History (MA)
Graduate Program Overview
Interpret the Past. Deepen Research. Contribute to Global Understanding.
The Master of Arts in History at Nipissing University offers advanced training in research and analysis for prospective knowledge professionals, scholars and international learners who want to shape the future by understanding the past. Build skills in archival research, oral interviewing, documentary filmmaking, or the digital humanities. Gain the ability to interpret and critique complex ideas and texts dealing with some of our most pressing contemporary problems, including Indigenous issues, genocide, war, food security, resource development, sexuality, race, religion and colonialism.
Program Highlights
- Experiential Learning: As a student in a small program deeply connected to its region, engage in experiential, Indigenized, and community-engaged learning.
- Broad Expertise: Gain a uniquely well-rounded historical education by studying multiple fields while pursuing a specialized research area.
- Faculty Mentorship: Benefit from the guidance of the entire graduate faculty through team-taught courses and the annual Graduate History Conference.
- Supportive Community: Learn in a program that fosters cooperation and camaraderie instead of competition.
Program Structure
Program Type
MRP Route
Full-time Length: 1 year
Flex-time Length: Up to 3 years
Students in the Master of Arts in History program take a historical methods course and compulsory seminars in four of the five following areas each year. Specific focus each year depends on the instructor; contact the Graduate Program Coordinator at GradHist@nipissingu.ca for more information.
International History: Delve into topics like international law and war crimes tribunals; military history and foreign policy and international relations.
Environmental History: Understand the impact of humans on nature and nature on humans as societies as shaped by capitalism, colonialism and colonial cultures, Indigenous relations with nature, and modern attempts to preserve and reshape nature.
Canadian History: For any given period from colonial times to the present, the Canadian course will focus on a theme relevant to today’s world such as the state and resource development, the environment and food, the family, oral history, colonization, and decolonization.
European History: Examine aspects of European history from the medieval period to the modern era, focusing, for example, on the Holocaust and comparative genocide studies, military history, or the history of medieval Europe.
Gender History: Investigate gender in a range of contexts across historical periods and geographic boundaries, focusing on the impact of constructions of gender on work, family relations, religion, the military, and sexuality.
Find Programs & Degree Requirements
These links give information on required credits and degree requirements.
Graduate Student Funding
Financial Aid, Scholarships, Bursaries & Awards
Funding is available to graduate students from both internal and external sources. Internal funding includes teaching/research assistantships, faculty research grants, and Nipissing Graduate Scholarships.
Meet our Faculty
Historians at Nipissing continue to shape our understanding of the past
Our program has particular research strength in oral history, environmental history, food history, the history of genocide, Indigenous studies and community history, foreign relations and politics, historical geography, military history, the history of sexuality, church history and American history, in Europe, Canada, the United States, the Ancient World, and the wider world. Students are encouraged to reach out to potential research supervisors to discuss their research. Nipissing’s faculty are accomplished scholars and dedicated teachers who bring their expertise directly into the classroom.
Dr. Hilary Earl, Professor
Faculty of Arts and Science
Dr. Hilary Earl, Professor at Nipissing University, is an internationally recognized scholar of the Holocaust, genocide, and war crimes trials. Her award-winning research explores state violence, perpetrator testimony, and the pursuit of justice after mass atrocities. As the author of Murder on the Beach: A Holocaust Atrocity Story and producer of the documentary Šķēde – Murder on the Beach, Dr. Earl brings cutting-edge research and real-world impact into her teaching.
Resources
Program Related
Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission, students must have a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent as recognized by Nipissing University in an appropriate discipline, with a minimum B standing.
To find specific requirements details, use the buttons below
Future Careers
Graduates emerge with advanced research and writing capabilities suited for roles such as:
- Historical researcher, curator, heritage and museum professional
- Policy analyst, governmental or NGO advisor
- University-level teaching or preparation for doctoral studies
- Positions in business, environmental and cultural sectors where historical insight is valued
Graduates are well equipped to contribute to scholarship, policy, and public understanding—locally, nationally, and internationally.
Real People, Real Impact
The program challenged me to think critically about the past while building skills I use every day in my career. The faculty were incredibly supportive and genuinely invested in my research.
Sarah L.
Class of 2022
I came in with a general interest and left with a clear research focus and the confidence to pursue a PhD. The small cohort made it easy to connect and collaborate.
Ryan M.
Class of 2021
Find a Supervisor
Access our comprehensive guide with advice, best practices, and actionable steps for finding the right supervisor.
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Notes:
Flex-time available for MRP route only. Flex-time is how Graduate Studies refers to part-time student.
Disclaimer:
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this site, in the event of a discrepancy, Nipissing’s Academic Calendar is the official reference.