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.

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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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.

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Bright Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Median Annual Wage $141,900
Wage Range $74,300 – $238,270
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Some college, no degree

Compliance Managers

Bright Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Median Annual Wage $141,900
Wage Range $74,300 – $238,270
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Wind Energy Operations Managers

Bright Outlook

Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.

Median Annual Wage $141,900
Wage Range $74,300 – $238,270
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
Typical Education: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Wind Energy Development Managers

Bright Outlook

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Median Annual Wage $141,900
Wage Range $74,300 – $238,270
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, Master’s degree

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Bright Outlook

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

Median Annual Wage $141,900
Wage Range $74,300 – $238,270
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
Tassel worth the hassle grad cap

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