
Master of Arts in History (Tri-University)
Degree
- MA (Master of Arts)
Program Type
- Coursework
- Thesis
Delivery
- On-campus
Entry Terms & Deadlines
- Fall (September): January 15
Duration
Coursework:
- Full Time: 12 months
- Part Time: 24 months
Thesis:
- Full Time: 24 months
- Part Time: 48 months
Admission Average
A- (80%)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
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
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

In my current role as an editorial assistant at the University of Toronto Press and an executive assistant at BMO, where clarity, organization, and thoughtful communication are essential, there was no better preparation than studying history to enhance my communication and analytical abilities. My MA has fine-tuned skills that allow me to support both editorial processes and executive priorities with precision and insight. It has shaped my ability to manage information, anticipate needs, and contribute to work that is meaningful and grounded in a long tradition of intellectual inquiry.
- A Top Comprehensive University in Canada
- 55% of world leaders
- are humanities and social sciences graduates (Universities Canada)
- Top 10 in Canada for Reputation
Meet our Faculty
How To Apply
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
Discover More Options
PhD in History
The Tri-University PhD in History offers interdisciplinary research across Canadian, Indigenous, Early modern European, modern European, medieval, Cold War, Scottish, war and society, and world history.
Master of Arts in Integrated Humanities
The Master of Arts in Integrated Humanities offers specializations in French, European, and Francophone Studies. Students explore interdisciplinary topics such as literature, culture, and identity, developing research skills in areas like French-Canadian and Caribbean literatures.







