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About the MA in History at Loyola
The MA in History program at Loyola University Chicago will foster your own natural inclination to study the past and gain a deeper understanding of world history. Through in-depth historical scholarship, you will sharpen your ability to research, analyze, interpret historical evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.
The 30-hour History MA will prepare you for a variety of career options, including professor of history, archivist, or historian. You will learn from engaged and dedicated faculty who will mentor and support you throughout the master's degree in history.
Program Structure
The MA in History program can be pursued either full time or part time. Classes are held at Loyola's Lake Shore Campus, conveniently located on Chicago's North Side and a short train ride away from downtown.
Are you a current Loyola undergrad?
Get a head start on your master’s degree by earning graduate credits as a senior. This program is eligible for an Accelerated Master’s Pathway (AMP), welcoming students from any undergraduate major who meet admission requirements.
LEARN MOREWhy Choose Loyola for your MA in History?
- Learn from history experts
- Conduct original research
- Prepare for history degree careers
- Continue your studies at the doctoral level
Throughout the MA in History program, you will learn historiography, historical methods, and more from a faculty of history experts. This program focuses on Public History and US and Social and Cultural History with specialties in Urban History, Digital History, Women's and Gender History, and Transnational History.
Through two 500-level research seminars, you will engage in original research projects. One of the seminars is in your major field; the second may be in your major or minor field.
Major Fields
- United States
Minor Fields
- Gender and Women's History
- Modern Europe
- Public History
- United States
With an MA in History, you can lay the foundation for careers in a range of sectors, from education to government, and for a variety of roles.
Whether you choose to pursue the PhD in History at Loyola University Chicago or another institution, the MA in History will give you the preparation you need to succeed.
History Department
The discipline of history has expanded in scope, theory and methodology in recent decades. The Department of History reflects these changes while maintaining Loyola's traditional strengths in Medieval, Modern Western European and United States history. Find stories showcasing current students and graduates from the History MA program and learn more about why Loyola is right for you.
Department WebsiteDepartment News and StoriesMeet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the department faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the History MA program.
FacultyMaster's Degree in History: Career Connections
After completing your MA in History you will be prepared for careers in academia, government, cultural institutions, the private sector, and more. You will have skills that are highly valued in today's world, including exceptional communication, advanced research and critical thinking, and the ability to view problems from a global and historical perspective.
Specific job options include:
- Political scientist
- Journalist
- Historian
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Loyola Stories
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the History MA program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide History MA learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2025-2026 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogMA in History Results and Skills
While earning your master's degree in history you'll expand your knowledge and build high-value skills, including:
- Advanced research and critical analysis
- Effective communication and debate
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a Loyola alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Accelerated Master's Pathway Cost Benefit
This program has an Accelerated Master's Pathway (AMP) for current Loyola undergraduates. Through the AMP, you can lower the cost of a master's degree by earning graduate credits at undergraduate tuition rates (before your undergraduate degree is conferred). Once you graduate with your bachelor’s degree, you will also be eligible for the Returning Rambler Scholarship, offering 25% off graduate tuition.
Tuition and Costs
| Program | Credit Hours | Cost Per Credit Hour | Estimated Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| History MA | 30 | $1,270.00 | $38100.00 |
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe Graduate School offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
This program has multiple versions you can apply to. Find specific information about the application process for each option below. Please note that Accelerated Master's Pathways are only for current Loyola undergraduate students.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the History MA are listed below:
Fall: May 1
Spring: October 1
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the History MA include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
3 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Writing Sample
Prerequisite Course Requirements
Normally, students should have 18 hours of undergraduate coursework in history.
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals. Please note there is a writing sample requirement that needs to be completed in addition to this section.
Writing Sample Details
Please provide a paper that demonstrates your research ability. This should ideally be a sample of your historical writing, preferably a research paper written for a history course.
Application Deadlines
Loyola students should apply to Accelerated Master's Pathways (AMP) during their junior year. The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Accelerated Master's Pathway: History MA are listed below:
Fall: May 1
Spring: October 1
Application Requirements
Please note that only current Loyola undergraduates are eligible for AMPs. Application requirements for the Accelerated Master's Pathway: History MA include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
3 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Writing Sample
Prerequisite Course Requirements
Normally, students should have 18 hours of undergraduate coursework in history.
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals. Please note there is a writing sample requirement that needs to be completed in addition to this section.
Writing Sample Details
Please provide a paper that demonstrates your research ability. This should ideally be a sample of your historical writing, preferably a research paper written for a history course.
Official Documents
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the History MA program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAY