Georgetown’s MA in Global, International, and Comparative History (MAGIC) offers students the opportunity to develop a historical perspective on our interconnected world and provides multiple avenues for students to engage with the issues and insights that arise from an international historical perspective. The program provides a foundation for professional participation in the world of global affairs as well as strong preparation for doctoral studies. Students both delve deeply into the history of a particular world region and situate that same region within a broader context through the study of transnational, comparative, and thematic trends. The program offers students rigorous training in historical methods, foreign languages, and analytical and writing skills. Graduates have gone on to careers in fields such as government service, NGO work, and global business, as well as top-ranked doctoral programs in History and related disciplines.
The MAGIC program is small and selective. MA students work closely with faculty mentors and participate in classes with Ph.D. students. They enjoy access to classes in a variety of disciplines across the university, a rich campus intellectual life, and the vast archival, cultural, and career resources of the wider Washington, D.C. area. MA students at Georgetown are also invited to participate in the Georgetown Institute for Global History’s research seminars and workshops. These are periodically convened sessions in which scholars from around the country present their current research in the form of pre-circulated papers.
Modality
On Campus
Program URL
https://history.georgetown.edu/programs/ma
Academic Policies
The academic and procedures of the Global, International and Comparative History program are those specified in Georgetown University’s University Bulletin and the program handbook.
Joint Programs
The M.A. in Global, International and Comparative History can be completed in tandem with the Master of Science in Foreign Service.
The MAGIC curriculum is designed to build strength in comparative history while allowing students the flexibility to explore their specific regional and thematic interests. Students, in consultation with the program director, design a curriculum that simultaneously provides broad exposure to global historical perspectives and depth in a particular regional or thematic history.
Program Requirements
The MAGIC program has three principal requirements:
- 30 credit hours of coursework
- At least one foreign language proficiency examination
- A capstone paper
Coursework
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| HIST 5004 | MAGIC Core Colloq 1 | 3 |
| HIST 5005 | Global & Intrnl History 2 | 3 |
| HIST 5006 | | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
Field Studies
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6 classes in the discipline of History, of which at least 3 are in Field I, Global and Comparative History (broad, trans-regional) and at least 3 are in Field II, Regional or National History (more focused geographically). Beginning with the incoming class in 2025, the courses in Field 1 must be substantially outside the student’s chosen regional or national focus in Field 2.
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Field I emphasizes trans-regional and comparative studies. Field II focuses on a world region or nation within the context developed in Field I. Students are encouraged to take at least one course from Field I and one course from Field II their first semester. The specific determination of fields is flexible, and should be crafted in consultation with the Director of MA Programs. Some classes may count for either Field I or II.
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Optional other classes: up to 2 classes may be from relevant fields outside of History (for example, Security Studies, Art History, Government) when available and appropriate to the student's program, with approval of MA program director.
Language Requirements
All students must demonstrate proficiency in at least one language other than English by passing the History department-administered language examination before beginning their third full semester in the program. They may also, with permission from the Director, substitute four semesters of language instruction for the language exam, provided they maintain good standing (a minimum grade of B or above) during all four semesters.
Capstone Paper
All students in the MAGIC program will turn in an final ‘capstone paper’ by the end of their second year.
