Program Overview
The University of North Alabama’s Master of Arts in History program invites students to deepen their understanding of the past through advanced historical study, research, and scholarly inquiry. Through close collaboration with faculty and engagement with diverse historical perspectives, students refine their analytical abilities while preparing for careers in education, public history, research, and doctoral study.
Why Choose This Program?
- Explore historical topics through advanced research, analysis, and discussion
- Work closely with faculty mentors who support your academic and professional goals
- Prepare for careers in education, public history, archives, museums, and doctoral programs
Concentrations
Public History
The concentration in public history requires 12 hours of graduate credit in public history, including one required course: HI 665, Public History. Students pursuing the concentration must be enrolled in the MA in History degree program. Courses are designed to give students first-hand field experience through projects in a variety of areas of public history, including digital history, historic preservation and cultural resource management, oral history, and museum and archival management. Students can also gain experience working on larger projects with historical organizations through completing a 140-hour internship.
[UNA: Please confirm Concentration detail Info Above – is there more than one?]
Curriculum & Coursework
History graduate students examine historical events, movements, and ideas through research, critical analysis, and scholarly writing. Courses will encourage students to evaluate historical evidence, interpret complex issues, and contribute to meaningful conversations about the past and its influence on the present.
Sample Courses:
- HY 601 Historical Research and Historiography
- HY 610 Readings in American History
- HY 620 Readings in European History
- HY 695 Thesis Research
Career Paths & Outcomes
A Master of Arts in History equips graduates with advanced research, writing, and analytical skills that are valued across a variety of professions. You will be prepared to interpret complex information, communicate effectively, and contribute thoughtful perspectives in academic, public, and professional settings.
Common Career Paths:
- Historian
- College Instructor
- Archivist
- Museum Professional
- Public Historian
- Research Analyst
- Government Professional
Student Experience
At UNA, History graduate students join a scholarly community dedicated to exploring the past and understanding its relevance to contemporary issues. Through faculty mentorship, research opportunities, guest lectures, and academic events, students engage with historians and fellow scholars while expanding their professional and intellectual horizons.
Opportunities include:
- Faculty mentorship and individualized research support
- Access to the Lawerence J. Nelson Lecture Series
- Advanced historical research and writing opportunities
- Engagement with visiting scholars and historians
- Professional development and networking opportunities
- Preparation for doctoral study and history-related careers
Meet the Faculty
Dr. Blake Ball
Associate Professor
bsball@una.edu
Dr. Danny Burton
Professor
deburton@una.edu
Dr. Carrie Crawford
Assistant Professor
cbarske@una.edu
Dr. Brian Dempsey
Associate Professor
bdempsey@una.edu
Dr. Taylor Desloge
Assistant Professor
tdesloge@una.edu
Ms. Angie Fitzsimmons
Senior Administrative Assistant, History
aafitzsimmons@una.edu
Dr. Ulrich Groetsch
Professor
ugroetsch@una.edu
Dr. Sean Jacobson
Assistant Professor
sjacobson1@una.edu
Dr. Benedict Lowe
Professor
blowe1@una.edu
Dr. George Makowski
Professor
gjmakowski@una.edu
Dr. Ansley Quiros
Associate Professor
aquiros@una.edu
Dr. Matthew Schoenbachler
Professor
mschoenbachler@una.edu
Dr. Frances Turnbell
Lecturer
fturnbell@una.edu
