By looking at past events, exploring several primary and secondary sources, and using unique research methods, historians perform many tasks for different industries and organizations. An online master’s in history degree does not just lead to a career as a historian; in reality, those who complete a history online program end up working in many fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that professional history educators or postsecondary teachers, a common landing spot for history graduates, earn a median annual wage of $79,540. Other graduates become political scientists who, according to the BLS, enjoy a median annual salary of $122,220. This guide explores the best online master’s in history programs, including what to expect from a history degree program and how to prepare for a wide range of careers related to history.
Many colleges offer an online history degree, though prospective students may not know which programs are better than others. By looking at numerous factors, including accreditation, flexibility in online learning, program outcomes, quality of faculty members, and prestige, OMC has drawn up a list of the top online graduate history programs:
<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-masters-in-history/">Online Master's in History</a>
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
#1 University of North Carolina Wilmington 601 South College Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 | $4,719 | 72% |
#2 Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania 1 Morrow Way, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057 | $9,288 | 68% |
#3 Ashland University 401 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805 | $6,540 | 65% |
#4 Florida International University 11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199 | $8,912 | 63% |
#5 Harvard University Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 | $48,008 | 97% |
#6 Louisiana Tech University 1310 West Railroad Avenue, Ruston, Louisiana 71272 | $6,592 | 60% |
#7 Norwich University 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, Vermont 05663 | $17,904 | 61% |
#8 Arizona State University 411 N Central Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85004 | $10,728 | 58% |
#9 Missouri State University, Springfield 901 S National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897 | $5,202 | 56% |
#10 University of Nebraska, Kearney 2504 9th Avenue, Kearney, Nebraska 68849 | $6,048 | 56% |
#11 Sam Houston State University 1806 Ave J, Huntsville, Texas 77340 | $5,765 | 54% |
#12 Eastern Illinois University 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920 | $7,356 | 53% |
#13 Pittsburg State University 1701 S Broadway, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762 | $6,678 | 52% |
#14 University of Memphis Southern Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38152 | $9,216 | 53% |
#15 University of North Alabama One Harrison Plaza, Florence, Alabama 35632 | $6,660 | 49% |
#16 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,980 | 47% |
#17 University of Louisiana, Monroe 700 University Avenue, Monroe, Louisiana 71209 | $6,490 | 47% |
#18 Troy University University Avenue, Troy, Alabama 36082 | $7,650 | 47% |
#19 Western Kentucky University 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 | $12,140 | 48% |
#20 University of Massachusetts, Boston 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 | $18,433 | 49% |
#21 Fort Hays State University 600 Park St, Hays, Kansas 67601 | $3,582 | 43% |
#22 Indiana State University 210 N 7th St, Terre Haute, Indiana 47809 | $7,542 | 41% |
#23 Southern New Hampshire University 2500 North River Road, Manchester, New Hampshire 03106 | $18,810 | 44% |
#24 American Public University 111 W Congress St, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414 | $6,615 | 40% |
#25 Wayland Baptist University 1900 W 7th St., Plainview, Texas 79072 | $13,104 | 23% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
History is a broad subject, and many colleges require graduate online students to select an area of focus for their degree. This area of focus prepares students for specific career outcomes. While a history degree online may require different courses, schools usually try to teach the same skills during the graduate program. The degree and online learning structure and requirements vary by school, but many master’s history degrees follow a set structure to remain accredited. This and cost-effectiveness become very crucial when deciding which history program offers the best bang-for-buck. Here are some of the most affordable history programs available:
<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-masters-in-history/">Online Master's in History</a>
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
#1 Fort Hays State University 600 Park St, Hays, Kansas 67601 | $3.582 | 43% |
#2 University of North Carolina Wilmington 601 South College Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 | $4,719 | 72% |
#3 Missouri State University, Springfield 901 S National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897 | $5,202 | 56% |
#4 Sam Houston State University 1806 Ave J, Huntsville, Texas 77340 | $5,765 | 54% |
#5 University of Nebraska, Kearney 2504 9th Avenue, Kearney, Nebraska 68849 | $6,048 | 56% |
#6 University of Louisiana, Monroe 700 University Avenue, Monroe, Louisiana 71209 | $6,490 | 47% |
#7 Ashland University 401 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805 | $6,540 | 65% |
#8 Louisiana Tech University 1310 West Railroad Avenue, Ruston, Louisiana 71272 | $6,592 | 60% |
#9 American Public University 111 W Congress St, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414 | $6,615 | 40% |
#10 University of North Alabama One Harrison Plaza, Florence, Alabama 35632 | $6,660 | 49% |
#11 Pittsburg State University 1701 S Broadway, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762 | $6,678 | 52% |
#12 Eastern Illinois University 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920 | $7,356 | 53% |
#13 Indiana State University 210 N 7th St, Terre Haute, Indiana 47809 | $7,542 | 41% |
#14 Troy University University Avenue, Troy, Alabama 36082 | $7,650 | 47% |
#15 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,980 | 47% |
#16 Florida International University 11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199 | $8,912 | 63% |
#17 University of Memphis Southern Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38152 | $9,216 | 53% |
#18 Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania 1 Morrow Way, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057 | $9,288 | 68% |
#19 Arizona State University 411 N Central Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85004 | $10,728 | 58% |
#20 Western Kentucky University 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 | $12,140 | 48% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
History is a broad subject, and many colleges require graduate students to select online courses in an area of focus for their degree. While coursework in a history MA program is akin to that of undergraduate history coursework, some differences do set them apart. Furthermore, an area of focus can allow online students to pursue careers in a variety of settings, such as African American history, world history, global history, military history, etc. Online learning in history programs may require different courses, along with directed research. Non-thesis students may find themselves doing a lot of historical writing, while thesis students can better prepare themselves for a doctoral degree, or to become professional history teachers. Students interested in a history master’s degree must always read the history program overview, consult the history department at the college, or speak with faculty members, for more and exact information.
