Department of History Graduate Program

The M.A. in History at Virginia Tech trains professional historians at the start of their careers. Most students are fully funded through a graduate teaching assistantship, which enables them to focus on professional training and research. The two-year program introduces students to major trends in the field, with an emphasis on original research and argumentation. All students complete either a research portfolio or thesis on topic(s) of their own interest, working closely with faculty advisors. Additionally, students may opt to complete a Public History Certificate, which offers training in necessary skills as well as hands-on practice through an internship in the field.

Every year, our graduate students plan and host a conference for other graduate students from around the nation who convene in Blacksburg for a lively exchange of research and ideas. Recent alumni of our program have gone into Ph.D. programs, law school, government positions, public history careers, and teaching future generations how to engage the past. Visit additional pages to learn more about current students' research, alumni achievements, and the faculty with whom you might work.