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

DePaul University Master of Arts (M.A.) History is a 48-credit, 12-course graduate program emphasizing historiography and historical research methodology. The program runs full-time or part-time over approximately two years, with classes held on weekday evenings at Lincoln Park Campus. International students pay USD 19,974 per year (INR 1.90 Lakhs) in tuition plus living costs. Intakes occur in Autumn, Winter, and Spring. Minimum undergraduate degree required; strong history background preferred. The program trains historians in primary source analysis, historical writing, and archival research—ideal for PhD aspirants, museum professionals, and academic researchers.

Chicago’s location provides unparalleled access to world-class museums, historical libraries, and cultural archives. The faculty create a cohort-based learning environment emphasizing historiographical debates and interdisciplinary methodology. Graduates pursue doctoral study, museum curation, K–12 teaching, archival work, and public history roles. The program is most suited for applicants with genuine curiosity about historical research and strong writing skills—not for those seeking quick career pivots or immediate salary gains.

• Emphasis on historiography and primary source analysis in a cohort structure.
• Access to Chicago’s museums, archives, and cultural institutions for field research.
• Weekday evening format allows working professionals to study part-time.

Also Check: DePaul University Admission Requirements

DePaul University M.A. History Fees and Living Costs 2026

DePaul charges graduate tuition on a per-credit basis. The total cost depends on enrollment intensity and program completion timeline. A full-time student taking 12 credits per quarter for six quarters completes the degree in two years.

Source: DePaul Office of Student Financial Accounts, June 2026. Tuition rates subject to annual increases; verify at depaul.edu.

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.

• Application fee of USD 75 (INR 7,146) required at submission for international students.
• Tuition includes graduate course instruction and Lincoln Park Campus facilities access.
• Part-time students spread costs across 3–4 years, lowering annual out-of-pocket expense.

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

Chicago housing costs vary by neighborhood. The Lincoln Park area near DePaul’s campus offers shared apartments at USD 900–1,100 monthly. Pilsen and Bucktown neighborhoods south and west of campus offer cheaper options (USD 700–900) but involve longer commutes via the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) public transit. Budget an additional USD 100–150 monthly for public transportation passes.

Food costs are moderate compared to coastal US cities. A student meal plan averages USD 300–400 monthly; cooking at home reduces this to USD 250–350. Utilities (electricity, internet) add USD 60–100 per person in a shared apartment. International student health insurance is mandatory and costs USD 150–250 quarterly depending on coverage level.

Cost Reality for Indian Students: Two years in Chicago costs approximately INR 7.69–8.77 Lakhs in tuition alone, plus INR 38.9–49.6 Lakhs for living expenses—total INR 46.6–58.4 Lakhs. This is significantly less than five-year professional degrees in India and offers post-study work authorization in the USA.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students

DePaul University M.A. History Admission 2026

DePaul’s History MA accepts students with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Strong undergraduate history preparation is preferred but not mandatory; "conditional admission" may require proof of foundational coursework in history. Admission is competitive but achievable for motivated international applicants with clear research interests.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements

DePaul requires proof of English proficiency from all non-native English speakers. The program accepts multiple standardized tests. Choose the option that suits your preparation timeline and strengths.

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80 overall with no individual section below 17.
• IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall band score with no section below 6.0.
• Duolingo English Test: Minimum 115; faster turnaround than TOEFL.
• PTE Academic: Minimum 53; alternative for rapid assessment.

For Indian applicants: IELTS and TOEFL are most widely recognized in India; Duolingo suits those under time pressure. Allow 12–16 weeks if preparing from foundational English. A 90+ TOEFL strengthens competitive standing but is not required.

The History MA emphasizes written communication and seminar participation. ELP scores above the minimum (85–90 TOEFL or 7.0+ IELTS) significantly ease the transition to graduate-level coursework. Many Indian applicants report that seminar discussions challenge non-native speakers initially; strong English preparation in reading academic journals and writing analytical essays is more valuable than test scores alone.

If your TOEFL/IELTS is borderline (80–84 TOEFL, 6.5–6.8 IELTS), DePaul may require an on-campus English proficiency assessment before enrollment. This assessment is pass/fail and does not prevent admission but may delay your start by one quarter. Plan your test-taking timeline accordingly to allow for retakes if needed.

DePaul University is ranked #169 in the US News National Universities Rankings 2025. The History MA is not separately ranked nationally, but the program’s emphasis on historiography and Chicago’s scholarly ecosystem provide strong intellectual rigor comparable to peers in the top 100.

Tip for Indian Students: A strong TOEFL score (85+) paired with a clear statement of purpose about historical research interests often compensates for limited history coursework. DePaul values intellectual curiosity over rigid prerequisite checklists.

Check Out: USA Student Visa Requirements and Process

DePaul University M.A. History Application 2026

DePaul reviews applications on a rolling basis once all materials arrive. Submitting early improves odds of funding consideration and cohort placement. The timeline below shows realistic deadlines for three upcoming intakes.

The application package includes: completed online application form, bachelor’s degree transcript (WES evaluated), TOEFL/IELTS score, 2–3 letters of recommendation (academic preferred), and a 500–750 word statement of purpose explaining your research interests in history. A resume or CV is optional but helpful if you have prior research experience or archival work. Transcripts must be official and sealed; WES handles evaluation of Indian degrees, converting them to US GPA equivalents for DePaul admissions review.

