Program Overview
History is the study of the past, offering insights into the origins of the world of today and providing inspiration for future change. Studying history enables you to hone your writing and critical thinking skills and understand problems from various perspectives.
In the History Master’s Degree Program, you’ll have the opportunity to explore diverse approaches to the study of history in our well-rounded course curriculum. Whether pursuing your master’s for personal or professional reasons, you will work with faculty and peers who share your passion for history.
Through the program, you’ll:
- Gain a deeper understanding of the world of today through your study of the past.
- Learn about diverse approaches to historical research, all founded on the analysis of primary sources.
- Develop the ability to communicate your research in clear and engaging prose, whether narrative or analytical.
- Build the critical thinking skills to engage in historical debate and appreciate the contested nature of historical understanding.
- Graduate with a Harvard University degree: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies in the field of History.
Courses
The diverse course offerings encompass different geographic areas and topical themes, including political, economic, cultural, and intellectual change. And they explore the role of race, gender, religion, class, and ethnicity in that change. You can customize your studies by selecting either a thesis or capstone track or choosing electives that align with your interests.
Example Courses
- Oral Histories
- Colonial America
- Power and Civilization: China
- The Culture of Capitalism
- History of Financial Crises 1637 to Present
- The United States and World Order since 1900
- Africa in the Western Imagination
You’ll join faculty and peers for the on-campus course Engaging in Scholarly Conversation. See course spotlight.
Stackable Certificate
As you work your way toward your master’s degree, you can take courses that also count — or “stack” — toward a graduate certificate. It’s a cost-effective, time-saving opportunity to build specialized skills and earn a second professional credential. For each certificate, you can choose courses that best fit your goals.
Stackable graduate certificates include:
Admissions
The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program. You’ll earn your way in through our performance-based admissions, completing coursework for admission and earning credits toward your degree right away.
Next Start Term
You can enroll in your first admission course this fall. Course registration opens July 21.
Featured Faculty
Our history instructors bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.
Ariane Liazos
Lecturer in Extension, Harvard University
Erez Manela
Francis Lee Higginson Professor of History, Harvard University
Andrew Gordon
Lee and Juliet Folger Fund Professor of History, Harvard University
Stephen Shoemaker
Lecturer in Extension, Harvard University
Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes
Our graduates go on to careers in academia, high school teaching, public history, and much more. They publish their work for both academic and popular audiences.
Sample Doctoral Programs
With their historical and cross-culture knowledge of people, places, and political/social movements, our history alumni have gone on to top PhD programs at such universities as:
- Harvard University
- Boston University
- George Washington University
- University of Oxford
- Yale University
Sample Career Fields
They are working in a variety of fields, including:
- Criminal justice
- Education
- Environmental services
- IT
- Public relations and communications
- Public service and government administration
- Research
- Writing and publishing
Program Benefits
Experience a rigorous curriculum. 100% of recent graduates would recommend the program.
Access career advising and other services through Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success.
Complete an in-depth thesis or capstone project.
Explore paid research opportunities through the Faculty Aide Program.
Become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).
Tuition & Financial Aid
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
