Written By - Derick de Souza

Edited By Arlene Ward

Review & Contribution By Erik L. Cato

Online master’s in military history is a comprehensive study of the history and evolution of warfare and military institutions. It is a field that focuses on armed conflict, the technology that influences it, and how it affects both countries and populations during and after conflict resulting in war. It also explores the relationship between war and society. In this program, students learn the evolution of warfare, civil-military relations, strategy, and the consequences of war. The master’s in military history or MMH program prepares students for lifetime service to the country in various capacities. It helps to develop skills in military leadership, analytical research, exploring the human dimension of war, and combat experience.

Online Masters in Military History

Table Of Contents

Featured Online Programs

Southern New Hampshire University

PROGRAM: Online MA in Military History

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 60,000 online students, making us one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.

We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, over our innovative online platform or at our regional centers in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem, NH, and Brunswick, ME.

SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.

Best Online Master’s in Military History Programs

Master’s in military history degree programs are available in person, online, or through distance learning from many institutions nationwide. These advanced programs allow students to understand better and increase their knowledge and work experience. The best master’s in military programs are accredited and have the best faculty, services for students, and an excellent reputation in placement history. The OMC team has analyzed the best online master’s in military history programs for students, which are affordable, flexible, and meet all their needs.

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-masters-in-military-history/">Military History</a>

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College Name & AddressTuitionGraduation Rate
#1
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
171 Moultrie St, Charleston, South Carolina 29409
$10,74071%
#2
Arizona State University
University Drive and Mill Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85287
$11,72066%
#3
Sam Houston State University
1806 Ave J, Huntsville, Texas 77340
$5,76558%
#4
Norwich University
158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, Vermont 05663
$20,26457%
#5
American Public University System
111 W Congress St, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414
$6,66048%
#6
The University of Texas at El Paso
500 W. University Ave, El Paso, Texas 79968
$5,86544%
#7
Hawaii Pacific University
1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
$20,25046%
#8
Southern New Hampshire University
2500 North River Road, Manchester, New Hampshire 03106
$18,90037%

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

Understanding Online Master’s in Military History Programs

A military history master’s program is for professionals interested in pursuing a career in government organizations, the military, or an intelligence agency. This program prepares students for lifetime service to the country in various capacities. Students interested in pursuing a career in the military, government, or an intelligence agency and want to serve the country as a military officer, intelligence agent, or even as an ambassador to a foreign country will want to consider an MMH online program.

Online programs, especially those that focus on military studies, are for those professionals who are employed full-time. Unlike traditional programs, which are typically more rigid and expensive, online programs provide flexibility and affordability. Most institutions split the curriculum into two sections: the core curriculum and the elective curriculum, but most of the curriculum is up to the student’s discretion; they have a choice from various courses. Additionally, students will have to complete a capstone or thesis, depending on the program requirements. The online master’s in military history is a two-year program, and students must complete 36 credit hours of coursework, sometimes a thesis depending upon universities, and a comprehensive exam.

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Master’s in Military History Online Programs

Online military history master’s programs focus on the historical development of military strategy and specific conflicts throughout history. The program is designed for students to examine the effect of military history in detail and trains them in the key disciplines of methodology and historiography. Historiography explores historical thoughts and research from the beginning of history in the vintage or classical world to those of the present. Students are made to work closely with famous historians as they pursue specialized interests. They learn how pivotal battles were impacted by advanced technology and understand the history and evolution of warfare and military institutions.

The curriculum for an online master’s in military history may vary by university and program but will primarily contain some of the following courses:

U.S. Military History

This course studies different influences in U.S. military history from the classical era to the present day.  The course focuses on operational military history and the larger political, strategic, social, and cultural conditions that have influenced American military history. It also examines why Americans have waged war, the influence of war on the common soldier, uniforms, and weaponry used in different conflicts, civil-military relationships and considerations, and how technology has affected warfare.

