Master of Arts [M.A] [History] From University of Massachusetts

University of Massachusetts Boston Master of Arts [M.A] History is a two-year graduate degree designed for historians seeking careers in academia, cultural institutions, museums, government, or publishing. The program opens to international students from all backgrounds and offers two study tracks: Public History and History. Full tuition costs approximately USD 73,162 (INR 69,57,912) over two years, plus living expenses. Intakes occur in Fall and Spring. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 required.

The M.A. serves dual purposes: as a terminal degree launching immediate careers in diverse fields and as preparation for PhD study elsewhere. Graduates work in archives, historical organizations, media, policy, and education. UMass Boston’s History program values interdisciplinary scholarship and engages students with primary research before specialization. The ideal applicant holds strong writing skills, genuine curiosity about historical change across cultures, and clarity on whether they seek careers or doctoral study.

• Two flexible tracks (Public History or History) allow specialization based on career goals.
• Faculty conduct research across global history, social movements, cultural memory, and policy history.
• Small seminars (maximum 10 students per course) ensure individual mentorship and peer engagement.

Also Check: University of Massachusetts Boston M.A. History Admission Requirements

University of Massachusetts Boston M.A. History Fees and Living Costs 2026

The total cost of the two-year M.A. includes tuition, mandatory student fees, health insurance, and books. International students pay the same tuition as domestic students at UMass Boston. Below is the complete fee breakdown per academic year.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.26 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.

• Tuition covers classroom instruction, library access, and academic resources for all registered courses.
• Student Services Fee funds campus facilities, technology support, and student organization funding.
• Health Insurance is mandatory and covers university health services and emergency care.
• Books and supplies estimate is typical but varies by seminar selections and research projects.

Cost of Living in Boston for M.A. History Students

Living Cost Reality: Graduate students typically share apartments near the MBTA Red Line to reduce rent to USD 700 to USD 950 per month. The neighborhood around UMass Boston (Harbor Point in Dorchester) is increasingly gentrified; some students prefer nearby Roxbury or Mattapan areas for lower costs.

University of Massachusetts Boston M.A. History Admission 2026

Admission to the M.A. program requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, demonstrated writing ability, and strong academic performance. UMass Boston evaluates candidates holistically; the program seeks historians with clear research interests and commitment to rigorous study.

University of Massachusetts Boston holds an overall ranking of #214 (US News National Universities 2026) and #749 (QS World Ranking 2026). The History discipline is not separately ranked by major ranking bodies, but the university’s strong performance in social sciences reflects faculty strength across historical research and methods.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) for International Students

All international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through standardized testing. UMass Boston accepts TOEFL and IELTS scores. The following are required for graduate admission to the History program.

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): minimum total score 80 (Internet-based); speaking component 18, writing 18, reading 21, listening 16.
• IELTS (International English Language System): minimum overall band 6.5; individual bands (reading, writing, listening, speaking) no lower than 6.0.
• Indian applicants typically score 85-95 on TOEFL; IELTS Band 7.0 to 7.5 is competitive and achievable with 2 to 3 months of focused preparation.
• WES credential evaluation typically takes 4 to 6 weeks; submit your bachelor’s transcript and degree certificate immediately after deciding to apply.

Honest Take: GPA of 2.75 is the absolute floor; admitted students typically hold 3.0 or higher. A strong writing sample and clear research statement often offset a borderline GPA.

University of Massachusetts Boston M.A. History Application 2026

Applications open online through the University of Massachusetts Boston Graduate Admissions portal (umb.edu/admissions/graduate-students/apply/). There is a non-refundable application fee of USD 75 for international applicants. Graduate programs operate on rolling admission; earlier applications receive faster decisions.

• Submit TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to institution code 3924 via the testing agency (not as a PDF).
• WES credential evaluation can begin while other materials are gathered; this step often delays admission decisions for Indian applicants by 4-6 weeks.
• Accept or decline admission offers within 15 days of receipt; late decisions may affect funding allocations.
• Visa processing requires an I-20 form, which is issued after admission acceptance and payment of the Confirmation of Enrollment deposit (approximately USD 500 to USD 1,000).

Application Tip: Spring 2027 deadline is 15 November 2026 (roughly 5 months away). If applying, begin WES credential evaluation immediately, as delays here cascade through your entire application timeline.

University of Massachusetts Boston M.A. History Scholarships 2026

UMass Boston offers limited merit-based scholarships for graduate students; most funding comes from teaching assistantships and departmental awards. International students are eligible for the same scholarships as domestic applicants. History department scholarships typically range from USD 2,000 to USD 8,000 annually.

Teaching Assistantships (TAs) provide tuition remission plus a monthly stipend (typically USD 500 to USD 1,200 per month) in exchange for classroom support, grading, and office hours. Approximately 30 to 40 percent of admitted M.A. students receive TA positions in their first year. Competition is merit-based and depends on departmental needs and your academic record.

For Indian students, securing a TA position reduces two-year costs by approximately INR 10 Lakhs to INR 15 Lakhs (tuition remission for 1-2 years). Merit scholarships rarely cover full tuition; plan to cover remaining costs through savings, loans, or family support.

Scholarship Reality: Full-ride scholarships are rare for M.A. programs. A TA position is your best path to reduced cost; apply early and highlight any teaching or mentoring experience in your application.

Read More: UMass Boston Graduate Scholarships and Funding

University of Massachusetts Boston M.A. History Salary 2026

M.A. graduates in History work across museums, government, education, media, and cultural heritage sectors. Gross salaries vary significantly by role, location, and employer type. Career paths include museum curator, archivist, public historian, policy researcher, cultural journalist, and secondary school educator.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics) and UMass Boston Career Services graduate outcomes (2023-2024).

• Gross salary is before income tax, FICA, and state withholdings; take-home is typically 25 to 30 percent lower.
• Many M.A. graduates pursue PhD study immediately, delaying career entry by 4 to 6 years; starting salaries cited reflect immediate workforce entry.
• Career advancement to senior curator, department head, or university faculty roles typically requires 5 to 10 years and often a PhD.
• Benefits (health insurance, 401k match, paid leave) typically add 20 to 25 percent to base salary value.

ROI Reality: M.A. tuition of INR 86 Lakhs is recovered in 1.5 to 2 years at mid-range government or academic salaries; museum roles may extend payback to 3 years due to lower starting pay.

USA Visa and Work Authorization for M.A. History Students

Indian students hold a Student Visa (F-1) for study. After graduation, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) permit allows work in your field for up to 12 months, extendable by an additional 24 months if you hold a STEM-designated degree (History is not STEM-designated). Transition to employment visa sponsorship (H-1B) depends on employer willingness and labor certification.

• F-1 Visa allows full-time enrollment and on-campus employment (up to 20 hours weekly during school terms, full-time during breaks).
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) begins post-graduation; you may remain in the USA and work in History-related roles for 12 months.
• H-1B (specialty occupation work visa) sponsorship is uncommon for M.A. roles but possible in government research positions; requires employer petition and labor certification.
• Permanent Residency (Green Card) through employment is a 5 to 10 year process typically requiring PhD or senior professional status; start-of-career M.A. holders rarely pursue this directly.

Visa Reality: The USA does not grant automatic post-study work visas beyond OPT. Plan for either: work 12 months on OPT then return to India, sponsor H-1B (challenging for M.A. roles), or pursue PhD elsewhere to extend stay.

Check Out: USA Student Visa (F-1) Requirements for Indian Students