Best Online Master's Programs in History

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Undergraduate history degrees are available at the associate and bachelor level and either on-campus or online. Students also have the option to pursue undergraduate or graduate certificates in several history topics.

Associate degrees in history are about 60 credits of general education requirements and history-related electives, and take about two years to complete. Associate-level history degrees deliver foundational knowledge of American and global events, governance, and an examination of historic documents. Associate degrees typically culminate in an Associate of Arts (AA) and are the first step towards a four-year bachelor's degree program or entry-level employment.

A bachelor's degree is approximately 120 credits of general education courses, core requirements, and electives. Many bachelor's history curriculums encourage students to investigate the correlation between ancient civilizations and today's society, as well as complete a minor or concentration on a specific era or historical theme; for example, American history, Middle Eastern history, or military history. Bachelor's degrees in history are usually a Bachelor of Arts (BA), although some programs offer an accelerated bachelor's and master's dual degree program.

Certificates are also widely available in several history topics, such as American history, ancient and classical history, European history, Civil War studies, African-American history, historical preservation, and Medieval archaeology. Certificates are usually 15 to 18 credits and may take about one year to complete. Many students choose to pursue certificates in addition to a higher degree of study.

An online doctorate in history is the highest level of scholarship students can achieve. Providing rigorous curriculums that cover several historical themes and perspectives, students may exercise research methods, analytical thinking, and written communication skills in preparation for careers in academia, research, law, and management.

Doctoral history programs are usually about 60 to 80 credits and take approximately four years to complete, though program requirements vary by school. Some doctoral history programs offer a dual JD/MA degree for students intending to practice law (or legal history).

Students with a doctorate in history are typically eligible for high paying history careers, such as postsecondary teachers, historians, and archivists. Other graduates may seek employment in government or museum management.

There are several advantages to distance learning, and students who enroll in online master's history degree programs often discover an affordable and flexible curriculum that advances their study of historical themes. Working professionals tend to appreciate the opportunity to study at their own pace with rolling admissions and around-the-clock access to course materials. Online master's degrees in history can also be completed in about two years and typically do not have residency, GMAT, or GRE requirements.

Many students pursue a master's degree in history for career advancement, enhanced field expertise, and increased pay in their professions. Students in distance learning programs also have the potential to gain marketable skills, such as critical thinking, communication, technology expertise, time-management, self-motivation, and self-discipline.

Online master's-level history curriculums tend to vary at each school; however, students can anticipate taking advanced coursework in several specialized historical topics. Many curriculums encourage students to concentrate on a particular historical era, event, culture, or religion. Online master's history degree programs may offer the following concentrations:

• American History
• European History
• Public History
• Military History
• Global History
• Classical and Ancient History

History Foundational Courses

Throughout a majority of online master-level history degree programs, students can expect to take the following foundational courses:

Historical Research and Methods

This course is designed for students to learn key research methodologies used for conducting historical study and interpretation. Students typically apply evidence-based critical thinking, investigatory, and written communication skills to examine various historical documents, case studies, and peer-reviewed articles. Students may also be instructed to develop a research proposal around a centralized historical theme.

Historiography

This course provides a thorough study of historical narratives from classical and ancient times to the present, with an emphasis on ways history has been interpreted and the correlation between historical theory and evidence. Students may study the works of famous historians to better understand the biases that have altered the way we view historical events and the approaches historians apply to best uncover historical facts.

History Specialist & Elective Courses

Depending on the program and concentration, online master's degree history curriculums may offer the following core courses and electives:

Digitization of History

Typically offered in public history concentrations, this course provides advanced knowledge of historical artifact digitization processes, from planning to implementation and maintenance. Students will exercise research, theoretical thinking, and technology skills that are commonly used by preservation historians. Course topics may include digital preservation methods, metadata, upholding artifact authenticity, digital preservation management, and disaster recovery.

Cold War Studies

This course is typically offered in American history concentrations and investigates the societal, cultural, economic, and governmental events that occurred between 1945 and 1989. Common course topics tend to include the foreign conflicts between America and the Soviet Union, the Vietnam War, post-war economies, and the progression of civil rights movements. Students may also examine present-day issues in comparison to the challenges faced between the end of World War II and the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Medieval Europe History

This course is typically offered in European history or classical and ancient history concentrations and delivers an investigatory study of the years 300 to 1500 AD. Students may analyze various aspects of religious, social, political, cultural, and economic structures as they pertain to the rise of Europe during the Middle Ages. Students may also study the beginning of trade and transport throughout the Mediterranean, as well as medieval military institutions.