• Submit all materials within the same cycle to ensure rolling review consideration.
• WES evaluation of Indian transcripts takes 10–15 business days; factor this into your timeline.
• Request letters of recommendation at least 4 weeks before the deadline.

Application Tip: Your statement of purpose is the strongest differentiator. Mention specific historians, time periods, or methodologies that excite you. Admissions committees prioritize genuine intellectual engagement over vague career aspirations.

Read More: Complete DePaul Admission Details and Timelines

DePaul University M.A. History Scholarships 2026

DePaul offers merit-based scholarships to incoming graduate students on a competitive, rolling basis. Scholarships are awarded alongside admission decisions, so accepting an offer early improves funding odds. International students compete in the same pool as domestic applicants; no separate international quotas exist.

Most History MA students receive USD 5,000–10,000 (INR 4.76–9.53 Lakhs) in merit funding annually. This reduces first-year tuition from INR 1.90 Lakhs to approximately INR 81k–1.43 Lakhs, saving significant expense for Indian families. Graduate assistantships in the library or history archives are highly competitive but offer full tuition remission plus monthly stipends for 10–15 hours of work per week. Second-year students are prioritized for assistantships; secure one early to dramatically reduce total program costs.

To strengthen your scholarship candidacy, maintain a 3.3+ GPA in undergraduate coursework, score TOEFL 88+ or IELTS 7.0+, and present a compelling research statement. Some merit scholarships explicitly target students planning to pursue PhDs; emphasize doctoral ambitions if you have them. Contact the Graduate Admissions office directly to inquire about departmental awards specific to History.

Scholarship Reality: Few History MA students receive full rides; most combine partial merit scholarships with personal/family funding. Assistantships are the strongest cost-reduction option but require strong first-semester performance and faculty sponsorship.

Also Check: DePaul University Scholarships for International Students

DePaul University M.A. History Salary and Placements 2026

History MA graduates from DePaul pursue diverse career paths: doctoral programs, academic research, museum curation, K–12 teaching, public history, archival management, and cultural heritage nonprofits. Unlike MBA or engineering graduates, History MA alumni are less easily tracked by salary surveys; outcomes vary widely by career choice.

Source: Career Center outcomes data (limited tracking); PayScale.com; Bureau of Labor Statistics (historians and archivists). Figures represent 6-month placement data and are gross salaries before federal/state tax and student loan deductions. Geographic and sector variations are significant.

Estimated take-home after federal and Illinois state tax: USD 24,000–32,000 annually (INR 22.9–30.5 Lakhs), depending on filing status and deductions. Consult a US tax calculator for precise estimates. Most History MA graduates work while servicing student loans; plan for 5–10 year repayment timelines.

For Indian graduates, many choose to return home after the MA or after OPT work experience. International organizations (UNESCO, World Bank), Indian NGOs, and universities in India actively recruit graduates with US master’s degrees in history. Returning graduates earn INR 30–50 Lakhs annually in academic, nonprofit, or research roles—a significant premium over domestic MA salaries but lower than US employment income.

• Doctoral programs offer full tuition waiver plus monthly stipend (USD 18k–25k), making PhD the strongest financial path long-term.
• Museum and archival roles align closely with History MA training and offer stable, mission-driven work.
• Teacher pathway requires secondary education licensure; DePaul’s M.A. in Teaching and Learning (History) variant adds pedagogy components.

ROI Reality: History MA is not a direct path to high six-figure salaries. Value lies in PhD preparation, meaningful work in cultural institutions, and intellectual fulfillment. Indian graduates often return to India to work in international organizations, NGOs, or academia, earning INR 30–50 Lakhs annually.

Check Out: OPT and Work Authorization in the USA for International Graduates

USA Visa and Post-Study Work for M.A. History Graduates

International students attend DePaul on the F-1 Student Visa. After graduation, you are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a post-study work authorization permit. OPT allows full-time employment in your field of study for up to 24 months—extended to 36 months (3 years total) if your program is designated STEM. History is not STEM-designated, so OPT is 24 months.

• F-1 visa requires proof of financial support (I-20 form), valid passport, and SEVIS registration.
• OPT must be requested within 60 days of program completion; your DePaul international office handles the USCIS Form I-765 application.
• While on OPT, you may change employers freely; no sponsorship required if your role aligns with History MA training.
• Spouse and dependent visas (H-4) may accompany you but cannot work unless they obtain separate employment authorization.

After OPT expires, you may pursue H-1B visa sponsorship if an employer nominates you, though History MA holders typically transition to doctoral programs or return to India. H-1B is not guaranteed and requires employer sponsorship; plan for a potential transition home after your two-year OPT period. Some graduates extend stay through doctoral enrollment at US universities, combining work and further study.

Visa Reality: F-1 + OPT allows uninterrupted legal residence and work in the USA for approximately three years post-admission. This window is ideal for gaining research experience, building a portfolio for PhD applications, or exploring US museum/archive sectors before returning to India.

Read More: Complete USA Student Visa Process and Requirements