range of careers, whether in humanities organizations, businesses, government, or the non-profit sector. This program incorporates UA’s Graduate Certificate in Public Humanities, which is administered by UA's Smithsonian-affiliated Center for the History of Psychology. Graduates earn both the M.A. in Applied History and the Certificate in Public Humanities.

Graduate students in history at The University of Akron work individually with faculty who are active researchers, accomplished teachers, and experienced practitioners of applied history. This personal approach gives students valuable opportunities to learn both by watching and by doing and to work in a wide range of historical subjects and methodologies.

Our graduates begin their careers equipped with a diverse skillset that includes historical and theoretical knowledge, applied skills in archival and museum work, and training in fundraising, digital media development and production, exhibit design, grant writing, and project management. Because students enter the program as part of a cohort of new students, they benefit from shared learning experiences, collaboration, and networking opportunities.

Admission Requirements

Students applying for admission to the M.A. program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0. Applicants without a history major or significant undergraduate coursework in history will be considered, provided they show evidence of the ability to engage in research and writing.

Applications must include

• An application form
• A letter of intent
• A writing sample (email directly to the Graduate School)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Applicants whose native language is not English must also score at least 550 on the Test of English as a Written Language (TOEFL), at least 240 on the Test of English as a Spoken Language (TSE), and take the Test of Written English (TWE).

The applicant must apply through the Graduate School. The Department's Graduate Committee may grant provisional admission to applicants whose qualifications do not warrant full admission but whose academic records indicate a promise of successful performance. When these students have completed 15 semester credits with a 3.0 average or better, the Director of Graduate Studies will petition the Graduate School to grant full admission.

Students whose undergraduate work falls well below the minimum standards of admission but who believe they have the ability and ambition for graduate work may demonstrate their capability by taking upper-level undergraduate courses. As post-baccalaureate students, they may apply for Provisional Admission after having completed twelve credit hours of history coursework with a 4.0 average or sixteen credit hours with a 3.0 average.

Application Deadline

• March 1 for Fall enrollment if the applicant wishes to be considered for funding

Scholarship Information

To offset the costs of the M.A. program, the History department will offer scholarships to qualified students, with amounts based on available funds and enrollment. The bulk of these scholarships will be awarded to full-time students. For part-time students, the History department will only consider scholarships for qualified students enrolled in at least six credits that semester. This aligns with financial aid requirements for the University.

Additional Financial Aid Information

Paying for college is a vital part of the education process! it is important to be informed of the many sources of aid available. Student loans are available to degree-seeking graduate students. Information on student loans can be found through the Office of Student Financial Aid. The Office of Student Financial Aid is located in Simmons Hall.

Tuition and Fees

Current tuition and fees schedules can be found through the Office of Student Accounts.