Overview

The History programme at Stanford University offers a rigorous academic environment where students engage in high-level coursework and conduct original research. This terminal Master of Arts is specifically designed for scholars who wish to deepen their expertise in historical analysis without immediately pursuing a doctoral degree.

Students work in close collaboration with distinguished faculty members within the Department of History. The curriculum is structured to ensure a broad understanding of historical methods while allowing for deep specialisation in a chosen area of study. This balance of breadth and depth prepares graduates for a variety of professional paths that require sophisticated analytical and writing skills.

Why History at Stanford University?

The department is part of the School of Humanities and Sciences, providing access to world-class facilities and a vibrant community of scholars. Students benefit from a holistic admissions process that values diverse life experiences and perspectives, fostering a rich intellectual environment. The institution is renowned for its commitment to visionary leadership and addressing complex global challenges through historical context.

Distinctive teaching features include the opportunity to participate in various research workshops and reading groups, such as the Digital History Series or the Gender History Workshop. These forums allow students to engage with the latest developments in the field and network with peers and lecturers. The department also maintains a strong focus on interdisciplinary links, allowing for elective units in related graduate subjects.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 21180 per semester
National fee: USD 21180 per semester
Local fee: USD 13240 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in historical theory and specialised research. Students must complete a minimum of 45 units to graduate.

Modules may include:

Approaches to History for M.A. Students
Graduate Research Seminar
Directed Reading
U.S. History
Early Modern Europe
East Asia
Africa Research Workshop
Digital History
Gender History
Latin American and Caribbean History
Slavery and Freedom
Environmental and Climate History
Social Theory
History and Philosophy of Science

Careers with History

Graduates from this programme are equipped with advanced skills in research, critical evaluation, and complex communication. These competencies are highly valued across various professional sectors, including education, archival work, and public policy. The rigorous training in historical methodology prepares students for roles that require the synthesis of vast amounts of information and the ability to provide context to contemporary issues.

Many alumni find success in heritage management, museum curation, and international organisations. The programme's emphasis on original research and collaborative projects ensures that graduates are prepared for the demands of the modern workforce. By understanding the past, students are uniquely positioned to navigate and lead in diverse industries that value historical perspective and analytical rigour.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Global History: The Ancient World

Global History: The Early Modern World, 1300 to 1800

Global History: Empires, Technology, and Modernity

The Historical and Geographical Background of Current Global Events

Trans History: The Long View

Introduction to Geospatial Humanities

A World History of Genocide

Crimes Against Humanity

Human Trafficking: Historical, Legal, and Medical Perspectives

Human Trafficking Service Learning

Wealth, Empire, and the Making of the Modern Economy, 1800 to Present

Service-Learning Workshop on Human Trafficking Part I

Islamic Routes: Archaeology and Heritage of Muslim Societies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-05 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

45 alternative credits

45 units

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Stanford, United States

Disciplines

History View 534 other Masters in History in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants must hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association.
Applicants from institutions outside the U.S. must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. See minimum level of study required of International applicants.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English.
International students enrolled must be able to read English with ease, understand rapid idiomatic English as used in lectures and group discussions.

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

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year
Out-of-State

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

42360 USD / year

≈ 42360 USD / year

Additional Details

per quarter

Living costs

Stanford

United States

1100 - 1600 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.

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