The Nebraska Wesleyan University Master of Arts in Historical Studies program is a 33-hour major designed to allow K-12 teachers to expand their content knowledge in American history. Historical studies aims to help teachers improve the classroom performance of their students through an intensive curriculum of courses examining particular content areas relevant to K-12 classrooms.

Advantages and Opportunities

Personal attention and flexible scheduling allow teachers in the historical studies program to progress through the curriculum at a pace fitting their busy schedules. Completion of the program can help teachers to reach Highly Qualified Teacher status as defined by No Child Left Behind.

Through creative partnerships with other institutions, the historical studies program provides teachers with opportunities not found elsewhere in Nebraska. Special courses include:

• The Nebraska Institute for the Study of American History
  An annual course held in conjunction with the Nebraska State Historical Society (NSHS), which introduces teachers to NSHS resources and facilities across the state.
• Courses at historic locales
  In 2004 and 2006, "Shifting Power on the Great Plains" was held at Fort Robinson State Park in northwest Nebraska and included trips to sites like Mount Rushmore, Little Big Horn National Battlefield and Pine Ridge, S.D.