When enrolling in a master’s in history program, colleges often require students to select an area of focus. Areas of focus, also known as history majors, specializations, or concentrations, determine which courses online students complete en route to graduating. Specializations can be taken up by thesis as well as non-thesis students, some of which can form the basis for a doctoral degree, and others that can lead to immediate careers. Here are a few areas of concentrations in an online masters in history:
Area of Focus | Description | Careers this Concentration Prepares for |
---|---|---|
Art History | Art history often combines history courses with art and archeology courses. This focus prepares students for careers working in museums or conducting private historical research. Those that choose this specialization usually plan on continuing their education and earning a Ph.D. in art history. | Archivist, Curator, Postsecondary Teacher |
American History | Sometimes combined with studying the American Government, the American history specialization focuses entirely on U.S. history and its impact on the world. Coursework could cover government structure, social studies, education, and American culture. | Postsecondary Teacher, Government Historian, Curator |
Public History | Ideal for anyone interested in museums or tourism, the public history track focuses on the history of a specific region, area, or city. On top of selecting public history, graduate students with this specialization choose an area of expertise for research. Graduates tend to find work-related directly to their area of expertise. | Public Historian, Postsecondary Teacher, Middle School/High School Teacher |
European History | Like American history, European history deals with Europe’s complicated history and its impact on the world. Students who select this area of focus can further specialize in medieval history, French history, English history, or the Renaissance. | Curator, Archivist, Postsecondary Teacher |
Military History | Military history combines history with military tactics and education, a great fit for anyone involved in the U.S Armed Forces. Students in this specialization learn to think historically about war, how war is conducted, and the consequences of war. Graduates of this program end up in various careers or choose to pursue a doctoral degree. | Postsecondary Teacher, Historian, Military Analyst, Archivist |
Music History | Because music is a vast field spread over hundreds of years, those studying music history often work with faculty to design the program’s curriculum. As a result, music history students end up in various roles, though many continue to complete a Ph.D. in music history or a related field. | Postsecondary Teacher, Music Librarian, Music Historian |
Church History | Sometimes referred to as Christian history, church history provides an advanced study of Christian materials, including the Bible, historical sources, and foreign language studies. | Christian School Faculty, Pastoral Minister, Postsecondary Teacher |
While schools set different curriculum requirements for master’s in history degree students depending on their selected area of focus, most colleges use similar admission standards for online programs. Since all history degrees are master of arts, online students are required to exhibit strong research skills (by the submission of a research paper) and an interest in the field, when applying. Some schools also ask for an academic writing sample or personal statement. In general, the admission requirements could include:
There are many types of master’s degree available today, but an online program in history at the graduate level is almost always the master of arts in history. This online master’s degree in history is the most common offering across the United States. The master of arts in history teaches a variety of history courses and also develops the research skills of students, preparing them for diverse careers.
Many schools, including well-respected institutions do not set GRE requirements for masters in history students. Choosing these programs saves applicants time and energy by avoiding the GRE preparation and the test-taking process. However, it must be noted that many programs that do not require a GRE test score will need the GPA of the bachelor’s degree to be on the higher side. Here are some masters in history No GRE programs:
(The Sam Houston State University (SHSU) waives GRE for those who hold another MA level degree)
As with a bachelor’s degree, the curriculum and history courses for an online master of history program vary from program to program and also depend heavily on the area of focus students select. To give prospective history students an idea of what they might study, these online courses outline topics that some graduate students take during their master’s degree:
Some examples of other history degree courses include:
Prospective students of online master’s in history programs who are concerned about the quality of their online degree should look for accreditation. Accreditation means that the school meets a minimum academic standard for all its programs, which includes the online program in history. It endorses the scope and depth of history courses offered, the quality of faculty members, and the overall credibility of the institution. While no major history accreditations exist, students should apply to colleges and universities that have received regional accreditation from bodies such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). More information on accreditation is available in the Accreditation Guide.
