MA Oral History at Columbia University

Programme overview

The Oral History MA is a one-year interdisciplinary degree, the first of its kind in the United States, training students in oral history method and theory. It was created in 2008 within Columbia Oral History.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Oral History Master of Arts Program (Incite) | Duration: 1 year | Intake: Fall (deadline 6 May 2027; priority deadline 1 March 2027) | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

Students build skills in digital audio and video production and editing, digital archiving, oral history project design and interviewing, and historical and social science analysis. Each student completes a thesis project with an OHMA faculty member and outside advisor; past projects include essays, documentaries, exhibits and websites.

Career pathways

Graduates work in museums, historical societies, advocacy organizations, media, the arts, education and human rights, or pursue doctorates and professional degrees.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Statement of academic purpose, personal statement, resume, writing sample of 10-15 pages, three letters of evaluation from academic sources, transcripts. GRE General not required. International applicants whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country where English is not the official language submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores. Fall deadline 6 May 2027; priority deadline 1 March 2027 for funding consideration.

Intake: Fall (deadline 6 May 2027; priority deadline 1 March 2027)

Duration: 1 year

Apply through the official page: https://www.gsas.columbia.edu/content/prospective-students

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