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United States History: Non-Thesis Option

Get essential preparation for doctoral work in history, teaching at the community college and secondary levels, archival and museum work, law school or government service. This non-thesis option in United States History builds research, writing and critical thinking skills through coursework.

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United States History: Non-Thesis Option

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Degree Level
Master of Arts
Delivery
Fully Online / Accelerated
Time to Degree
3 Semesters
Credit Hours
32 Total, 32 in Major
Careers
Managers
United States History: Non-Thesis Option students at EIU

Why Study United States History: Non-Thesis Option at EIU?

  • Learn through hands-on, project-based coursework
  • Work closely with faculty in small class settings
  • Prepare for a wide range of careers across almost every industry
See it for yourself Schedule a Visit
"My experience at EIU could not have been better. While in the classroom, I got to learn from amazing, engaging faculty who helped build my skills and confidence, and outside of the classroom, I got to be part of an amazing community and make lifelong memories."
Joshua Northam
United States History: Non-Thesis Option | Class of 2026
Joshua Northam, United States History: Non-Thesis Option at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Project-based coursework
  • Collaborative learning experiences
  • Opportunities for internships and applied work
Hands-On Experience, United States History: Non-Thesis Option students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Get essential preparation for doctoral work in history, teaching careers at the community college and secondary levels, archival and museum work, law school, government service, and many other professions. Recent graduates have gone on to leading Ph.D. programs or into successful careers in an array of fields requiring research skills, clear writing, creativity and critical thought.

View in Catalog
$45,346
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Regulatory Affairs Managers
  • Compliance Managers
  • Wind Energy Operations Managers
  • Wind Energy Development Managers
  • Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists…
  • Historians
  • History Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Secondary School Teachers
  • Tour Guides & Escorts

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Grow Rapidly · Openings
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Enterprising

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$14,688 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 15% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $8,262 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit. Annual limits are reduced in proportion for part-time enrollment.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing. Students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026 may have different limits.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid → Read about the 2026 federal aid changes
15% of lifetime limit

$14,688 total, just 15% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Sace Elder
Professor, Graduate Coordinator
seelder@eiu.edu
2542 Coleman Hall
217-581-6380
Sace Elder Message Sace

Message Sace

or email seelder@eiu.edu directly
Edmund Wehrle
Professor
efwehrle@eiu.edu
2576
Edmund Wehrle Message Edmund

Message Edmund

or email efwehrle@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

Related Programs

Art History History History: International Studies Military Science United States History: Thesis Option World History: Thesis Option > View All Programs

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