While history graduates work in different fields, the skills learned in a master’s program apply to most jobs. History students master these skills during coursework and while interacting with other students. Upon graduation, students are ready to begin new careers that depend on the following skills:
History students look closely at various documents to extrapolate important information. These analytical skills, along with critical thinking, apply directly to careers as a historian, curator, or archivist.
Before analyzing documents, history, students must find relevant documents. The intensive use of research methods could require building on previous history-related experience to determine where to find new valuable information. History students develop a host of research skills, required to prepare a research paper.
History requires a vast amount of knowledge of different events, people, and eras. Students master critical thinking skills during their graduate program and apply these skills to most career outcomes.
From drafting a publication for a journal to composing an email, history graduates use writing daily. Most master’s degree programs emphasize writing, so students graduate with excellent writing skills.
While history students are not required to master foreign languages, many documents require the knowledge of different languages. Those who select a focus area in a non-English speaking region must learn to understand documents in other languages.
While some career outcomes for master’s in history students pay good wages, prospective students might be concerned about a degree’s costs. Fortunately, online history students can use multiple funding mechanisms to pay for a degree.
Grants work like scholarships, providing students with free money to go toward their degree. Students interested in seeking external funding can secure grants from public, private, and non-profit organizations.
To secure funding for projects, graduate history students often use fellowships. Fellowships, such as the American Antiquarian Society Research Fellowship, help students pay for their degrees while also providing them with relevant work experience.
Financial aid comes from colleges, universities, and the federal government. History students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and express a financial need to qualify for financial aid.
More information on different types of funding is available on the Best Guide to Financial Aid.
History students have access to plenty of excellent scholarships, including some that only accept applicants pursuing a master’s in history. Some of the history scholarships to consider applying for include:
Who can apply: Phi Alpha Theta awards three scholarships to graduate students pursuing a master’s degree in history or library science archives. Two winners earn $1,000 while the third wins $1,250.
Amount: $1,000 to $1,250.
Who can apply: Those earning a degree related to archival studies, including a master’s in history, can apply for the F. Gerald Ham and Elsie Ham Scholarship. The winner is selected based on past performance and current studies.
Amount: $10,000.
Who can apply:Daughters of the American Revolution can apply for a range of scholarships, though students must study toward a specific degree, including a master’s in history. Winners are selected based on merit and financial need. Amount: Varies
Who can apply: The Littleton-Griswold Research Grant works like a scholarship, awarding up to $1,000 to multiple winners. Applicants must be members of the American Historical Association.
Amount: Up to $1,000.
Who can apply: Named in honor of the late Rear Admiral Samuel Eliot Morison, this scholarship awards 22 students pursuing a degree in history, international relations, or a related field. The award covers research-related costs.
Amount: Varies.
After completing a master of arts in history, graduates become eligible for many positions. The specific career opportunities available to graduates could depend on their specialization, where they live, and previous experience. Some potential history careers come with high salaries, and the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects others to demonstrate strong job growth over the coming years. While history careers take many paths, these are common landing spots for online master’s in history graduates:
Occupation | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (2019-2029) | Job Description |
---|---|---|---|
Historian | $63,680 | 3% | A professional historian studies past documents and sources. Duties include gathering information and data from sources, analyzing the information for significance, and writing reports on the findings. |
Anthropologists and Archeologists | $63,670 | 5% | Those that pursue a master of arts in history could find positions as anthropologists and archeologists. These professionals explore historical methods, plan research, travel & collect data, and analyze information in labs to discover unknown aspects of human history. |
Postsecondary Teachers | $79,540 | 9% | Postsecondary teachers work at community colleges, colleges, and universities to teach. A graduate from a history online master could become a professor of history at the postsecondary level. |
Political Scientists | $122,220 | 6% | Political scientists study and analyze political systems. Professionals usually specialize in a field, such as national politics or international relations. This research-intensive role often requires extensive historical research. |
Archivists, Curators, Museum Workers | $49,850 | 11% | Archivists, curators, and museum workers often require at least a master’s degree in history. These professionals understand historical methods, catalog items, maintain records, preserve historical items, and organize displays for others to enjoy or learn from. |
(Source: BLS)
A master’s degree in history leads to various careers, including education, public administration, and research.
Current history students and those who have earned a graduate degree can advance their careers and continue their professional development through professional organizations. These resources also connect historians with other professionals in their field, serving as a great way to network.
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