In 2014, UNCW's Department of History launched an innovative, online master’s degree program designed specifically for professional educators.

Today, the program is nationally recognized for academic quality, value and the flexibility it offers students. It is ranked first in the nation by the website GradSource and is also ranked in the top 10 by BestColleges.com and College Affordability Guide.

The program serves the career needs of experienced history educators by providing advanced opportunities for the study of history and knowledge of current research practices. Graduates earn an M.A. in history over the course of four semesters and two summer sessions. This additional credential may help graduates earn higher salaries, qualify for promotions and advance in their field.  

“We are extremely proud of our nationally recognized online M.A. program for professional history educators, the only such program of its kind,” said Taylor Fain, associate professor and graduate studies coordinator in UNCW’s Department of History. “It demonstrates our commitment to the needs of teachers, museum educators, librarians and archivists across North Carolina and the nation.”

The 30-hour program is designed with the personal and professional obligations of educators in mind and can be completed in just two years. Students take two online courses each semester and participate in two on-campus, weeklong summer institutes.

Coursework focuses on examining major issues and recent historiography related to the Common Core history curriculum and emphasizes the hands-on application of content to teaching and lesson planning rather than a traditional thesis.

In addition to helping graduates advance in their careers, the master’s program strengthens the educational workforce by giving history educators new teaching tools and sharpening their existing communication skills, benefitting both teachers and students alike.

In the future, the department will offer an alternative curriculum designed to enhance the skill sets of “knowledge professionals.”
 
“We look forward to expanding the program soon to include a new track aimed at building the critical writing and analytical skills of information analysts, marketing specialists, legal assistants and others using the study of history as its foundation,” said Fain.
 
Applicants seeking admission to the online M.A. History program must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and have a strong overall academic record. The program is accepting applications for 2018 fall admission now through July 1. For more information contact Taylor Fain or visit the program’s website.

Aswani Volety, Ph.D., is dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and a professor in the Department of Biology and Marine Biology. Volety earned a Ph.D. in marine science from the College of William & Mary, and a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in zoology from Andhra University. The College of Arts and Sciences is UNCW’s largest academic unit, employing over 450 full-time and 150 part-time faculty members and awarding approximately three quarters of the university’s academic credits. Volety serves as the chief academic, fiscal and administrative officer of the college, which is responsible for educating students across the arts, sciences, humanities and social sciences, and includes the UNCW Center for Marine Science. Volety is also the current president of the Southern Association of Marine Labs.To learn more about the UNCW College of Arts and Sciences, visit www.uncw.edu/cas. Questions and comments can be sent to [email protected].