History University of Missouri - Kansas City

Overview

The History programme at the University of Missouri - Kansas City provides a rigorous academic framework for students to master the complexities of human civilisations. This Master of Arts degree is designed to cultivate advanced research skills and deep historiographical understanding across diverse political and cultural landscapes.

The curriculum is structured to support both traditional academic scholarship and professional practice in the cultural sector. Students can choose between a standard 30-credit hour track or a 36-credit hour Public History emphasis, depending on their specific career goals and research interests.

Why History at the University of Missouri - Kansas City?

The department is home to a vibrant intellectual community that hosts an annual Graduate Student Conference every December. This event allows students to present original research to peers and faculty, fostering professional presentation skills and critical engagement within a supportive academic environment.

Students benefit from specialised faculty mentorship and access to prestigious honorary organisations such as Phi Alpha Theta. The university also presents annual research prizes, including the Carla Klausner and Louis Potts awards, to recognise outstanding contributions to historical scholarship and Midwestern studies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 1351 per credit
• National fee: USD 1351 per credit
• Local fee: USD 538 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires students to maintain high academic standards, including a minimum grade of B- in all core units. Modules may include:

Introductory Courses

• Graduate Studies
• Research Proposal Development

Research and Writing

• Research Seminar
• Thesis
• Capstone

Graduate Colloquia

• American History I
• American History II
• U.S. History
• European History I
• European History II
• World History

Public History Electives

• Public History: Theory and Method
• Public History Internship
• Modern Design
• Art Museums: History and Practice
• Digital Humanities
• Global Tourism
• Archeological Resources Management
• Archaeological Field Survey Methods
• Field Study in Archaeology
• Oral History
• Rise of the City in the U.S.
• Kansas City: History of a Regional Metropolis
• Archival Methods
• Museum Studies
• Public History and New Media
• Preservation Law
• Cultural Preservation Law
• Buffalo National River: Issues in National Park Law & Management
• Urban Social Structure
• Planning For Historic Preservation
• Urban Planning & Design
• Built Environment
• Historic Preservation Methods
• American Housing

Careers with History

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional roles within education, research, and the broader cultural heritage sector. The Public History emphasis specifically equips students for positions in museums, historical societies, and archives through practical fieldwork and institutional partnerships.

The programme's focus on clear prose, analytical thinking, and primary source evaluation provides a versatile foundation for various industries. Many alumni pursue careers as professional historians, archivists, museum curators, or continue their studies at the doctoral level.