Non-Western Military History

This course contains the study of 5 major battles of Non-Western Military history mentioned below :

  • Second Battle of Tarain – 1192
  • Battle of Cajamarca – 1532
  • Battle of Triple Alliance – 1864
  • Battle of Adowa – 1896
  • Battle of Huahai – 1949

Amphibious Warfare

This course studies warfare at sea from ancient times to the present, highlighting the historical development of naval technology, architecture, and organization, naval tactics and strategy, and the influence of the navy upon world affairs. The course highlights how the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps developed and their role in joint operations in amphibious warfare.

The History of Airpower

This course studies the history of the evolution of manned flight and the rise of air power from the 20th century to the present.  The course also examines power theorists and professionals, as well as the new technology used in aeronautical engineering and its effects on air power. It also covers the limitations of air power and its defensive, offensive, and hindrance to the national strategy.

American Revolution

This course studies the War for American Independence (1775-1783), the alliance of American and British forces, and the consequences of the American Revolution. The course examines the role of George Washington and his definition of the Continental Army, irregular warfare involving loyalists, rebels, and Indians, and the relationships between the Revolution and a clear pattern of civil-military relations.

A few more examples of military history degree courses students can expect are:

  • Greco-Roman Warfare
  • The Hundred Years’ War
  • French & Indian War (Global 7 Years’ War)
  • American Revolution
  • Napoleonic Wars
  • American Civil War
  • American Indian Wars
  • World War I
  • World War II in Europe and Africa
  • World War II in the Pacific
  • The Resistance in World War II
  • The Red Army
  • The Vietnam War                                               
  • The Global Cold War
  • Global Cold War on Terrorism
  • Arab-Israeli Conflict                     
  • Conflict Studies 
  • Global Military History
  • Military Thought and Theory 
  • Chinese Military History
  • Amphibious Warfare
  • Race and Gender in Military History

As for skills gained, graduates of an online master’s in military history will have the ability to:

  • assist students in establishing a professional identity as historians by providing a solid foundation;
  • understand various historical interpretations while combining different sorts of historical knowledge;
  • use well-thought-out, evidence-based arguments to persuade others;
  • provide students with the critical thinking, research, writing, and analytical abilities required for employment in secondary and post-secondary education, public history, and professional writing;
  • demonstrate historiographical sensibility and historical habits of mind while thinking like historians;
  • use historical pedagogy in various academic settings; and
  • demonstrate strong historical knowledge in the field of military history.

Master’s in Military History Degree Types

Online master’s in military history programs are usually a Master of Arts or MA degree, with a Master of Science or MS extremely rare.

Master of Arts in Military History

The Master of Arts or MA in military history program trains students in the key disciplines of historiography and methodology. This degree helps students examine and research from the first works of history in the vintage or classical world to those of the present. Students explore historical techniques and informational literacy, the methods by which historians accumulated facts and formulated hypotheses. MA students will also be ready to take up a doctoral program in military history, such as a Ph.D.

Specializations in Master’s in Military History Programs

Military history is a sub-field/specialization of the subject – history. Therefore, a master’s in history online will usually not have any further specialization in particular. However, while some colleges will allow students to take specialization courses such as Military Operations, World War II Studies, Military Leadership, Joint Warfare, Irregular Warfare, etc., as part of their online military history master’s, others offer related degrees, an example being the online master of defense and strategic studies.

Accreditation for Master’s in Military History Online Programs

Accreditation is a term that includes both initial and ongoing official approval or recognition of schools, higher education institutions, or programs aimed at meeting the standard requirements of nationally recognized and accredited accreditation bodies. Accreditation is accessed by agencies that oversee the academic and administrative quality of schools, educational institutions, and programs. It ensures employers, professional societies, and other approved higher education institutions accept the degree during transfers. The Accreditation Guide explains everything students need to know about accreditation.

Accredited master’s in military history online may be offered by universities accredited by one of the following regional accrediting bodies:

  • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)[1]
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)[2]
  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)[3]
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)[4]
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)[5]
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)[6]

Timeline for graduation from Master’s in Military History Online Programs

The length of an online military history master’s varies from university to university and depends on course selection and program structure. Most master’s in military history are typically a two-year program, and students must complete 30 to 36 credit hours of coursework. Some universities offer flexibility to students who are employed to study part-time, although this may contribute to delayed graduation.

