
Master of Arts in History (Tri-University)
Learn from the Past and Impact the Future with an MA in History
History is more than studying the past - it's about using historical insights to tackle today’s most pressing issues. The MA in History at the University of Guelph encourages you to draw on historical knowledge to develop solutions to today’s challenges related to critical topics like climate change, healthcare and equity.
The MA, History program is part of the Tri-University Graduate Program in History, the second largest graduate History program in Canada which links the University of Guelph with Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo. In this program, you will benefit from access to expertise and courses at all three institutions and close student-professor relationships to foster high quality research and support your success.
Our program also offers a unique opportunity to advance your analytical skills while gaining valuable experience supporting the teaching of university-level courses through our Teaching Assistantship program.
Whether you are deeply passionate about history or eager to challenge yourself in a graduate-level program, the MA in History offers support and opportunities to help you reach your academic and professional goals.
Collaborative Specializations:
A Collaborative Specialization is an additional area of study within a program that allows graduate students to apply a broader, cross-disciplinary lens to their Master’s or PhD studies.
This program offers the following Collaborative Specializations: International Development Studies, One Health, or Sexualities, Genders and Bodies.
Students who choose to combine their MA in History with one of these collaborative specializations may use the two core courses of their specialization towards their MA History credit requirements.
Program Overview
- Study Option: Thesis and Coursework, Major Research Paper and Coursework, or Coursework only
- Delivery: In-person
- Duration & Start Terms: 12-16 Months
Please note: on the applications portal, both the Coursework only and Major Research Paper and Coursework options are subsumed under the "Coursework" option.
- Admission Average: While the minimum admission average is 'B' (73%), in practice the threshold average for admittance to the program is normally a first-class average (at least an A- or 80%).
- Deadlines: January 15th
The Department of History, located within the College of Arts
Take a Closer Look at the MA History
Program Structure
Through small seminars, close student-professor relationships, and teaching assistantships and scholarships held at one of our three participating institutions, we provide the atmosphere and collegiality of a smaller, more intimate program.
This program equips you with critical research skills and a deep understanding of historical contexts, preparing you for both academic and professional careers.
The program offers three streams to tailor your experience: Coursework, Coursework and Major Research Paper (MRP), or Thesis.
Program Options
Coursework: this stream consists of eight courses (at least 4.0 credits) three of which must require a research paper.
Major Research Paper with Coursework: this stream consists of six courses (0.5 credits per course x 6) and a Major Research Paper on an approved topic (10,000-12,000 words).
Thesis: This stream consists of four courses (0.5 credits per course x 4) and a Thesis on an approved topic (25,000 words).
Visit the Graduate Calendar for more information on the program courses.
International Development Studies Collaborative Specialization
The International Development Studies Collaborative Specialization allows you to apply a global perspective to your studies with an eye to improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people around the world. This Collaborative Specialization allows you to draw insights from areas like economics, politics, sociology, environmental studies and public health to contribute to understanding and addressing global challenges.
Sexualities, Genders and Bodies Collaborative Specialization
If you are interested in delving into a unique area of study while earning an additional credential, the Sexualities, Genders and Bodies Collaborative Specialization is an ideal option. In the program, you will examine self-expression and human identity along with theories drawn from the fields of:
- Feminism
- Decolonialism
- Postcolonialism
- LGBTQ+
- Race/whiteness
- Queer-of-colour
- Indigeneity
- Masculinities
- Disability/crip studies
One Health Collaborative Specialization
In today’s world, human, animal and environmental health are deeply connected. From pandemics to climate change, solving health problems requires a big-picture approach. The Collaborative Specialization in One Health will equip you with the tools to understand and address these complex, real-world challenges. You will work across disciplines, conduct impactful research and help shape policies that improve health outcomes for people, animals and the planet.
*Students who choose to combine their MA in History with one of these collaborative specializations may use the two core courses of their specialization towards their MA History credit requirements
- Fall 1: Take 2 or 3 graduate courses + Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) position
- Winter 1: Take 2 or 3 graduate courses; finish draft of your research proposal + Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) position
- Summer 1: Register and work on your MRP / Thesis and take a directed reading course (if you still need courses) OR take a temporary leave of absence for summer employment
- Fall 2: Finish up any courses you still need; work on your MRP / Thesis + GTA position
- Winter 2: Finish your MRP / Thesis full draft by Feb. 1 and defend in early April
Our History department is home to amazing faculty who are not only dedicated teachers and industry professionals but also active researchers. They are here to mentor you and support your academic journey, encouraging you to develop your own voice and research interests. You will be learning from experts who are engaged with cutting-edge scholarship, making your experience both enriching and inspiring. The program’s diverse teaching and learning approaches encourage you to think outside the box and pursue innovative research.
