EIU Online Master of Arts in History

MA in History with an Online Option for Teachers

The History MA Online Option for Teachers is one of the few content-area history graduate programs in the nation designed specifically for K-12 teachers. In our program you will find all the scholarly rigor of a traditional MA in History, but with a schedule of coursework and plan of study that meet your professional needs. In developing the program, we consulted more than one hundred Illinois teachers to learn what kind of program would best serve you and some key features include:

Quality coursework in a breadth of historical fields: The curriculum in US and World History reflects the needs of history teachers as well as the strengths of EIU’s history department. You will take courses from our outstanding tenured and tenure-track faculty who are published experts in fields from the ancient Near East to early modern England to Meiji Japan to Cold War America. You will receive foundational training in proseminars in premodern and modern World history and US history, then explore the major scholarly problems introduced there with more specific seminars.

A well-designed study plan with flexibility: Following the study plan, you can complete the degree in three years, with one course each semester and two courses in the summers. Since life does not always follow a schedule, the program is also designed to accommodate students who may need to take longer to complete their degree.

A learning community: Our program is designed to create an academic community among students and their professors. The program begins in the summer with a 5-day orientation course, conducted online in a synchronous format, where you will meet your fellow students and the faculty and learn about the historical research methods you will be using over your course of study. As in a traditional classroom, the online classroom offers an interactive learning environment in which faculty and students analyze together primary sources, evaluate competing interpretations, and assess each other’s research.

Dual credit option: Our courses are also available to students interested in dual credit credentials (usually 18 credit hours). These students must apply to the MA program and will admitted using the same criteria we require for degree-seeking students. HIS 5001 (Summer Institute) and HIS 5000 (Historiography) are recommended but not required. Students not working toward the degree may not take independent studies.

**This program does not lead to teacher licensure.**

Applications should include a statement of personal goals, vita, and two letters.

For more information, please contact: Dr. Lee Patterson: lepatterson2@eiu.edu or 217-581-6372