The Master of Arts in Applied History can be completed in approximately one-and-a-half years of full-time study. Part-time enrollment also welcome.
The program prepares the next generation of public historians through professional training in historical research, writing, and practice. Students will also pursue real-world experiences through fieldwork, community-based projects, and professional internships.
The program will inspire you with diverse and interesting coursework combined with great hands-on experiences through internships at location such as:
- Gettysburg National Military Park
- The United States Army Heritage and Education Center
- The Pennsylvania State Museum
- The Cumberland Valley Railroad Museum and Conrail Museum
- The Fashion Archives and Museum of Shippensburg
University
Graduates have secured K-12 and college teaching positions, received admission to doctoral programs, obtained employment in both the public and private sector, and started public history careers with local and county historical societies as well as national sites.
- Archivist
- Museum educator
- Museum curator
- Collection manager
- Historic preservationist
- Historical administrator
- Historical interpreters
Graduate credits can fulfill Act 48 requirements and can be applied toward permanent certification in teaching or toward work on a doctorate or other advanced degree.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to the application and transcript(s), Applied History applicants must submit:
- Goal statement - a 500-word statement providing evidence of your interest in history, your potential as a graduate student, and your reasons for pursuing graduate studies at Shippensburg University.
Once the application is completed, the History/Philosophy Department will begin the review process and make a prompt decision.
Course work for M.A. in Applied History (30 Credits)
Students can begin the program during the fall, spring, or summer terms.
Museum Studies Concentration (30 Credits)
A concentration in museum studies trains you for careers at museums and historic sites. Students of this program will apply what they learn at several nearby historic sites and the university's museum, The Fashion Archives and Museum. You may enter the program as a degree candidate or take individual courses as a non-degree student.
Community History and Preservation Concentration (30 Credits)
Applied History and Library Science, MA/MSLS
Shippensburg University and PennWest University-Clarion have a collaboration that allows you to earn two degrees: a Master of Arts in Applied History and a Master of Science in Library and Information Science in two years of full-time enrollment. The Master of Science in Library and Information Science program is offered entirely online.
You must apply and be accepted to each program separately to pursue the cooperative degree option. As part of the cooperative agreement, you are allowed to double count six credits of coursework towards the two degrees.
To be eligible to pursue the Master of Arts in Applied History, you must:
- Have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Present an official transcript showing at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA for your undergraduate studies. Applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA lower than 2.75 may be accepted following an interview and review of the statement of purpose.
- Submit a 500 word statement of purpose through the "Program Statement or Questionnaire" link in your Ship Admission portal.
- Prospective students are also invited to provide any additional information, letters of recommendation, or writing samples that will allow the history department to assess their potential for graduate studies.
Applicants are encouraged to have all of their materials submitted by the second Friday in September for spring admission, or by the second Friday in February for summer or fall admission. Qualified individuals who apply after those dates will be accepted to the program if space is available.