Public History graduate education at UIS has its roots in the 1970s, when our predecessor institution Sangamon State University first offered courses in oral history, museum studies and local history. Today, the program prides itself in a flexible curriculum, robust student funding, unparalleled internship and volunteering opportunities, a high rate of professional placements and a rich alumni network that stretches across the country.

Learning Outcomes

  • Master skills in historical research and primary source analysis.
  • Develop expertise in historical writing and interpretation.
  • Understand global, national and local historical contexts.

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $6,230/yr*
Duration
2 years
Credit Hours
35

Calendario

Don't miss an important date or deadline

Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
Diciembre 28, 2026

Start Date:
Enero 11, 2027

Apply Today!

Tuition & Aid

UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.

Tuition Estimates

On-campus $6,230/yr*

Based on 35 credit hours over 2 years.

*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.

Admissions

Applying to UIS is simple

We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.

 

Review admission requirements

Students should be sure to check specific program requirements; there may be an additional application for the program you wish to enter.

International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.

Complete your application

An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.

Send your official transcripts

Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Submit required statements/writing sample

If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.

Pay your application fee

You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

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Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

Bright Outlook

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personne

Median Annual Wage $48,520
Wage Range $33,120 – $77,080
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Service Orientation
  • Speaking
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree, Less than high school diploma

Archivists

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

Median Annual Wage $64,550
Wage Range $39,970 – $110,550
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-master’s certificate

Sales and Related Workers, All Other

All sales and related workers not listed separately.

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

Median Annual Wage $76,910
Wage Range $44,310 – $139,870
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Some college, no degree, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Tour Guides and Escorts

Bright Outlook

Escort individuals or groups on sightseeing tours or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, and art galleries.

Median Annual Wage $38,120
Wage Range $28,520 – $60,930
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
Typical Education: Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree, Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Geographers

Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land fo

Median Annual Wage $102,040
Wage Range $66,770 – $136,660
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Doctoral degree, Master’s degree
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2026-08-24