Overview

The History programme at the University of California, Santa Barbara provides students with comprehensive training in historical research and professional scholarship. This advanced degree objective focuses on developing deep expertise in specific research specialties while maintaining a broad understanding of global historical contexts.

The curriculum is designed to prepare scholars for a variety of post-secondary teaching roles and professional environments. Beyond traditional academia, the department emphasises the development of versatile skills that allow graduates to apply their historical expertise in diverse non-academic settings and public institutions.

Students benefit from a structured path that includes both a Master's degree as an interim stage and a final Doctor of Philosophy.

Why History at the University of California, Santa Barbara?

The department is home to several prestigious research hubs, including the Center for Cold War and International Studies and the Institute for the Study of Race, Religion, and Revolution. These centres provide students with access to high-level professional scholarship and collaborative activities.

Interdisciplinary study is a hallmark of the institution, with doctoral students able to add emphases in areas such as Environment and Society, Feminist Studies, and Technology and Society. This approach encourages scholars to connect historical inquiry with contemporary global challenges and diverse academic fields.

Facilities and resources extend to specialised colloquia in Public History and Medieval Studies, alongside partnerships with the Interdisciplinary Humanities Center. These connections offer a rich intellectual environment where students can engage with visiting experts and participate in multifaceted research projects.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14430 per year
National fee: USD 14430 per year
Local fee: USD 14430 per year

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

Syllabus

The department offers training across numerous general fields. Modules may include:

Africa
Ancient History
Atlantic World
Cold War Studies and International History
Gender and Sexualities History
Race and Ethnicity
Early Modern Europe
East Asia
Public Policy
Science
Latin America
Medieval Studies
Middle East
Modern Europe
Public History
South Asia
United States
World History

Careers with History

Graduates are well-prepared for careers in the community at large, often working within historical institutions such as museums and preservation firms. The programme also equips students for roles in oral history projects or as private consultants for various public and private organisations.

Many alumni pursue successful careers in higher education, teaching at the college and university level. The versatile nature of the training allows for a combination of academic and non-academic professional paths, including roles in policy analysis, archival management, and international research consultancy.

Programme Structure

Courses

Our department offers graduate program training across a broad spectrum of time periods, geographically-defined and topical areas of specialization, and methodological approaches.

While we continue to attract students in such long-established areas of strength as Medieval Europe, Gender, Twentieth Century U.S., and Public History, the graduate program reflects the dynamism of the field and the evolving interests of the faculty.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-11 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Barbara, United States

Disciplines

History View 534 other Masters in History in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

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

Online application

Statement of Purpose, Personal Achievements/Contributions, and Resume or CV (submitted in the online application)

Three Letters of Recommendation (submitted online)

GRE General test scores

Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended (submitted in the online application)

Writing Sample (submitted in the online application)

Final/Official transcripts

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

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year
Out-of-State

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Barbara

United States

1640 - 2480 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

Santa Barbara

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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