Master's Degree in American History

What is the Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman MA in American History?

The Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman MA in American History is a fully online, fully accredited, thirty-credit degree program. Following the completion of ten three-credit courses, including Historiography and Historical Methods and the Capstone in American History, students are awarded a master’s degree in American history from Gettysburg College.

Can I take courses if I am not pursuing a degree?

Yes. Graduate participants can take up to four courses (or twelve credits) as non-matriculated students. To attend as a non-degree participant, please select the non-degree option from the program drop-down menu on the online application.

Can I earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or Professional Development Points (PDPs)?

Yes. Gilder Lehrman online graduate courses are generally eligible for CEU and PDP credits, but it is your responsibility to verify eligibility with your school administration or state PD office prior to enrolling in a course. If you need more information to determine eligibility than is available on the course information page, please email us at maprogram@gilderlehrman.org.

What should I know about Gettysburg College student policies?

All admitted candidates who enroll in the program will become students of Gettysburg College, and will be subject to and must comply with all program, school, and university policies and procedures applicable to students, including but not limited with respect to core course requirements, academic standing, degree requirements, academic integrity, behavioral standards, withdrawal policies, and use of university-provided information technology, as set forth in the Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman Student Handbook.

Who is eligible for the Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman MA in American History?

K–12 educators who are affiliated with the Gilder Lehrman Institute and possess a bachelor’s degree are eligible. K–12 educators include teachers, district supervisors, librarians, museum professionals, and National Park Service employees. Community college instructors are eligible for the program as well.

Who is eligible for the MA+15/30?

Educators who are affiliated with the Gilder Lehrman Institute and possess a master’s degree are eligible.

What if I become unaffiliated with the Gilder Lehrman Institute?

In order to be eligible for the Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman MA program, applicants/students must maintain their affiliation with the Gilder Lehrman Institute as a K–12 educator. In the event that a student individually or through their employer discontinues their Gilder Lehrman affiliation, such individual will no longer be eligible to participate in the program following completion of the semester in which the student is enrolled at the time of cessation of the GLI affiliation.

What if I am a K–12 Educator who is not affiliated with a particular school?

If you are a K–12 educator who is not affiliated with a particular school (for instance, if you’re a retired, substitute, temporary, or part-time teacher), please email maprogram@gilderlehrman.org. You may be eligible to participate in this program.

May I take a Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman MA course as a high school student or undergraduate college student?

No. In order to pursue graduate credit through the Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman MA program, participants must already have an undergraduate degree. If you are a high school student, you may wish to explore the free courses we offer in our History U and History School programs. If you are a college student, you may wish to explore our Self-Paced Courses.

What does each course cost?

Each three-credit course costs $750, making the MA in American History one of the most affordable master's degree programs in the United States. In most states, a graduate degree boosts an educator’s salary so that the MA in American History will likely pay for itself in less than three years.

When is tuition due?

• The Spring 2025 tuition deadline is January 30, 2025.
• The Summer 2025 Term I tuition deadline is May 22, 2025.
• The Summer 2025 Term II tuition deadline is July 3, 2025.

Graduate bills will be available within three business days of registering for a course. The student will receive a notice when the bill is ready via their gettysburg.edu email address. Students registering for courses within three days of the tuition due date or after the due date have 72 hours to make payment once they receive their bill.

Are book costs provided or included in the tuition?

No. Students are expected to purchase, rent, or borrow books. We do attempt to keep total book costs below $100 per course and post readings to Moodle course sites whenever possible.

Can I get a refund if I drop a course?

You are eligible for a full refund if you withdraw from your course before the add/drop deadline one week into the semester. After that, you are able to withdraw but you will not receive a refund.

The add/drop deadline for Summer 2025 is June 4, 2025.

How do I pay my tuition?

Log into the Campus Experience platform and follow these instructions to pay your tuition.

Do you offer scholarships or any other financial aid?

