History Degree

Program Overview

The master’s degree includes 12 courses, with at least three taken on campus.

• Get started. You begin by completing three stipulated degree courses as outlined on the degree requirements page. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your commitment and ability to perform well as a Harvard student.
• Apply to the program. While you are completing your third degree course, you submit the admission application. We have application cycles in the fall, spring, and summer.
• Continue your studies, online and on campus. As you progress through the program, you may choose from courses offered on campus or online, year round in the fall, spring, or summer. To fully experience Harvard, you take at least three courses on campus.
• Complete your thesis or capstone. For the thesis track, you'll work one-on-one with a thesis director to conduct in-depth research on a topic relevant to your work experience or academic interests, producing publishable quality results. You’ll emerge with a solid understanding of how scholarly research is executed and communicated. For the capstone track, you'll work with a capstone instructor and in community with fellow candidates to craft a historical analysis on a topic of your choice. The final paper will represent the caliber of writing and research evident in peer-reviewed academic journals.
• Graduate with your Harvard degree. You participate in the annual Harvard Commencement, receiving your Harvard University degree: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: History.