History & Art History

George Mason University’s Ph.D. in History program prepares students for careers in college teaching, digital media, publishing, educational administration, public history, and historical research. Students gain expertise in both conventional historical methods and web-based technologies. Major fields include American history, European history, and comparative world history; minor fields include public history, constitutional studies, and new media/information technology. Students may direct their program toward the following career goals: College/University Teaching, New Media and Information Technology, Public and Applied History, or Professional Development.

College/University Teaching

This emphasis is for students who are seeking a career in teaching or research at the community college, college, or university level.

New Media and Information Technology

Although all students in the program take some courses in new media, students in this expertise seek careers specifically in new media (e.g., publishing, education, or a college or university history department where they would serve as the department’s lead person in new media and information technology). This emphasis requires more advanced work in new media than any other.

Public and Applied History

This emphasis prepares students for work in applied areas of history (or helps students already in those areas to advance) such as museums, archives, federal government work, preservation, and editing. In some cases, students will do advanced course work in their field of work; in other cases, they will acquire knowledge or skills that will foster their professional work (e.g., in non-profit management).

Professional Development

This emphasis responds to the needs of students who either have already launched a career and want a doctoral degree to further career goals or wish to fulfill personal intellectual goals. Candidates who need flexible scheduling will be advised on a case-by-case basis.