Oral History
The Master of Arts in Oral History provides an in depth exploration of methods for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting personal narratives and historical accounts. Students study oral traditions, memory studies, ethnographic research, and archival practices while developing skills to preserve and document diverse historical experiences. The program combines theoretical foundations with applied research, helping learners develop analytical expertise in conducting interviews, analyzing qualitative data, and interpreting social and cultural contexts. Through coursework and field projects, students gain insight into how oral histories contribute to understanding communities, identity, and collective memory.
The program also emphasizes research methods, ethical practice, and professional application. Faculty mentorship, practical projects, and seminar discussions allow students to build practical competence in interview techniques, archival documentation, and storytelling strategies. Graduates are prepared to work in museums, archives, research institutions, cultural organizations, and educational programs, applying oral history skills to preserve cultural heritage, support community projects, and inform historical research. The curriculum ensures that students leave with both conceptual understanding and applied skills essential for careers in oral history, anthropology, and public humanities.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Oral History
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 23 May 2026
- Location: Columbia University, United States
- Field of Study: Anthropology
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 Foundations in Oral History
• Introduction to Oral History
• Methods of Ethnographic Research
• Memory, Identity, and Narrative
• Research Methods in Anthropology
Semester 2 Applied Projects and Documentation
• Interview Techniques and Documentation
• Archival Practices and Preservation
• Seminar in Oral History
• Applied Oral History Project
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in museums, archives, cultural organizations and research institutions, where expertise in oral history and qualitative research is essential. Alumni may work as oral historians, cultural researchers, archivists, community project coordinators, or educators, applying their skills to document personal narratives, preserve cultural heritage, and support educational initiatives. The combination of applied research, methodological knowledge, and storytelling expertise equips graduates to conduct meaningful historical work and contribute to community and academic projects. Some graduates pursue doctoral studies in anthropology, history, or public humanities. Graduates leave ready to engage with communities and preserve historical knowledge through oral narratives.
Why Choose This Program
Students choose this degree for its combination of applied research and cultural analysis, offering a curriculum that integrates ethnography, oral documentation, and narrative interpretation. The program emphasizes field work, seminar discussions, and practical projects, allowing learners to develop skills in interviewing, qualitative analysis, and historical preservation. Faculty mentorship, applied projects, and research opportunities support students in translating theory into practice and contributing to historical and cultural understanding. For individuals seeking a graduate program that prepares them to document, analyze, and preserve personal and community histories, this degree provides a focused and highly relevant pathway.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 212 854 1754
Email: admissions@columbia.edu
Address: University of Columbia, Admissions Office, New York, NY, United States