In this program, you will have the chance to explore a wide array of research areas including but not limited to:
- Canadian history
- Medieval & Early Modern European History
- Scottish History
- Gender History
- Sport History
- Rural History
- History of the Environment
- The History of Science and Medicine
- History of War and Society
The History MA not only prepares you for further academic work, like pursuing a PhD, but it also equips you with skills needed for an array of career pathways. If you are interested in teaching, you will gain the skills needed to inspire the next generation of students. An MA in History also helps you build and strengthen research, writing and analytical thinking skills valued by employers across many industries. As a graduate of the MA, History program, you will be well-positioned for impactful professional roles in many fields including but not limited to:
- Education
- Government
- Law
- National and international relations
- Policy
- Communications
- Advocacy
- Archivism
- A Top Comprehensive University in Canada
- Macleans, 2025
- 55% of world leaders
- are humanities and social sciences graduates (Universities Canada)
- Top 10 in Canada for Reputation
- Times Higher Education, 2025
Meet our Faculty
How To Apply
Students in our graduate programs work with an Advisory Committee usually made up of one main Advisor and one to three additional Advisory Committee members depending on the program. These Advisors are faculty members whose research is in an area related to your interests. They will guide you as you prepare your Thesis or Major Research Paper. It is a good idea to introduce yourself as early as possible to faculty members who you think might be interested in your work, preferably before you submit your application to the program.
Once you start your program, you will have plenty of opportunities to get to know the faculty members in your department or area. Faculty are well used to being sought out by students who might want to work with them. They will welcome hearing from you and can help you focus your ideas. Towards the end of your first semester, your advisor will work with you to determine who you should have on your committee. They, and the Graduate Program Coodinator will help you as necessary to get everything set up. You should have your committee formally established by the middle of your second semester at the latest so that they can work with and support you as you plan your project.
The deadline for receiving your complete application package for Fall admission is January 15th.
Official transcripts from all previous secondary and post-secondary institutions.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your academic and educational background, professional achievements, and, where relevant, creative accomplishments, exhibitions, grants, residencies, or involvement in specialized communities, including any pertinent volunteer experience.
Two (2) letters of reference (you will be prompted to enter your referees' contact information, and a secure link will be sent to them directly). Please inform your referees that they are encouraged to email gradapps@uoguelph.ca if they experience difficulty or encounter issues with this process.
A detailed statement of research (at least 2 pages in length, approximately 400-900 words) outlining your academic background, research interests, and reasons for pursuing graduate studies at the University of Guelph. The statement should describe your proposed research focus, its significance, and your ability to carry it out. If applicable, include specific fields of study, topics, or areas you wish to explore, and mention any faculty members or resources at Guelph you hope to engage with during your studies.
A completed Advisor Preference Form.
If your first language is not English, certification of English language proficiency must be included (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB test scores).
Note: The University of Guelph no longer accepts Duolingo test results.
- Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in History or a related field, with a minimum overall average of 73% in the last two semesters of undergraduate study. In practice, however, the threshold average for admittance to the program is normally a first-class average (at least an A- or 80%).
- Depending on the student’s research area, the advisory committee may require reading proficiency in a language other than English.
Most Offers of Admission that we make for our graduate programs include an offer of funding. As part of your admission offer you will receive a detailed break-down of what that funding will include over the duration of your program. Most funding consists of a mix of a guaranteed offer of paid work for the University, usually as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, and scholarship income. Once you enroll in your program, you will be set up with an account with Student Financial Services; your funding will be paid into this account (every two weeks in the case of employment income) and you can pay your tuition and fees from this account and then move the rest into your own bank account.
If you are an International student, visit the University of Guelph International Student Experience website for information about pre-arrival resources, orientation programs (including START International) and counselling help.
Please visit the University of Guelph’s Guelph Graduate Tuition and Fees website to find tuition and fee information.
Have Questions?
Graduate Program Coordinator:
Alan McDougall
519-824-4120 Ext 53165
amcdouga@uoguelph.ca
Tri-University Program Administrative Assistant:
Mary Lou Klassen
tri-u@uoguelph.ca
Academic Programs Assistant:
Tyler Berlet
519-824-4120 Ext 56528
histacademic@uoguelph.ca
Director, Tri-U Program in History:
Adam Crerar
acrerar@wlu.ca
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