Master’s in Military History Online Programs Admission Requirements

To apply for a master’s in military history, a student must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.75 in their undergraduate coursework. A student does not need a military background to be admitted to the program. Some standard requirements for a master’s in military history online are:

  • Application Form and Fee
  • Official Academic Transcripts
  • A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher
  • Graduate Résumé
  • Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
  • At least 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)

Some universities may insist on a video or a telephonic interview for the application process.

The GRE or GMAT score is usually not required to apply for a master’s in military history. However, checking with the university for the exact requirements is always recommended.

No GRE Online Master’s in Military History Programs

Many colleges have the GRE as a mandatory criterion for application. However, some universities waive the requirement if the applicant has a high GPA, while others have done away with it entirely. Here are some examples of master’s in military history no GRE programs:

  • Norwich University[7] – offers a master’s in military history with no GRE.
  • The Citadel[8] – offers a no GRE program for students who already hold a graduate degree, but students must submit a graduate-level writing sample instead of submitting the test score. 

Southern New Hampshire University[9] – offers a master’s in military history with no GRE.

Accelerated Online Master’s in Military History Programs

It is common for universities to offer master’s in military history online programs from which one can graduate in less than two years. Even so, by opting for accelerated programs or credit transfers, lower graduation times can be achieved, which helps the applicant complete the program before the typical schedule of two years. Here are a couple of accelerated military history master’s:

South New Hampshire University[9]

South New Hampshire University offers an accelerated online master’s in military history with an option to complete a 33-credit program in just 15 months if the student chooses to study full-time.

American Military University[10]

The American Military University offers an accelerated online master of military history program through its School of Arts and Humanities. The program is an online and monthly course with established start dates for maximum flexibility via 8-week formats.

Free Military History Courses Online

Students who cannot afford a full-time online military history program are keen on finding a free degree online. Unfortunately, free degrees do not exist. Nevertheless, numerous free online courses on various topics in military history are available to expand one’s knowledge or help with exam preparation. Here are a few:

An Introduction to Military History[11]
Alison
In this course, participants learn about the components of ancient warfare and the origins and consequences of the World Wars. Additionally, they learn about the characteristics of a successful military leader and how they affect conflicts. The course also outlines the tactics and strategies of land combat, the significance of naval combat, developments in military technology, and much more.

Paradoxes of War[12]
Coursera
In this course, participants understand basic military history and sociology. They see the larger social themes and issues related to war, learn about war, and make sense of the everyday social environment in which they live. 

World History – World War 1 and Its Aftermath[13]
Alison
In this course, participants learn about World War 1 and its aftermath. The course teaches the political coalitions other European nations formed in opposition to Germany and Austria-Hungary and the start of America’s ascent to prominence in the international arena.

How to Pay for Online Master’s in Military History Programs

Though careers for master’s in military history in the United States fetch students good wages, prospective students might be concerned about program fees. An online program is always feasible compared to a regular one as the student need not pay for the boarding, transport, and meals. Yet they must pay tuition fees, which increase yearly and cost several thousand dollars. Fortunately, online military history students can use multiple financial aids, which can significantly lower the overall cost of their degree and ease their financial burden. Some sources of funding include:

Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded to students who are good in academics, sports, arts, or other skills. Religious groups, communities, individuals, and NGOs offer scholarships to deserving students. The good thing about scholarships is that they are free, and the student need not repay the awarded money.

Grants

Grants are need-based and are allocated case-to-case to students with poor financial status. Grants cover a variety of education-related expenses, such as tuition and fees, boarding, and books and supplies. Grants do not need to be repaid as well.

Graduate Assistantships

Students can avail of graduate assistantships by taking up part-time teaching or a part-time job at the same institution where they are studying and, in return, receive a fee waiver and, sometimes, a monthly stipend.

Student Loans

Student loans are sums of money often borrowed from a bank or financial institution against a guarantee to pay it back regularly through installments. Loans involve a calculative risk as the student needs to be cautious of the interest and keep up the repayment schedule to avoid increasing debt.

FAFSA

Students can apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check if they qualify for federal financial aid for grad school.

Find out everything about the Cost of Master’s and Scholarship Scams and read the Financial Aid Guide to navigate college funding better.

