Overview

The History (MA, PhD) program at the University of Waterloo provides advanced training in historical research, analysis, and scholarship. The MA program emphasizes the development of research and writing skills through coursework and a thesis or major research paper option, with a focus on Canadian, North American, and global history themes. The PhD program builds on this foundation, preparing students for independent research and academic careers through comprehensive exams, dissertation work, and teaching experience. Unique features include opportunities in public history, digital humanities, and interdisciplinary collaborations with fields like environmental studies and Indigenous studies.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the program are equipped for diverse roles in academia, cultural heritage, public policy, and education. Common pathways include university teaching, archival management, museum curation, and consulting for government or non-profit organizations focused on historical preservation and analysis.

Key Faculty/Staff

• Faculty members specialize in areas such as Canadian history, transnational history, and the history of science and technology.
• Notable expertise includes Indigenous history and environmental history, supported by active researchers with publications in leading journals.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

The program benefits from the University of Waterloo's extensive library collections, including digital archives and special collections on Canadian history. Partnerships with local historical societies, the Waterloo Region Museum, and national institutions like Library and Archives Canada provide hands-on research opportunities and internship placements.