Yes. Students can apply for federal financial aid. Additionally, all students in this program may apply for scholarships from the Gilder Lehrman Institute. Students in the program are not eligible for Gettysburg College scholarships.

Financial Aid

You may be eligible for Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loans and private education loans to cover tuition and other education-related costs. Students who apply for federal loans receive their financial aid award letters via mail within two to four weeks of FAFSA submission. Notification times for private education loans vary by lender. Please contact the Gettysburg College Office of Financial Aid for more information.

You can find student loan information on the US Department of Education Federal Student Aid website. To start the process, you will need to file the free application for federal student aid (known as FAFSA) listing Gettysburg College as the school of choice. This can be done online at www.fafsa.gov. The FAFSA school code for Gettysburg College is 003268. Please note that if you do not receive your FAFSA approval before the registration deadline and you are ultimately approved for financial aid, you can apply the aid toward courses for the following term.

Scholarships

Dev Chodry Scholarship: Ten Dev Chodry Scholarships of $750 each will be awarded in 2025 to students taking more than one course during a single semester. These scholarships help students complete their degrees faster and advance their salaries sooner! Applications are due May 18, 2025.

Veterans’ Benefits

Eligible students can receive tuition benefits offered by the GI Bill®. For general information about veterans’ benefits, please contact the Gettysburg College Office of Financial Aid.

I am taking courses for my MA+15/30, am I eligible for financial aid? 

No. As a non-degree-seeking student, you are not eligible for financial aid.

How do I apply?

You can access the application on the To Apply page with instructions on what materials to include. Once you have filled out the “Apply Now” form through the Gilder Lehrman website, you will be redirected to the Gettysburg College website to complete the application.

Click here for more information on how to fill in the Gettysburg College application.

What are the upcoming application deadlines?

Applications are always open. The deadline to apply for the Summer 2025 semester is Thursday, May 15, 2025.

How long will it take for a decision to be made regarding my application?

A decision is typically made within four to six weeks following Gettysburg College’s receipt of all application materials.

I’ve been accepted to the program! What are my next steps?

In your acceptance letter, you will be directed to fill out a form acknowledging that you will enroll in the program. You will then receive your Gettysburg account credentials, which will be available in your application portal. It can take up to 10 days for your credentials to be created. If you are not starting in the upcoming term, you will not receive your credentials until closer to your start date. Access your application portal here.

Once you’ve received your login credentials, you can begin completing tasks on your student dashboard. You must complete the Dashboard at least one week before the start of classes. It will take approximately 15 minutes. Here is the link to access the Dashboard.

What is the registration period for the Summer 2025 term?

Registration for the Summer 2025 term begins on Monday, March 24, 2025. 

Registration for the Summer 2025 term ends on Wednesday, June 4, 2025

When does the Summer 2025 term begin and end?

Summer 2025 courses begin on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The term ends on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Logistics: How do I register for courses?

Log into the Campus Experience platform and follow these instructions to register for courses.

Section professors will appear in the course catalog alongside the lab section once they are assigned.

Please note that there is a hold on registering for more than two courses. Email the registrar’s office at registrar@gilderlehrman.org if you would like to lift the hold.

If you have completed at least 24 credits including AMHI 698: Historiography and Historical Methods, you can now register for the Capstone in American History in Campus Experience.

What if I decide to withdraw?

You should speak to your academic advisor about the academic and financial penalties associated with withdrawing from a course.

The deadline to withdraw from a course for Spring 2025 is April 9, 2025.

Can I get a refund if I drop a course?

When withdrawing from courses during the first week of the semester, students are eligible for a 100 percent refund. There will be no refund for courses dropped after week one.

The add/drop deadline for Spring 2025 is February 12, 2025.

Logistics: How do I drop a course?

To drop a course, log into Campus Experience where you registered for your course. In the left-hand menu select “Enrollment.” Underneath that, select “Drop Classes.”

