Best Online Master’s in History Programs
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Students passionate about history and culture can pursue a variety of career opportunities after earning a master’s degree in history.
A master’s in history is a research-focused graduate program that usually requires 30-60 credits and takes around two years to complete. These programs may examine different fields, such as economics and sociology, as they relate to historical events, cultures, individuals, and movements.
History is an expansive field, including everything that has occurred over time, so students have innumerable options for personalization. Learners can study topics like legal history, historic preservation, history of a specific country or culture, historic literature, or the history of medicine.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), historians earn a median annual salary of $64,540, and jobs are projected to grow 3% between 2022-2032.
This page ranks the best online master’s in history programs. It also covers other important information for prospective students, including common courses and potential careers for graduates.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master’s Degree in History
Florida International University
Miami, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled58,711
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Louisiana Tech University
- Ruston, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,400
- Out-of-state$13,141
- In-State$6,592
- Out-of-state$13,333
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled11,510
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment17%
- AccreditationYes
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,756
- Out-of-state$30,756
- In-State$18,810
- Out-of-state$18,810
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled113,514
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
- Slippery Rock, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,716
- Out-of-state$11,574
- In-State$9,288
- Out-of-state$13,932
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled8,778
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Alabama
- Florence, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,600
- Out-of-state$19,200
- In-State$6,660
- Out-of-state$13,320
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled7,702
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Wilmington, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,443
- Out-of-state$18,508
- In-State$4,719
- Out-of-state$18,548
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled17,499
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,788
- Out-of-state$17,888
- In-State$6,490
- Out-of-state$18,590
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled8,673
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona State University-Skysong
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,867
- Out-of-state$19,282
- In-State$6,384
- Out-of-state$6,384
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled45,073
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,417
- Out-of-state$15,417
- In-State$7,980
- Out-of-state$7,980
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled85,586
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Missouri State University-Springfield
- Springfield, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,540
- Out-of-state$14,850
- In-State$5,202
- Out-of-state$10,476
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled23,453
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern Illinois University
- Charleston, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,875
- Out-of-state$11,045
- In-State$7,356
- Out-of-state$17,654
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate53%
- Students Enrolled7,806
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,856
- Out-of-state$15,984
- In-State$5,765
- Out-of-state$13,361
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled21,558
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Norwich University
- Northfield, VT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$39,234
- Out-of-state$39,234
- In-State$17,904
- Out-of-state$17,904
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled3,933
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Pittsburg State University
- Pittsburg, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,694
- Out-of-state$17,038
- In-State$6,678
- Out-of-state$17,510
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled6,645
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Troy University
- Troy, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,800
- Out-of-state$15,600
- In-State$7,650
- Out-of-state$15,300
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled16,436
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Online Master’s in History Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
What Is an Online Master’s in History Degree?
Master’s in history programs cover advanced history topics and typically include concentrations in areas such as ancient, American, military, art, and public history. Unlike undergraduate programs, master’s curricula often focus exclusively on the student’s concentration.
Regardless of concentration, most history master’s students examine research methodologies and learn to differentiate among primary, secondary, and non-scholarly sources. Degree-seekers also learn to analyze and interpret sources for insights on past events. Most students also complete a final project or thesis on a topic relevant to their concentration.
Choosing an Online Program
With so many online master’s in history degrees available, students may wonder how to narrow their choices down to just a few options. While the list of programs may feel overwhelming at first, many learners use a process of elimination to create a smaller pool of potential programs.
One of the most important things to consider is the focus of your potential program. Because history encompasses so many eras and subjects, each school offers different courses and research interests. For example, degree-seekers interested in American studies should seek out programs where faculty members are well versed in this subject. Students should also review available concentrations, since this can provide a better sense of the strengths of the department. Learners should also research electives and core curricula.
In addition to core and specialized coursework, most online master’s in history degrees require a culminating thesis. These documents usually range from 20,000-40,000 words, exploring a time or topic in history using primary research and independent thought.
What Else Can I Expect From a Master’s in History Program?
Offerings vary by program, but the following sections highlight courses and concentrations commonly found in online master’s in history programs.
History Concentrations
History Curriculum
History Professional Organizations
History students and graduates can take advantage of professional organizations. Many organizations offer benefits like professional development, networking, and continuing education opportunities. Professional organizations may also offer funding for research, information on available careers, and student discounts.
American Historical Association
AHA is a nonprofit organization that hosts a yearly meeting with exhibitors and career development opportunities. The association awards fellowships, grants, and prizes for historical endeavors and publishes books, pamphlets, and journals. Members can search for careers through the AHA Career Center.American Association for State and Local History
AASLH offers professional development webinars, workshops, and classes. The association also hosts a yearly meeting. The group’s Career Center offers resume feedback and job listings for history professionals.National Council on Public History
NCPH provides information on available careers and professional development workshops. The website also delivers resources for K-12, undergraduate, and graduate history education. NCPH publishes a journal, newsletter, and blog on historical topics and hosts a yearly meeting.History Careers
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Master’s in History Program?
Most history master’s programs take about two years of full-time study to complete.
What Can I Do With a Master’s in History?
Graduates with a master’s in history can work in roles like political scientist, college professor, and historian.
Can You Get a Master’s in History Without a Bachelor’s in History?
Many master’s in history programs do not require a bachelor’s in history for admission, though they usually do require a bachelor’s degree of some kind.
Is a History Degree Hard?
History master’s degrees are typically challenging yet rewarding, leading to a variety of high-level careers.