Thesis and Non-Thesis Track Programs

Students in online master's degree history programs usually have the option to choose between a thesis or non-thesis track. Generally, non-thesis track programs are terminal degrees and are ideal for students seeking advanced employment or practical field expertise for teaching. Non-thesis track programs are typically 30 to 36 credits and may end with either a comprehensive final examination or a capstone project.

Students who want to continue their education in a doctoral program should pursue a thesis track instead. Typically, a thesis track program only requires about 24 to 30 credits of coursework and students must submit a thesis/dissertation and defense to fulfill the remaining curriculum requirements.

Licensure & Certification in History

Historians do not typically need to pursue licensure or certification to work in the field; Some professionals may do so to demonstrate proficiency in the field. For example, archivists may decide to get the Certified Archivist credential through the Academy of Certified Archivists. Candidates should hold a master's degree, have experience working in the field of archives, and pass an exam demonstrating their expertise. Certified Archivists must recertify every five years.

History majors who wish to become high school teachers or lawyers must obtain special state licensure to pursue employment in their fields. Each state has different requirements and standards for educators to meet, and individuals can visit Teach.org to determine what their state's teaching certification requirements are. We will go into greater detail about the certification requirements for high school teachers later on.

Lawyers must pass a state bar exam to practice law in their jurisdiction. The requirements vary, however, so prospective lawyers should visit the National Conference of Bar Examiners website to determine the exact criteria they must meet, such as graduating from an accredited law school and demonstrating the right character and fitness to represent parties in court. Lawyers should also keep up with their law education by enrolling in academic and professional development courses throughout their careers.

Students interested in enrolling in an online master's degree history program should visit their prospective school's website and review the program's admissions requirements. We will review these requirements in greater detail below.

Most colleges ask students to submit an online application and pay a nominal submission fee. After sending their online application, students should begin requesting their official transcripts and test scores are mailed from their previous schools.

Because admissions criteria vary in each program, students may find it helpful to create a checklist of their history program's requirements and coinciding deadlines to ensure all materials are submitted on time. For additional information, students may contact their school's graduate admissions office or program admissions representative.

Students must hold a bachelor's degree in history to pursue a graduate-level degree. Some colleges will consider applicants with undergraduate degrees in other subjects as long as they meet the history credit requirements for the program.

Online master's history degree programs may have specific admissions criteria that students must meet to be considered. For example, programs may request a personal statement demonstrating a student's academic and professional interests for pursuing a master's history degree, letters of recommendation, references, an updated curriculum vitae, and writing samples. Additionally, a minimum grade point average, usually 2.75 or 3.0, may also be required for admission. Students should also submit any official transcripts from previous schools and test scores (SAT, TOEFL, etc.) directly to the college.

Most accredited online master's degree programs do not have a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) requirement; however, students should contact an admissions representative or refer to their prospective program's admissions website to find out additional information.

There are several history career options in broad industries for graduates with master's degrees including education, politics, journalism, and law. Some graduates will even find ways to couple their historical expertise and skillsets with unlikely fields, like pursuing careers in history and geography. History majors typically possess strong research, writing, analytical thinking, organizational, and information processing skills that apply to just about any career.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, individuals who worked in history-related careers had an annual median salary of:

• High School History Teacher: $61,660
• Archivist, Curator, or Museum Worker: $49,850
• Historian: $63,680
• History Professor: $79,540
• Political Scientist: $122,220

Job Outlook for a Master's in History

Depending on the field, the job outlook for history majors tends to vary. According to the BLS, the average projected growth for archivists, curators, and museum workers is expected to increase by 11 percent between 2019 and 2029. This is due in part to the demand for information digitization and accessibility of records.

Secondary school teaching positions are expected to increase by 4 percent in the coming decade. Of course, the availability of jobs in this field depends on where you live and state government budgets. Some school districts have a higher demand for educators in specific subject areas including English, science, or history teachers, which would improve one's job prospects.

