The MA concentration in American History is an ideal program for students looking to continue their studies beyond the undergraduate level. We offer a flexible curriculum, providing detailed training in historical methods and research. Faculty expertise extends chronologically from the colonial era to the present day, with particular expertise in the American Revolution, Early Republic and Civil War eras. Thematically, the department has experts in urban history, social history, women's history, African-American history and political history.
The MA in American History offers courses that can be taken in a blended format, with the opportunity to take many courses online. We have considerable experience training teachers seeking continuing professional development, recent graduates seeking more detailed training in research and writing and professional workers seeking to develop research skills. Students have graduated from our MA program into numerous PhD programs 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.
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
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.
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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
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
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.
Historians
Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic med
Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.
Median Annual Wage
$76,750
Wage Range
$42,730 – $131,810
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Bachelor’s 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:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-master’s certificate
Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks
Authorize credit charges against customers' accounts. Investigate history and credit standing of individuals or business establishments applying for credit. May interview applicants to obtain personal
Authorize credit charges against customers' accounts. Investigate history and credit standing of individuals or business establishments applying for credit. May interview applicants to obtain personal and financial data, determine credit worthiness, process applications, and notify customers of acceptance or rejection of credit.
Median Annual Wage
$50,080
Wage Range
$30,260 – $72,700
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median Annual Wage
$83,820
Wage Range
$48,410 – $162,160
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Master’s degree
Social Science Research Assistants
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Median Annual Wage
$61,990
Wage Range
$38,090 – $102,070
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Some college, no degree
Anthropologists and Archeologists
Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery
Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.
Median Annual Wage
$70,770
Wage Range
$49,050 – $108,060
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree
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