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History (M.A.)

The Master of Arts in History at the University of North Florida offers students a rigorous and enriching exploration of past events, cultures, and ideas that have shaped our world. Designed for both recent graduates and working professionals, the program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and historical analysis across different periods and regions.

Shaping Scholars of the Past

Through close faculty mentorship and rigorous coursework, students refine their research and analytical skills, becoming scholars capable of interpreting and preserving history for future generations.

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Program Overview

The Master of Arts in History at the College of Arts and Sciences offers a rigorous, research-driven curriculum designed to deepen students’ understanding of global historical developments. With course offerings in African, Asian, European, Latin American, and U.S. history, the program emphasizes both regional specialization and thematic exploration, enabling students to study historical change across time and place.

Students engage with core historical methodologies and historiographical debates, honing their ability to critically analyze sources, construct persuasive arguments, and communicate findings effectively. Small seminar-style classes foster rich discussion and close faculty mentorship, supporting students as they conduct original research or complete advanced projects. The program is ideal for those seeking careers in education, public history, museum curation, archival work, government, nonprofit organizations, or the legal and consulting fields.

The M.A. in History requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, with both thesis and non-thesis tracks available to suit students’ academic and professional goals. Additionally, students may pursue a Graduate Certificate in Public History, which enhances their credentials for work in museums, historical societies, or community history initiatives.

Applicants should hold or be in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree in history or a related discipline. Whether preparing for doctoral study or entering a professional field, graduates emerge with the analytical, research, and communication skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the study and application of history.

Program Contact

Dr. Chau Johnsen Kelly

Graduate Program Director
College of Arts and Sciences

Program At-a-Glance

Delivery: Standard (in-person)
Credit hours: 36
Graduate Cost Calculator
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Application Deadlines

Deadlines may vary for specific programs and are subject to change.

International Applicant Deadlines

International Applicant Deadlines

  • Fall: June 1
  • Spring: October 1

These deadlines are for international students who are required to submit documents for immigration processing. While not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to submit all documents for immigration by these dates to ensure timely visa processing.

  • Fall: August 1
  • Spring: December 1

Applicant Decisions

After applications are submitted, a committee will review all uploaded materials. Decisions are made within the month of submission. 

Graduate Cost Calculator

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Admissions Requirements

The below Program Requirements, University Requirements, and International Applicant Requirements*, if applicable, must be submitted no later than the deadline posted above. Incomplete applications or those with required materials post-marked after the deadline are subject to cancellation. Once an application has been canceled, the decision cannot be reversed.

*International students must be fully admitted to a full-time, on-campus, in-person, degree-seeking program at the University of North Florida. Please contact the International Center for more information.

  • University Requirements

    University Requirements

    Application and Fee

    Prospective students are required to use our online system to create an account and submit an application. The application opens approximately one year in advance and is only good for the term and program in which it is submitted. Applicants who have submitted their application and wish to change their admission term or major/concentration may submit a new application and associated application fee. If you would like to cancel an open application, please contact us.

    A $30 (USD) application fee is required regardless of previous enrollment. The application fee is non-refundable and cannot be waived. Undergraduate application fees cannot be used for a graduate application, and vise versa. The application fee must be submitted prior to the review of an application.

    Current students who would like to add or change a major, concentration or certificate should submit the Change of Concentration or Major form.

    College Transcripts

    All applicants must provide transcripts from a U.S. institution accredited by an accepted institutional accreditor or its equivalent from a non-US institution that awarded the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, if applicable, and transcripts from institutions where any post-baccalaureate and/or graduate credits were earned.

    All admits must provide official transcripts.

    All international transcripts will require a course-by-course evaluation by an approved third-party credential evaluation agency unless a graduate program has established an alternative credential evaluation procedure that is approved by the graduate school. To be accepted, the evaluation must be:

    1. Translated to English and be the U.S. equivalent
    2. Evaluated course-by-course
    3. Include the overall academic GPA
    4. Be from an approved third-party accredited evaluation service. Recommended evaluation agencies: 

    Important Notes

    • The UNF Graduate School cannot request transcripts on an applicants behalf.
    • Unofficial transcript copies are accepted for admissions but must clearly state the institution name, student name, course information, terms, grades, and credits. Degree audits are not accepted. Admitted students will be prompted to provide official transcripts. 
    • If currently enrolled in courses, an incomplete transcript must be submitted before the posted deadline. 
    • Applicants who also have to apply through systems such as ATCAS or PTCAS, must submit separate transcripts to UNF. 
    • Official transcripts must:
      • Must be less than one year old from the date of printing
      • Must be submitted in a sealed envelope from your institution, or emailed through official electronic means.
    • When requesting college transcripts, please verify with your institution(s) whether or not they are able to submit electronic transcripts in the proper EDI format. Institutions can submit transcripts via e-mail to graduateschool@unf.edu from an approved vendor such as ScriptSafe, Credentials, or Parchment. 
    • Former or current UNF students should not request UNF transcripts. After application submission, the UNF requirement will be updated to a "waived" status.

    Where do I send transcripts and test scores?

    Mail

    UNF Graduate School
    1 UNF Drive
    Jacksonville, FL 32224

    Email

    graduateschool@unf.edu

    Test Score Institutional Codes

    GRE: institutional code 5490
    GMAT: institutional code CF3QB51

  • Program Specific Requirements

    Specific Requirements

    • Letter of intent
      • 3-5 double-spaced pages
      • Describe career goals and areas of historical interest
    • Writing sample
      • Historical topic
      • Undergraduate paper will suffice
    • Three letters of recommendation and recommendation forms
      • At least one should come from a former or current history professor
      • Recommenders are required to complete the rating form and submit a letter through the recommendation system (they will receive an email with instructions)

    Program Prerequisites

    Students are not required to have been history majors, but it is expected that they will have taken the equivalent of at least a minor (15 credits) in undergraduate history courses. Students who have not met this requirement should consider taking additional undergraduate history courses at UNF before applying.

    Students will be required to have completed Craft of the Historian or its equivalent with a grade of B or better prior to full admission.

  • International Applicant Requirements