Attending
NAU for my master’s degree has proven one of the best decisions
I’ve made. The quality of instruction and accessible, caring
faculty, have made for an enlightening and truly enjoyable experience.
The thematic approach to history and emphasis on theory that mark this
program will make me a more competitive candidate as I apply to Ph.D.
programs this winter. Then there are the benefits of life in the little
high-desert utopia of Flagstaff. I find plenty of respite from studying
in the miles of hiking and biking trails and numerous rock climbing
areas surrounding the vibrant downtown helping to add balance to grad
school life.
Cody Ferguson
Current MA student
My
time here at NAU had been thus far very rewarding. The History Department
has provided a warm and welcoming environment that I doubt I would
have found in a larger program. The faculty are uniformly excellent.
I’ve especially appreciated their treatment of theoretical approaches
to history, as I had no solid foundation in theory prior to coming
here. I initially chose to pursue a Ph.D at NAU because it appeared
I would gain valuable teaching experience not available to graduate
history students at other universities. This assumption has proven
to be correct. I can now list two years of independent college teaching
on my curriculum vita. This will greatly enhance my prospects on the
job market. For these reasons alone I know I made the right choice
in attending NAU.
Tam Hoskisson
Current Ph.D Candidate
I
graduated with an MA from the NAU Department of History in 2000, with
a major in Latin America and a minor in Gender, Race, and Class. I
remember my first semester in the History Department at NAU fondly,
but as a demanding experience. Courses like “Historiography” and “Power,
Hegemony, and Counter-Hegemony” were my introduction to the Department
focus on theory and comparative frameworks. Among others, I read works
by Foucault, Gramsci, and important anthropological works on ethnography
and power—texts that I still reference ten years after my first
semester at NAU. These experiences were possible because the faculty
at NAU are dedicated to challenging graduate students to think beyond
the historiography of their field, fitting original research into the
comparative paradigms studied in the classroom. The hands-on approach
of the faculty provided personal and professional support, which made
my time as an MA student more productive and less stressful. Currently,
I am completing my dissertation in Latin American and World History
at the University of Arizona, and I credit my training at NAU with
my success as a Ph.D. candidate.
Catherine Tracy Goode
MA Graduate
The
PhD program at Northern Arizona University was a perfect fit for me.
The small class size and individual attention from the faculty allowed
me to engage with theory, methods, and historical content. The unique
thematic fields gave me tremendous preparation for comparative historical
analysis as well as for teaching World and U.S. History survey courses.
I was able to travel to archives and professional conferences due to
the scholarships and fellowships provided by the History Department.
I couldn't have asked for better faculty mentors who were truly committed
to my success as a scholar and teacher.
Kristin D. Mann
Ph.D. ‘01
Within the department, I was able to tap into a richly comparative
emphasis that allowed me to view historical forces from many perspectives,
and apply them to current issues. I was able to work closely with the
entire faculty, rather than just those in my specialty areas. It is
a hard-working department that reflects the openness and vigor of the
Flagstaff community.
Tim Schorzman
M.A. Student
What I'm doing here: PhD in Medieval European history
Why I like NAU: I love NAU because it has challenged me to grow as a historian
and as a person. The professors here are caring and energetic people. They
work hard to encourage me to be a better person, and support me in the endeavors
I undertake. Because of NAU, I feel like when I graduate, I will be a very
marketable professional.
Rachel Constance
Ph.D. Student
I am working on my MA and my interests are, US Gender History, Women's
Studies, and American 20th Century Popular Culture.
My experiences as an undergraduate and graduate student with NAU History
has been so valuable. NAU History fosters a very special and unique
community of students and educators. I feel extremely fortunate to
have mentoring professors with the breadth of knowledge that they do.
Every semester brings something new and exciting to my table of learning
and when I do finish, I know the education I've gained from here will
be priceless.
Beth Grimes
M.A. Student
Having attended NAU for my undergraduate degree, I choose to remain
here for the graduate program because of how small and personal the
program was. I can work with professors one on one, and it was really
easy to get to know the rest of the grad students.
William Marty
M.A. Student