Online Masters in History

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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:

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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

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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:

Link to this Page

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.

Common Specializations for an Online History Program

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:

Online Master’s in History Admission Requirements

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:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Every master’s in history program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Personal Statement: Graduate programs often require applicants to submit a personal statement to explain why they are interested in the program. The personal statement is usually in the form of a short essay.
• Grade Point Average (GPA): Every school sets different GPA requirements, but most graduate programs prefer applicants with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Higher GPAs increase the quality of an application.
• Resume: Depending on the field, schools may prefer applicants with several years of relevant professional experience. Applicants must submit this information through a resume.
• Letters of Recommendation: Graduate schools typically require 2 to 3 letters of recommendation. History applicants should submit letters from previous history professors to strengthen their applications.
• International Students applying for a history graduate degree are generally required to submit a TOEFL score to prove proficiency in English.

Types of Online Master’s in History Programs

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.

Curriculum for an Online Master of Arts in History Program

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:

• Public History Methodology: Required for most students choosing a public history specialization, public history methodology looks at the problems and potential opportunities in public history. Skills gained in this course include historical research methods, formulating methodologies, and interpreting historical documents. This course also prepares students to present findings through essays and exhibitions.
• America and the World Wars: An important topic in American history programs, America and the World Wars analyzes the United States’ impact on both World Wars and changes to American culture, politics, and economics in between the two events. Those studying art history or military history might also take this course.
• Historiography: Usually covered in the public history focus, historiography deals with the study of historical methods and historical writings. Students learn to interpret writings by using the era, atmosphere, and events to provide context. Learners then compare their analyses with each other.
• Documentary Editing: Another course required in many public history programs, documentary editing teaches students to use documentaries to create a historical narrative. Some public historians create documentaries or write biographies, making this an important course for future careers.
• The Russian Revolution: The Russian Revolution, one of the most important historical events in global history, plays an integral part in European history. Students analyze the events leading up to the Russian Revolution, the people involved, and the events that transpired after the revolution.

Some examples of other history degree courses include:

• World History
• Global Military History
• American History
• North American History
• African American History
• Historical Writing
• Oral History
• Public and Digital History

Skills Gained in an Online Master of Arts in History Program

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:

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.

Mechanisms for Paying for Your Master of Arts in History

Grants

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.

Fellowships

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

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.

Scholarships for Online Master’s in History

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:

Phi Alpha Theta Graduate Scholarships

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.

F. Gerald Ham and Elsie Ham Scholarship

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.

Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarships

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

Littleton-Griswold Research Grant

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.

Rear Admiral Samuel Eliot Morison Supplemental Scholarship

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:

(Source: BLS)

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.

1. American Historical Association: Founded in 1884, the American Historical Association serves as a leader for various history professionals. Members receive advocacy, career development, and learning opportunities.
2. American Alliance of Museums: With over 35,000 members, AAM acts as a leader for all museum professionals. Members get connected with international professionals and receive valuable industry information.
3. National Council on Public History: NCPH works to form connections between historians and the public. Historians can join as individuals or students to gain access to industry publications, discounts, and networking opportunities.
4. American Association for State and Local History: An industry leader for professional historians, AASLH has various membership levels. Benefits of joining AASLH include access to subscriptions, discounts, and an introduction to a vast network of historians.
5. Organization of American Historians: Founded in 1907, OAH is the largest organization dedicated to American history. Besides access to many publications, members also get professional discounts, advocacy, and access to a job board.