Overview

The History programme at Harvard University offers a comprehensive exploration of the past to better understand the complexities of the modern world. Students develop advanced skills in critical thinking, analytical writing, and primary source research while engaging with a diverse community of scholars and expert faculty.

Why History at Harvard University?

Studying at this institution provides access to world-class resources, including the extensive Harvard library system and the Mignone Center for Career Success. The programme is distinguished by its performance-based admissions process, allowing students to demonstrate their academic potential through initial coursework. Participants benefit from a rigorous curriculum where 100% of recent graduates would recommend the experience. Furthermore, graduates join the prestigious Harvard Alumni Association, a global network of over 400,000 members, providing lifelong professional connections and opportunities.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 3440 per module
National fee: USD 3440 per module
Local fee: USD 3440 per module

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to be customisable, offering both thesis and capstone tracks to suit different academic and professional goals. Modules may include:

Graduate Studies in Government, History and International Relations
Engaging in Scholarly Conversation
Oral Histories
Colonial America
Power and Civilization: China
Culture of Capitalism
Financial Crises 1637 to Present
United States and World Order since 1900
Africa in the Western Imagination

Careers with History

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse professional paths, successfully transitioning into roles within academia, secondary education, and public history. Many alumni choose to continue their scholarly pursuits by entering doctoral programmes at prestigious institutions such as Yale, Oxford, and Boston University. The analytical and research skills gained during the programme are highly valued across various sectors, leading to successful careers in the following fields:

Public Service and Government Administration
Writing and Publishing
Public Relations and Communications
Education and Research
Criminal Justice
Environmental Services

The programme's emphasis on cross-cultural knowledge and historical context ensures that graduates can effectively contribute to industries ranging from IT to non-profit management.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Master of Liberal Arts, History degree field consists of 12 courses (48 credits), three of which are required on campus. You choose a capstone or thesis track.

12 Graduate Courses

The degree is customizable. Within the program curriculum, you choose the history and elective courses that meet your learning goals.

Proseminar
5 history courses
1 history seminar

2 general electives
EXPO 42b is an elective option

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

125

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

History View 534 other Masters in History in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To begin the admission process, you simply register—no application needed—for the following three, four-credit, graduate-level degree courses (available online):

SSCI 100B Proseminar: Introduction to Graduate Studies and Scholarly Writing in the Social Sciences—Government and History
- Before registering, you'll need to pass our online test of critical reading and writing skills or earn a B or higher in EXPO 42b Writing in the Social Sciences.
- You have two attempts to earn the minimum grade of B in the proseminar (a withdrawal grade counts as an attempt). The proseminar cannot be more than two years old at the time of application.
1 history course
1 history course or elective (e.g., EXPO 42b)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Out-of-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for History.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Cambridge

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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