History at George Mason University

The Department of History and Art History located in Fairfax, Virginia, offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. History students may work toward Master of Art and Doctor of Philosophy degrees with concentrations in U.S. history, Modern European history, and Comparative World history. Graduate students gain expertise in conventional historical methods as well as web-based technologies. Support for the programs is provided by the innovative and awarding winning Center for History and New Media. The Center’s focus is on promoting and facilitating the use of new media and computer technologies to teach history.

New Media and Information Technology

Although a great many traditional minor fields are offered by the department, a focus on digital technologies sets George Mason University apart from other academic institutions. In addition to core courses in their major in minor fields, students are required to pursue more advanced work in new media than other concentrations. The training offered by the department will prepare graduates for careers in publishing, educational technology, or technology coordination in a college or university setting.

The Center's misson statement reads in part:

Since 1994, the Center for History and New Media has used digital media and computer technology to democratize history—to incorporate multiple voices, reach diverse audiences, and encourage popular participation in presenting and preserving the past.

According to it’s website, “The Department of History and Art History features a distinguished faculty. Five members of the Department have won Guggenheim awards; one was granted a MacArthur Fellowship. In addition, faculty members have received fellowships from a variety of institutions including the National Endowment for the Humanities, the American Council of Learned Societies, the Fulbright Fellowship programs, the Social Science Research Council, and major international museums. And George Mason historians continue to be recognized with numerous book awards.”

Computer Proficiency for Ph.D. Students

All doctoral students are required to complete the two-course sequence: History 696 and History 697. The purpose of these courses is to give all students a basic proficiency in a wide range of computer technologies. While students are not required to have any advance knowledge of the programs used in these courses, the advanced nature of many of the topics discussed suggest that all students would be best served if they entered the program with a basic knowledge of computer systems.

All students pursuing a new media minor must complete the following required core courses:

Students pursuing a new media minor must complete two additional classes as well as Independent Readings (HIST 803) and some experiential component and/or internship.