The M.A. in History program hones your ability to analyze and research historical events, teaching you to critically engage with historiographical debates and to master research methodologies. It prepares you for interpreting history for various audiences through concentrations in American History, European and World History and Public History. This flexible curriculum supports a range of career aspirations, from teaching and further academic pursuits to roles in museums, historical agencies and beyond.

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: $6,764/yr*
Duration
2 years
Credit Hours
38

Calendar

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:
December 28, 2026

Start Date:
January 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 $6,764/yr*

Based on 38 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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2020 - 2024

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.

Business Intelligence Analysts

Bright Outlook

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

Median Annual Wage $120,230
Wage Range $67,240 – $199,130
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Park Naturalists

Bright Outlook

Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.

Median Annual Wage $73,010
Wage Range $47,550 – $110,410
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Master’s degree

Curators

Bright Outlook

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of in

Median Annual Wage $63,420
Wage Range $40,470 – $107,140
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

Median Annual Wage $62,890
Wage Range $44,740 – $101,500
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree, High school diploma or equivalent

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

Natural Sciences Managers

Bright Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Median Annual Wage $167,220
Wage Range $79,710 – $316,850
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Science
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Post-doctoral training, Master’s degree
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2027-08-23