Master's in History: Education Emphasis
Master's in History: Education Emphasis
journey today.
The Master of Arts (MA) in History with an Emphasis in Education is a blend of history content and pedagogical knowledge. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Grand Canyon University offers this master’s in history with an emphasis in education for aspiring history professors who wish to work with students at the undergraduate level. Prepare to share your passion for delving into historical events, people, cultures and trends, and inspire postsecondary students to think critically about the world around them.
This master’s degree in history with an education emphasis can be an ideal choice for individuals who are passionate about history and feel drawn to a teaching position. You will explore major historical events, themes and movements through the lens of cultural, military, economic and political perspectives.
Throughout your coursework for the master's in history with an emphasis in education, you’ll be challenged to think critically about the past. You will have the opportunity to develop a keen understanding of major historical narratives, arguments and interpretations, and you’ll examine best practices in pedagogical approaches. This master’s degree in history education highlights respectful collaboration with peers. It’s expected that you will develop a deep and meaningful awareness of and appreciation for diversity in all aspects of life.
In addition to exploring teaching methodologies and historical subjects, you will be taught advanced research methods in the field. At the graduate level, you will have the opportunity to critically evaluate the available literature in the field and develop a well-reasoned plan for your own research and professional participation.
Explore Our Christian University
As a faith-based university, GCU is pleased to offer academically rich degree programs rooted in the Christian worldview. The emphasis on moral, ethical and faith-integrated leadership is fully integrated into our history education curriculum.
Pursue an Online Master’s in History: Education Emphasis
Earn your master’s in history online while benefiting from the same quality of instruction and the same comprehensive curriculum as our on-campus students. With an online master’s in history, you may be able to fit your studies around your current schedule with access to coursework from virtually anywhere. Our interactive e-learning platform fosters collaboration and connection among learners, as well as regular access to instructors.
This Degree Is Offered Online
History is an inherently multidisciplinary subject, ideal for innately curious, lifelong learners. GCU’s master's in history with an emphasis in education incorporates coursework that speaks to this multidisciplinary nature.
You will be expected to develop a mastery of wide-ranging concepts such as the following:
You will also explore learning methodologies in distance learning, online education and traditional education. Learning paradigms, personalized learning and andragogy are examined.
Research Seminar
Additionally, you must successfully complete a research seminar. As a seminar student, you will conduct an in-depth exploration of the literature and historiography of selected topics and apply graduate-level research methodologies. You will also develop your plan for professional participation in your field, including sustained research and publication.
History Education Skills You Will Be Taught
This master’s degree in history with an education emphasis can prepare you to fulfill the graduate course requirements that are necessary to pursue opportunities in teaching at the postsecondary level. You may choose to further enhance your teaching qualifications by pursuing advanced studies at the doctoral level.1
Throughout the master’s degree in history education coursework, you will be prompted to develop competencies in the following:
Designing curriculum
Communicating research findings
Constructing, evaluating and challenging ideas
Developing technological solutions for distance learning
Prepare to share your passion for history with postsecondary students. Pursue opportunities teaching history students how to think critically, embrace diverse perspectives and learn from the past as they look to the future. A master’s degree may meet employer requirements for teaching at community colleges or other postsecondary institutions.
Beyond the classroom, a graduate-level history degree may prepare graduates to pursue employment in a diverse range of settings, including:2
County, state and national parks
Historical sites
Media outlets
Museums
Historical archives
As an institutionally accredited university, GCU is committed to furthering its longstanding tradition of prioritizing academic excellence. Our instructors offer quality instruction and a thorough curriculum. Furthermore, the Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Master’s in History: Education Emphasis FAQs
You may have some questions about your career and degree options. Use the following frequently asked questions and answers as you plan your path to higher education.
If you love history and want to share your knowledge of historical trends and events with students, then earning a master’s degree in history education may be worth your consideration. As a history education graduate, you have the opportunity to instill a lifelong love of learning in your students while nurturing their curiosity about the world around them. Earning your MA in History can also put you on the path to doctoral studies, where you can strive for advanced competencies in research and education.
The master’s in history: education emphasis is designed for those who wish to teach history at the postsecondary level. Employer requirements can vary from one institute to the next. In general, however, a master’s degree may be all that’s needed to teach at community colleges. If you would like to teach at a four-year college or university, then earning the master’s degree in history can be a useful steppingstone toward pursuing a doctoral degree, which is typically the minimum requirement at four-year institutions.1
To apply for the online master’s in history with an education emphasis at GCU, you must present either a bachelor’s degree from an accredited, approved school or program with the minimum required GPA or a graduate degree from an accredited, approved school or program. GMAT or GRE scores may be requested as supplementary requirements. Speak with a university counselor for more details.
As a history teacher, you can help students grow in their knowledge of past events and guide them in applying what they’ve learned to the present time. If you’re a history aficionado who is committed to lifelong learning and wishes to foster the same attitude in others, then being a history professor can be a meaningful choice. As education continues to evolve, you may also have the choice of which modality — online, classroom or hybrid — fits best with your schedule and career goals.
Becoming a history teacher requires a passion for the subject and an eagerness to examine historical events, trends and cultural changes over time. Employment requirements depend on which setting you would like to teach in. If you would like to become a postsecondary professor, you may only need a master’s in history: education emphasis to pursue employment at a community college. A doctoral degree is the usual requirement for aspiring professors at four-year colleges and universities.1
If you would like to become a history teacher at public secondary schools, you will need to earn a degree that leads to initial teacher licensure and meets the teacher licensure or certification requirements for the state in which you plan to work.3
The master’s in history: education emphasis degree program requires 34 credits for completion. Most of the online courses are eight weeks in length. To better understand how long it might take you to earn your master’s degree, you can fill out the form on this page to request a consultation with a university counselor.
Start Your Journey Today
Take a deep dive into historical topics and best practices in postsecondary pedagogy with this master’s in history online.
Visit the "State Disclosures" section on the page of the program you’re interested in at gcu.edu for details on state restrictions.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How To Become a Postsecondary Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 20, 2023.
2 Birt, J. (2023, July 31). 10 Popular History Degree Jobs. Indeed. Retrieved Nov. 20, 2023.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How To Become a High School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 20, 2023.