Master's in History Education
Earn Your Master’s Degree in History Education
The Master of Arts in History with an Emphasis in Education degree program is an innovative blend of history content and pedagogical knowledge. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Grand Canyon University (GCU) 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 master’s degree in history education 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.
Pursue an On-Campus or Online Master’s in History Education Degree
This master’s degree in history education 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 the online master's in history education, 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 master’s degree in history education 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 faith-integrated leadership stems from the Christian worldview here at GCU. Aspiring history teachers will work through an online or on-campus curriculum infused with the Christian perspective.
Earn a Master’s in History Education to Advance Your Teaching Career
History is an inherently multidisciplinary subject, ideal for innately curious, lifelong learners. GCU’s unique master's in history 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 and Ethnicity
- Studies in the American West
- Curricular and Instructional Methods in Higher Education
- Applied Studies in History Graduate Education
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Throughout the master's in history education coursework, you will develop knowledge and skills in the following:
- Curriculum design
- Communication of research findings
- Constructing, evaluating and challenging ideas
- Technological solutions for distance learning
You will also complete the Effective Pedagogy for Higher Education course, which introduces you 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. As a seminar student, you will also develop your plan for professional participation in your field, including sustained research and publication.
This master’s degree in history education prepares 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.
Master’s in History Education Degree FAQs
If you love history and want to play a part in shaping society’s cultural and historical narratives, then earning a master’s in history education is worth your consideration. As a history education graduate, you have the opportunity to share your knowledge with students at the elementary, middle, high school or college level. Earning your master’s in history can also put you on the path to doctoral studies where you can gain advanced skills in research and education.
Some K-12 public schools will accept a relevant bachelor’s degree as a base qualification to teach history. However, most history teachers, particularly those at the postsecondary level, hold a master’s in history education or doctoral degree. Some states have additional requirements for teachers, so it is important to understand the requirements in your state before applying for teaching jobs.
To apply for the online master’s in history education degree 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 your university admissions counselor for more details.
As a history teacher, you will help students grow in their knowledge of past events and guide them in applying what they’ve learned to the present time. When you earn a master’s in history education, you can choose which grade level you want to teach, whether it’s in a K-12 or postsecondary classroom. 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.
1 Retrieved from Intelligent.com, Best Master’s in History Degree Programs of 2022 in July 2022
If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint/background clearance is required.
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 course covers adult learning theory and instructional practices that are research-based and proven effective in higher education. Technology, online learning, and effective instructional methods for online and traditional instruction are emphasized. Participants research learning models, personalized learning and andragogy and apply their knowledge to improve student engagement and achievement in higher education.
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 applies learning theories to classroom instructional methods and strategies. Effective communication, creating learning goals, developing student outcomes and assessments, and giving effective feedback are emphasized. Participants are asked to develop activities, assessments, and lesson plans 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 note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.