Best Online Master’s in History Programs

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.

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

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.

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.

Most history master’s programs take about two years of full-time study to complete.

Graduates with a master’s in history can work in roles like political scientist, college professor, and historian.

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.

History master’s degrees are typically challenging yet rewarding, leading to a variety of high-level careers.