You are eligible for a full refund if you withdraw from your course before the add/drop deadline one week into the term. After that, you are able to withdraw but you will not receive a refund. If you withdraw from your course after this date, please email the registrar’s office at registrar@gettysburg.edu and inform your section professor.

How are courses structured?

Each Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman course is led by a professor from the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s network of scholars. These eminent historians create syllabi and reading lists, present lectures, and hold live Q&A sessions.

Each section of a course has a section professor to guide day-to-day coursework and communication. These instructors, referred to as section professors, are well versed in distance-learning best practices and are dedicated to student success. They assess all student work, prompt and moderate discussion boards, and help students with course material and questions.

Click here to view a sample syllabus of a 12-week course from fall 2023. 

What is the workload for courses?

The typical workload for online courses is five 1- to 2-page response papers, a fifteen-page research paper or project of equivalent length completed in stages during the semester, and weekly posts to course discussion boards. (Note: Students must gain instructor approval to pursue the project option.) Reading assignments are approximately 75–125 pages per week and consist of primary and secondary sources. Participants are also required to attend three of the five live Q&As led by the course’s lead professor.

Are lectures available to view at any time?

Lectures are available on the first day of class and can be viewed asynchronously. Five live Q&A sessions are held with the lead professor over the course of the semester. Students are expected to attend at least three of these.

How do I access the courses?

Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman online courses are on the Moodle learning platform. When you enroll, you will receive a username and password for both your Gettysburg College email and your Moodle account. That account will stay valid for all subsequent courses, but you may be asked to change your password from time to time.

Courses will appear in Moodle two days before the beginning of the term.

How tech-savvy do I need to be to take a Gilder Lehrman Online Course?

You should be comfortable using your computer for email and web browsing. There is an asynchronous new-student webinar that will open before courses begin. This webinar will teach you to use Moodle as well as Gettysburg College and Gilder Lehrman Institute databases.

Note: This webinar is accessible online throughout the semester.

What sort of computer do I need in order to participate in the live sessions? Do I need speakers? Can I use an iPad?

Most recent computers with a good Internet connection can be used to access the courses. You do not need any special equipment to participate in the course. You will need headphones or onboard speakers to listen to and watch the lectures. In order to participate in the live Q&A sessions, you will need a webcam or, at least, your computer’s onboard microphone.

Note: Almost all computers have an onboard microphone. If you do not have a webcam or onboard microphone, and cannot attend Q&A sessions as a result, you will be able to complete a separate assignment in lieu of participating in Q&A sessions.

What is the Capstone in American History course?

This course lets you apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout the MA degree program by conducting original research.

When can I sign up for the Capstone course?

Students must complete twenty-four credits before they can sign up for the Capstone course. Email maprogram@gilderlehrman.org for instructions on how to register for the course.

Can you tell me more about how to prepare for the Capstone course?

Click here to view a video by Dr. Laura Ping for information about the Capstone course and how to prepare for it. Contact maprogram@gilderlehrman.org to learn more about the Capstone course.

Can my Capstone in American History paper/project topic be approved in advance of the semester?

No. Capstone projects are approved during the opening weeks of the Capstone in American History. However, if you will enroll in the Capstone within the next three semesters and want to receive early feedback about potential research topics, you can contact capstone@gilderlehrman.org. Note: This email address is checked weekly on Fridays.

What are the general requirements to earn a Master of Arts in American History through the Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman program?

You will need to pass, with a grade of B- or higher, ten three-credit courses and maintain a GPA of 3.0.

The MA must be completed within five years. If you are unable to complete your degree in five years, you can apply for an extension.

Are there any specific courses I need to take in order to graduate?

Students are required to complete Historiography and Historical Methods and the Capstone course. Historiography and Historical Methods is a prerequisite to enrollment in the Capstone course. It is recommended, but not required, that you take Historiography and Historical Methods early in the program, as it will help you succeed in other courses.

What is the MA+15/30?

