What Is a Master’s in History Education Degree?

The Master of Arts in History with an Emphasis in Education degree program is an innovative blend of history content and pedagogical knowledge. Grand Canyon University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers this master’s degree in history education for aspiring history teachers who wish to work with students at the undergraduate level. Upon completion, graduates may pursue teaching opportunities at two-year or four-year educational institutions, either in online modalities or on-campus classrooms.

This degree can be an ideal choice for individuals who are passionate about history and feel drawn to a teaching position. Students explore major historical events, themes and movements through the lens of cultural, military, economic and political perspectives.

Earn Your Master’s Degree in History Education Online or On-Campus from GCU

This Master of Arts in History program requires the completion of 34 credits. Busy professionals have flexible learning options at GCU. You can choose between online classes or on-campus evening classes to fit your current schedule. Online learners can study where and when it’s convenient for them, while still benefiting from peer interactions. Most online classes for this program are eight weeks in length.

Throughout your coursework for this MA, you’ll be challenged to think critically about the past. You will develop a keen understanding of major historical narratives, arguments and interpretations, and you’ll examine best practices in pedagogical approaches. This degree emphasizes respectful collaboration with peers. It’s expected that candidates will develop a deep and meaningful awareness of and appreciation for diversity in all aspects of life.

The emphasis on moral, ethical and values-based leadership stems from the Christian worldview here at GCU. Aspiring history teachers will work through a curriculum infused with the Christian perspective.

MA for History Education Teachers

History is an inherently multidisciplinary subject, ideal for innately curious, lifelong learners. GCU’s unique Master of Arts in History with an Emphasis in Education degree incorporates coursework that speaks to this multidisciplinary nature. Candidates are expected to develop a mastery of wide-ranging concepts with courses such as the following:

• Concepts in Understanding World History
• Concepts in Understanding U.S. History
• Historical Perspectives of Race, Class, Gender & Ethnicity
• Studies in the American West
• Curricular and Instructional Methods in Higher Education
• Applied Studies in History Graduate Education

Throughout this coursework, students develop knowledge and skills in the following:

• Curriculum design
• Communication of research findings
• Constructing, evaluating and challenging ideas
• Technological solutions for distance learning

Students also complete the Effective Pedagogy for Higher Education course, which introduces them to learning methodologies in distance learning, online education and traditional education. Learning paradigms, personalized learning and andragogy are examined.

Additionally, candidates must successfully complete the Graduate Research Seminar in History. Seminar students conduct an in-depth exploration of the literature and historiography of selected topics, and apply graduate-level research methodologies. Seminar students develop their plan for professional participation in their field, including sustained research and publication.

This master’s degree in history education prepares graduates to fulfill the graduate course requirements that are necessary to pursue opportunities in teaching at the postsecondary level. Graduates may choose to further enhance their teaching qualifications by pursuing advanced studies at the doctoral level.