Master of Arts

The Master of Arts in History is a one year, fully funded program that emphasizes the development of research, writing and analytical skills. MA students at Western have access to a wide range of graduate courses, an excellent research library, and can expect a high degree of interpersonal contact with their instructors and fellow students. Many of our graduates go on to higher degrees including the PhD in history, but also professional schools such as law, teaching and public administration. Others treat the MA as a terminal degree and go directly onto the job market where they have qualified for positions as diverse as Internet Content Officer, Journalist, Assistant to Member of Parliament, Digitization Facilitator, Sales Account Manager and Media Officer, not to mention more traditional occupations as professional historians.

The M.A. program consists of three basic elements:

  1. Three two-term graduate courses (or equivalent in one-term courses), including a mandatory half-course in ‘Historical Methods'
  2. Second Language Credit (normally French 9005) to be completed before the end of the Winter Term
  3. Cognate Paper (History 9900) - a research paper of approximately 12,500 words to be completed during the Summer Term.

Testimonials

"My position in the public service requires that I am able to analyze information, write concise and accurate summaries and briefing notes, and research policy issues with an understanding of their context. These are all skills that I developed as a history student at the University of Western Ontario, along with the ability to present my ideas and participate in discussions with confidence." 

Shannon Burnett, MA in History, UWO, 2006
Research Officer, Policy and Strategic Direction Sector, Indian and Northern Affairs

Western provides the best student experience among Canada's leading research-intensive universities.