Scholarships for Master’s in Military History Online Programs

Scholarships are advantageous over other financial aid forms because they need not be repaid. They are based on students’ academic merits and are offered by universities, independent organizations, groups, and individuals. There are no specific scholarships in military history studies as universities and others do not provide them directly or specifically for online military history master’s programs. However, there are many opportunities to apply for scholarships that may cover history, of which military history is a part or other broad-based graduate scholarships. With hundreds of graduate-level scholarships available nationwide, students must analyze what suits them best before applying.

Careers and Salary Outlook for Master’s in Military History Graduates

Armed with vast knowledge of military history, graduates of an online master’s in military history become eligible for many positions. Military history jobs can take many paths, although career opportunities available to graduates could depend on their specialization and previous experience. Here are some common landing spots for online master’s in military history graduates:

  1. Military Historian – $98,354
    Military historians are professionals who research historical events related to the military or warfare that influence society. Most military historians are employed by governments or historical societies devoted to studying and researching military history. Military historians may perform fieldwork at historical sites, such as military bases or battlegrounds.
  2. Archivist – $53,980
    An archivist is a professional specially trained to handle and organize historical documents and artifacts. Many archivists are employed in colleges, universities, historical societies, and museums. Archivists who are experts in working with military documents may work directly for a particular military institution or a government agency.
  3. History Professor – $108,955
    A history professor’s job is to teach college-level history courses to undergraduate and graduate students. They research and publish books and academic papers concerning military history and trends related to the military. History professors usually multitask – they spend time teaching, helping students with research, and working with the history department.
  4. Political Scientist- $ 128,020
    Political scientists study phenomena and trends in politics, public affairs, and the government. They analyze quantitative and qualitative data to make political and policy trend projections. Many political scientists work for the federal government, research groups, think tanks, lobbying organizations, non-profits, and political organizations.

Certifications and Licensing for Military History Graduates

Although some private enterprises may offer specialized training in one or more specific aspects of military history, in almost all cases, a master’s degree in military history is adequate to seek employment and remain employed. Licensure is also not required in most settings, except perhaps for the military – which military authorities will specifically provide.

Additional Resources for Military History Professionals

Military history is all about facts and opinions. The more insights and points of view one gets on a specific subject, the more their knowledge is likely to increase. Therefore, tapping into various peer groups, networks, and professional associations is always a good idea. Here are some resources for graduates of a master’s in military history online to consider:

  1. The Society for Military History
    The Society for Military History is governed by its constitution, which consists of officers and trustees who determine policy, procedures, and strategic direction. Students who have graduated with a master’s in military history can apply for a membership and receive online-only access to publications and also access the Journal of Military History.
  2. Gale-A Cengage Company
    Gale works with academic committees and archives across the globe to help researchers with the knowledge to develop new ideas and research with various resources. Gale digitizes physical material designed to aid discovery in academic research. The site is dedicated to helping colleges and universities launch and enhance their digital scholarship programs, which are most beneficial to faculty and students. 
  3. The United States Committee of Military History (USCMH)
    The United States Commission on Military History (USCMH) is a society that connects the U.S. historical community and historians from worldwide nations. It is affiliated with the International Committee on Military History. The organization comprises academic, public, service historians, and museum professionals who contribute to its publication and research programs and work with other national commissions to co-sponsor meetings and programs.
  4. Texas Tech University – The Vietnam Centre and Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive
    The Vietnam Center and Archive is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and providing data on the history of the Vietnam War so that the nation never forgets the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families. The site is dedicated to promoting a better understanding for students of the study of the Vietnam War through conferences, guest speakers, and many other educational programs.

FAQs About Online Master’s in Military History Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a military history degree?

A military history degree is a dedicated study of the military through the lenses of history, geography, sociology, and political science. This program helps students understand U.S. military history and world military history from various theoretical perspectives. The military history degree emphasizes academic excellence through extensive research and analysis, preparing students for several careers in the military, academia, education, government, and non-governmental agencies.

Who can do a military history degree?

Can I do a master’s in military history degree online?

Is a military history master’s online worth it?

What can I do with a master’s in military history degree?

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