Master of Arts (MA) in History Education
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.
Program Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the liberal arts. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course examines world history as a set of thematic concepts, highlighting the significant historiographical questions, examples, and resources for study of historical global themes such as population; economic networks; power, authority, and government; class, race, and gender; cultural expression; science, technology, and environment; and spiritual life and moral codes
Course Description
This course examines U.S. history as a set of thematic concepts, highlighting the significant historiographical questions, examples, and resources for study of historical themes such as migration and immigration; religious and philosophical thought; the republic and democracy; industrialization, business, and labor; prosperity and consumerism; reform movements and social justice; and war and society in U.S. history.
Course Description
This foundational course covers adult learning theory and pedagogical practices that are research-based and proven effective in higher education. Technology, distance learning, and effective pedagogy for online and traditional instruction are emphasized. Candidates research learning paradigms, personalized learning, and andragogy and are asked to apply their knowledge through situational case studies.
Course Description
This course introduces students to applied studies in history. Students have opportunities to engage in applied (public) history practice with focus toward using these methods in the classroom. Emphasis is placed on the resources and opportunities provided by museums, historic places, and archives for teaching secondary and postsecondary courses.
Course Description
This course investigates the history of the American West as both a region west of the Mississippi River, and an ideology that shaped cultures, economics, and politics, from frontier to modern America. Using historiography and applied research, students examine the diverse cultures and dynamics that made the American West a unique place in American history.
Course Description
This course covers curricular alignment, instructional design, and effective communication and collaboration amongst university stakeholders. Creating learning goals, developing student outcomes and assessments, and giving effective feedback are emphasized. Candidates are asked to collaboratively develop activities, assessments, lesson plans, and syllabi that would be appropriate for a course taught at a community college or university. Prerequisite: EDU-534.
Course Description
This course explores historical perspectives of race, class, gender, and ethnicity as lenses of stratification, identity, and experience that shape the historical record. Through historiography and applied research, students examine the contextual perspectives of race, class, gender, and ethnicity that shape our understanding of the past.
Course Description
This course prepares students for advanced research in history with the intent on publication. Students will engage the resources, methods, and problems of graduate-level research, investigate the literature and historiography of topics in their area of interest, and develop a plan for sustained research, publication, and professional participation in their field of study.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.