Employment opportunities for history majors tend to be rather competitive, so to enhance their marketability, job seekers may choose to pursue niche credentialing and enroll in certificate programs to enhance their skills and demonstrate their expertise.

How to Become a High School History Teacher

High school history teachers typically teach students from 9th to 12th grade and are responsible for planning curriculums, measuring their students' learning through assignments, class discussions, exams, and projects; and working to enhance their students' learning of historical themes and perspectives. To best conduct their work, high school teachers should be effective communicators, resourceful, and patient.

All states require public school teachers to obtain licensure or certification to instruct in a specific grade level or subject area. Private school teachers do not need to obtain licensure but should maintain expertise in their fields. Prospective students can obtain licensure if they hold a bachelor's degree in their subject area, pass a background check, pass a skills test, and complete a student-teaching program. Teachers are usually required to undergo professional development courses to uphold their teaching credentials.

According to the BLS, job growth for high school teachers is expected to increase by 4 percent (2019-2029).

How to Become a Historian

Historians are responsible for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting historical data by sourcing various documents, artifacts, and archives. Many historians specialize in a historical event or theme and generate reports, peer-reviewed articles, and materials pertaining to their research. Historians may work in museums, organizations, research firms, or libraries and are found across several industries, including academia, politics, and business. Some historians choose to work as independent contractors, as well.

Generally, historians are analytical thinkers, which allows them to sift through sources and interpret their findings. They also tend to have great communication, problem-solving, and research competencies and may be adept in foreign languages.

According to the BLS, job growth for historians is expected to increase by 3 percent (2019-2029).

Professional organizations usually offer members opportunities to network with other professionals in the field, gain access to career and professional development resources, and stay abreast of industry trends and research.

There are numerous history-related professional organizations to choose from. The World History Association (WHA) is primarily made up of educators who have contributed to the development of world history education curriculums globally. Individual membership fees are based on income and can be purchased for one, two, or three years; however, other membership types are available for full-time students and individuals interested in lifetime membership.

The American Historical Association (AHA) aims to bring together historians from various historical specializations with a focus on protecting the rights of historians, encouraging research and collaboration in field studies, improving academic history curriculums, and providing opportunities for career development. Membership can be purchased for one or three years as an individual, lifetime member, student, educator, or associate, and members will gain access to numerous publications, discounts, networking and career communities, and travel savings.

The Society of American Archivists (SAA) aims to foster the contributions of professional archivists, creating a space for individuals to network and collaborate, develop a series of professional standards and mentorship programs, and promote an exchange of archival expertise with other members. Membership types are available for individuals, students, associates, and institutions and benefits include subscriptions to scholarly journals and magazines, special discounts, mentorship opportunities, and access to the membership directory.

Prospective graduate students who need assistance paying for school may seek federal financial aid. Students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine how much money they qualify for. Similar to undergraduate eligibility requirements, graduate students must demonstrate financial need, show proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status, and be enrolled in an accredited school. They do not, however, need to include their parents' information on the application form.

Other financial aid may include scholarships, grants, and fellowships. These types of opportunities may not only offer monetary awards, but may provide professional development, access to conferences and networking events, and funding for research projects, as well.

Students may also seek financial aid through employer tuition reimbursement programs, military/veteran benefits, or work-study programs. For additional information on paying for college, students can contact their school's financial aid office.

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarships

The DAR offers several scholarships yearly to college-age students pursuing a broad spectrum of degrees, including history, law, English, science, education, and economics. To be eligible for one of the awards, applicants must be U.S. citizens attending an accredited higher education institution. Some DAR scholarships are renewable for four years.

Applications should include the following:

• A personal statement demonstrating the student's professional goals
• Official transcripts
• 2-4 letters of recommendation for a faculty member
• A list of the student's academic achievements, awards, and extra-curricular activities
• A copy of the student's passport, citizenship papers, or birth certificate. Any photos and/or social security number must be blacked out.

DAR Centennial Scholarship

The DAR Centennial Scholarship is available to graduate students at an accredited U.S. college or university who are studying historic preservation. The selected winner will receive a one-time award of $2,500.

Arthur Lockwood Beneventi Law Scholarship

The Arthur Lockwood Beneventi Law Scholarship is available to students attending an accredited law school with a minimum grade point average of 3.25. The selected winner will receive a one-time award of $2,000.