Master of Arts in History, M.A.
Available Fully Online
All Funding Currently Allocated
All Graduate Teaching Assistantship positions have been filled for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year.
Program Overview
The History graduate program integrates traditional and interdisciplinary approaches to historical research. Students take a variety of courses in historical methods, research methodology, and professional development. An MA in History prepares students to use their skills in a variety of teaching, research, and other positions, including museums, consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or further academic study.
We also welcome K-12 educators who wish to pursue an MA in History. We offer a flexible course schedule with courses in-person and online, along with the option to customize the final MA project to meet the demands of primary and secondary educators.
If you have any questions, please visit our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page. For any questions not addressed in the FAQs, please contact Dr. Marie Stango, Director of Graduate Studies, at mariestango@isu.edu or 208-282-2379.
Application Deadlines
Priority Deadline to be considered for GTA funding: March 31st
Fall Admission: May 1st
Spring Admission: November 1st
The student must apply and meet all criteria for admission to the Graduate School. In addition, applicants must comply with the following departmental requirements:
- Through the Graduate School application system, applicants must submit three names of references to provide letters of recommendation, at least two of which should be from individuals familiar with their academic work.
- Through the Graduate School application system, applicants must submit a statement of interest regarding their historical studies and academic goals. Particular attention should be given to explaining how these interests and goals relate to this program.
- Applicants should have at least 12 credits of previous course work in history. Teachers with at least three years of classroom experience teaching history or social studies may request an exemption from this requirement. These applicants should address how their experience teaching provides evidence of content knowledge in their statement of interest. Students admitted under this provision need to maintain at least a 3.5 GPA over their first nine credits of graduate coursework in History.
- Applicants for Fall admission must apply by March 31st to be considered for funding, and by May 1st to be considered for admission. Applicants for Spring admission must apply by November 1st.
Additional Information
"Pursuing my master’s degree in history through Idaho State University has been an incredible opportunity that perfectly aligned with my life as an active-duty military wife and mother of two young children. The program’s flexibility and available online format allowed me to study from anywhere, making it possible to balance family responsibilities while advancing both my academic and professional goals. My experience demonstrated that with personal dedication and the steadfast support of Idaho State’s history department and institution, it is possible to navigate parenthood and the unique rhythm of military life while thriving as both a scholar and historian."
- Norra Cardillo, MA ‘25 | Outstanding Graduate Student - Master's Level 2025
"I could not have asked for a better tutelage than being part of the History Master's Program at Idaho State University. With an open-door policy, the willingness to integrate face-to-face with distance learning, every faculty member, recognized leaders in their respective fields of expertise, constantly sought to improve the experience for all students. From the first to the last day, the faculty clearly demonstrated their desire to help each student succeed."
- Holger Nickel, MA ‘25