A new addition to the MA in American History that allows teachers who already have a master’s degree to take courses and earn credits toward their MA+15/30.

Who is eligible for the MA+15/30?

Educators who are affiliated with the Gilder Lehrman Institute and possess a master’s degree are eligible.

Does it matter where I got my master’s degree?

No. You can take courses toward your MA+15/30 regardless of where you completed your master’s degree or what discipline it is in.

Does my master’s degree have to be in history to pursue the MA+15/30?

No. But if you do not have a master’s degree in history, you may want to consider enrolling as a degree-seeking student.

Do students with a master’s degree from GLI have to apply for admission into the MA+15/30?

Students who completed the MA in American History with Pace University or Adams State University must apply for admission to Gettysburg College. Students who completed the MA in American History with Gettysburg College do not need to reapply for admission.

When can I take courses in the MA+15/30?

You can begin taking courses in the MA+15/30 during the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

How much are MA+15/30 courses?

Each course in the MA in American History is $750.00.

In 2022, the Gilder Lehrman Institute partnered with Gettysburg College to offer its MA in American History. Students of previous iterations of the GLI MA program will need to transfer into this new program. 

I am/was a student in the Pace–Gilder Lehrman MA in American History Program. Do I have to apply to the new Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman MA in American History?

Yes. You need to apply to Gettysburg College. This page explains the application process. 

Can I transfer my credits from the Pace degree program into the Gettysburg–Gilder Lehrman program?

Yes. All matriculated credits (and up to twelve non-matriculated credits) earned with a grade of B or better through the Pace–Gilder Lehrman MA in American History Program will be accepted into the Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman MA in American History.

Can I transfer credits from courses taken with GLI through Adams State University, Dickinson College, or Gettysburg College? What about other coursework?

Yes. All matriculated credits (and up to 12 non-matriculated credits) earned with a grade of B or better through any Gilder Lehrman MA program will be accepted into the Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman MA in American History.

Credits earned through other institutions will be considered for transfer on a case-by-case basis.

What if I've completed all of my coursework except for the Capstone?

If you have not yet begun your Capstone, you may enroll in Gettysburg College in order to complete it and receive your degree.

I have questions about applying...

Email maprogram@gilderlehrman.org and we will help you through the process.

I’m having trouble with my Gettysburg login credentials or have other questions about Gettysburg technology...

See the Gettysburg IT Knowledge Base with answers to frequently asked questions. 

For further questions, email the Gettysburg College student helpdesk (G-Tech) at gtech@gettysburg.edu or call 717-337-6935.

G-Tech Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time
Friday - 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern Time
Saturday - 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time 

Note: During peak times, it may take up to 72 hours to receive a response. Please only email once, and someone will assist you as soon as possible.  

I have questions about billing and tuition...

For questions about billing and tuition, email the Gettysburg College Student Accounts Office at studentaccounts@gettysburg.edu.

For questions about financial aid, email finaid@gettysburg.edu.

I have questions about registration or credits (including transfer credits)...

Email the Gettysburg College Registrar’s Office at registrar@gettysburg.edu.

I have other questions...

Email maprogram@gilderlehrman.org and we’ll direct you to someone who can help.

Application Portal

The application portal is where you will go to view your admissions decision and receive your Gettysburg login information after you are admitted into the program.

Student Dashboard

You will find tasks on the student dashboard to complete one week before your first semester begins.

Moodle (also known as an open Learning Managment System or LMS)

Moodle is where you access course materials and the Student Orientation and Resources module. Please consult this walkthrough of how a course is structured in Moodle.

Campus Experience

Campus Experience is where you access the course catalog, register for classes, and pay your tuition.

Gettysburg IT Knowledge Base

The Gettysburg IT Knowledge Base has answers to frequently asked questions about Gettysburg technology. 

2024–2025 Academic Calendar

The academic calendar includes key dates for applying to the program, registering for and withdrawing from courses, and graduation.