Master of Arts / Master of Science

History / Information Science

Combine Your Passion for Historical Research with Training in Modern Information Systems

Develop the specialized skills and experience needed in today's workplace with the dual master’s degree program in history and information science at the University at Albany.

By combining crucial historical analysis competencies with modern approaches in information structures, you can develop solutions to our most interesting challenges in areas including libraries, museums, archives, historic sites, educational and governmental institutions.

Work with UAlbany's dedicated staff of active researchers to go beyond foundational knowledge to build a skill set that will pave the way to socially important career paths. You will obtain the skills to manage data sets and analyze information in innovative ways.

The dual program offers a streamlined pathway through two degrees and draws on the University at Albany’s unique location near state archives and libraries and centered in New York’s high-tech corridor.

Program of Study
Career Outcomes
Admissions Requirements
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Program of Study

programofstudy

By simultaneously pursuing an MA in history and an MS in information science, you can combine advanced historical research skills with modern information management methodologies to conduct valuable work on behalf of government agencies and private organizations.

You'll gain real-world experience through an internship, field research project, study abroad component or clinical research participation. This requirement will give you the necessary background to pursue competitive positions in your desired field.

By combining coursework (up to 13 credits, with no more than 7 credits coming from one degree or the other), the dual degrees can be earned in as few as 53-59 credits, as follows.

History

Choose a concentration in one of two tracks: Academic or Public History

Each one involves a reading and research seminar. For the reading seminar, you have a variety of course topic options such as American Colonial and Revolutionary History, Visual Media and Culture, U.S. History, European History, Late Modern History and more.

Work closely with UAlbany's history department faculty to hone your research skills by learning how to use tools like:

Oral history techniques, including research, interviewing, recording and video editing
Digital tools like imaging, mapping, virtual museums and augmented reality
Quantitative methods such as data base management, graphics and data analysis

Information Science

Required Courses

The Information Environment
Information and Knowledge Organization
Administration of Information Agencies
Research Methods

Concentration Course Areas

Archives and Records Administration
Library and Information Services
Information Management and Technology
Intelligence Analysis
Data Analytics

Required Internship

Independent Study

Supporting courses as advised

A maximum of nine credit hours may be taken in other professional and academic fields as advised. Seven credit hours of approved course work in History must be part of the supporting courses sequence.

Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details

For more information, contact Alexander Dawson at 518-442-5300 or [email protected].

Focus Tracks

Academic

30 credits

Coursework in History (22 credits)
- One Readings Seminar (4 credits)
- Supporting coursework as advised (0-9 credits)
Prospectus Workshop (4 credits)
Research Seminar (4 credits)

Foreign Language Requirement:

A reading knowledge of one foreign language appropriate to the student's major field is required for M.A. candidates writing Master's theses on non-U.S. topics. The Master’s thesis is optional and not required for this program. This requirement can be fulfilled by an examination in the Department, by an examination administered by a language department with approval of the History Department, or by satisfactory completion of a graduate level language course that has been approved by the History Department.

Public History

36 Credits

Group A: Academic Content Courses

(14-18 credits)

Readings Seminar
Prospectus Workshop
Research Seminar
2-6 credits of History as advised

Group B: Public History Courses

(12-16 credits)

Introduction to Public History

Other courses selected from the following:

Introduction to Historical Agency Management and Practice
Curatorial Practices for Historical Agencies
Interpretation of Historic Sites and Artifacts
History Museums
Material Culture Studies
Introduction to Historic Preservation
Practicum in Oral/Aural History
Practicum in Digital History
Practicum in Historical Documentary Filmmaking
Practicum in Historical Narrative

Group C: Public History Internship

(6 credits)

Introduction to Public History

You must complete a minimum of 36 credits of coursework chosen from Group A, B and C as apportioned.

Career Outcomes

career

Develop historical analysis proficiencies and analytical skills in this dual degree program to fine tune your skill set and prepare for a variety of information-centric career paths in the public and private sectors. As our society finds new and valuable ways to leverage data, skilled professionals will be needed to manage complex information systems.

Prepare for stimulating career paths with organizations such as: Libraries, Archives, Museums, State historical societies, and International corporations

Potential job titles include:

Librarian
Information Architect
Data Analyst
Digital Archivist
Market Analyst
Records Manager

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

Fall: Rolling
Spring: December 1
Summer: Not Available

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Required Application Materials

Transcripts from all schools attended
Three letters of recommendation
Official GRE test scores
Statement of goals
The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program. It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals.

Available information for International Applicants

Special Notes

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

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