Overview

The Oral History programme at Columbia University provides students with a rigorous interdisciplinary framework for understanding the power of personal narrative. This master level course integrates theoretical perspectives with practical fieldwork to prepare graduates for complex archival and research challenges. Students engage with diverse methodologies to document and preserve the lived experiences of individuals and communities.

By choosing this path, scholars gain access to an elite academic environment dedicated to excellence in the humanities. The curriculum emphasises the ethical responsibilities of the interviewer and the technical skills required for high-quality digital preservation.

Why Oral History at Columbia University?

Studying at this prestigious institution allows students to benefit from a rich legacy of research excellence and extensive archival resources. The university provides a unique hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting historians with experts in anthropology and sociology. This environment fosters a deep understanding of how individual stories shape our collective understanding of the past and present.

The faculty consists of leading practitioners who bring real-world experience into the classroom, offering insights into the evolving landscape of digital humanities. Students have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and participate in projects that have a lasting social impact. This combination of academic rigour and practical application makes the programme a leader in the field of narrative research.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 36728 per semester
National fee: USD 36728 per semester
Local fee: USD 36728 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in qualitative research and narrative theory. Modules may include:

Oral History Theory
Fieldwork Methods
Narrative Analysis
Digital Archiving
Ethics in Research
Memory Studies
Interviewing Techniques
Public History

Careers with Oral History

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse professional roles across the cultural and heritage sectors. Many find success as archivists, museum curators, or historical consultants for non-profit organisations and government agencies. The analytical and communication skills developed during the course are also highly valued in journalism, documentary filmmaking, and community advocacy.

The programme equips students with the versatility to work in both public and private institutions, managing large-scale documentation projects or conducting independent research. Alumni often pursue further doctoral studies or secure positions in educational leadership, where they apply their expertise in narrative and memory to shape future historical discourse.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Oral History Workshop
Roots and Branches of Oral History
Oral History: Fieldwork, Production and Archiving
Curating Oral History
Oral History Internship
Video Production for Visual Storytelling and Oral History
Social Science and Other Approaches to Studying Life History & Narrative Information

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Anthropology History View 160 other Masters in Anthropology in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

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

OHMA invites applications from students who have or will have received a baccalaureate granted by a college or a university of recognized standing by the time of enrollment.

Academic Statement

Personal Statement
CV/Resume

Writing Sample
Three letters of recommendation

GRE Scores (optional)
TOEFL Scores (if applicable)

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

73456 USD / year

≈ 73456 USD / year
Out-of-State

73456 USD / year

≈ 73456 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

73456 USD / year

≈ 73456 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 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 Oral 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

Manhattan

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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