20 BEST ONLINE MASTER'S DEGREES IN HISTORY

A Master's degree in History is an exciting way for one to expand their understanding of the world through various lenses. The following 20 Best Online Master's Degrees in History provides students the opportunity to not only become well-versed and knowledgeable in historical events, figures, and phenomena, but to graduate ready for research and analysis in the immediate discipline and those related to it. 

Many graduate programs in the subject of History do not require students to have undergraduate degrees in History, leaving the opportunity open to all from different academic backgrounds. Online masters programs in History are also often designed for working professionals. It's not uncommon for graduates to return for their MA in History to increase their credentials and advance their knowledge. Many are teachers or in pursuit of their doctoral degree.

As graduate-level degrees in History are designed for those dedicated to the field, coursework will go more in-depth and equip students with the tools necessary to conduct original research. Even if online graduate programs do not require a thesis, they'll have coursework focused on research methods and historiography. The skills taken from these courses, in conjunction with the earned knowledge of many lived experiences of humanity, make graduates of a Master's in History program excellent candidates for a variety of opportunities.

Selection Criteria

Best Value Schools publishes college degree rankings with the belief of how one's higher education should be, both, affordable and an investment of continued value for the students who pursue them. The staff of BVS collects data from reputable sources in order to calculate Net Price and the short and long-term value of every ranked degree. Collected data is simplified into weighted categories before scoring and then scaled through a BVS Score up to 100. The weighted categories are:

• Degree Investment Return (25%)
• Student & Alumni Evaluation (25%)
• Cost Value (25%)
• Matriculation (10%)
• Academic Success (15%)

No matter what degree you decide on, we hope our research and support has made the selection process easier. There are numerous resources BVS utilizes to collect information on degrees, and we encourage you to check them out for yourself!

Here are the 20 Best Online Master's Degrees in History!

20. American Public University System - Charles Town, WV

Master of Arts in History

Website

The Master of Arts in History offered by the American Public University System is an entirely online program focused on historical events, people, and cultures that fundamentally shaped the present. The curriculum utilizes research, discussion, and analysis to teach students not only how societies changed over time, but how they can be expected to progress into the future. Students may select a concentration area from the offerings: American; Ancient and Classical; European; Global; and Public History. Prospective applicants are typically those who are already professional educators, historians, or those who are simply passionate about History. While every student's course of study varies depending on their concentration, the MA's core requirements include Historical Research Methods and Historiography.

Net Price: $10,658

Score: 83.5

19. Liberty University - Lynchburg, VA

Master of Arts in History

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Liberty University's Master of Arts in History is a 36-credit program that takes an average of a year-and-a-half to complete. The degree is earned entirely online and provides curriculum dedicated to the importance of understanding the world, past, and present through a lens informed by past events, culture, innovations, and ideas. Courses begin with foundational knowledge in how to approach history methodologically, historiographically, and theoretically. Students then take in-depth courses on focus areas of their choosing. As Liberty is a proud Christian university, many courses highlight the Christian cultural heritage of Europe. Other courses include the History of Slavery and Servitude in the Western World and the History of American Political Parties Since 1896.

Net Price: $26,954

Score: 84.1

18. Eastern Illinois University - Charleston, IL

Master of Arts in History

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The Master of Arts in History program at Eastern Illinois University is an online degree designed specifically for K-12 teachers looking to increase their credentials and pool of knowledge. The curriculum focuses on both US and World History, with faculty who are published experts in fields like the ancient Near East, modern England, Meiji Japan, and Cold War America. The degree can be earned in three years but ensures student flexibility in the case that it takes longer. Students begin the program by participating in a five-day residency on campus, where they'll meet their cohort and professors and be introduced to the traditional research methods necessary in their prospective studies.

Net Price: $14,107

Score: 88.4

17. Fort Hays State University - Hays, KS

Master of Arts in History

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The Master of Arts in History from Fort Hays State University is an online non-thesis program, consisting of 30-33 credit hours and a required course in Advanced Historical Methods if it had not been taken in undergraduate study. A majority of the course of study is made up of electives, so students maintain flexibility in building a program that suits their needs and ambitions. Available courses include African Civilization, Historical Methods, Approaches to World History, History of Christianity, and Modern Britain, the Empire, and The Commonwealth. The MA in History at FHSU is designed to prepare students for most Ph.D. programs and post-graduate employment, with recent graduates working as History professors, authors, lawyers, curators at a Historical Society, and more.

Net Price: $12,196

Score: 89.6

16. Norwich University - Northfield, VT

Master of Arts in History

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Norwich University's Master of Arts in History is designed to prepare students with a comprehensive analysis of history, focusing on major developments, events, and figures. Norwich students can choose to concentrate on areas, such as American History, World History, or Public History. Those who select American or World History also have the option of completing an original research project and thesis. Courses in all concentration areas will prepare students for historical research and synthesis of different types of historical knowledge. Regardless of one's chosen course of study, all students will spend a week on campus in residency at the very end of their time in the program.

Net Price: $23,801

Score: 92

15. Emporia State University - Emporia, KS

Master of Arts in History

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Emporia State University designed their Master of Arts in History degree to prepare students for three different routes: a thesis route, to qualify for Ph.D. programs; a non-thesis/exam route for those who'd instead give an oral defense; and a Social Sciences Education route, explicitly designed for teachers who will complete a teaching project. Courses are divided into three types of processes. Students first gain in-depth knowledge of specialty areas of history. They then learn how historians have interpreted records and given them meaning over time, gaining a historiographic perspective. The third learning process is methodological, where students learn the ways to begin and complete original research and draft historical essays.

Net Price: $14,013

Score: 92

14. University of Nebraska at Kearney - Kearney, NE

Master of Arts in History

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The Master of Arts in History from the University of Nebraska at Kearney prepares students with the tools and knowledge necessary to interpret historical evidence, analyze events and ideas, and think critically. The program offers a thesis, non-thesis, or public history option. Regardless of the chosen track, the program is 36 credit hours and can be completed entirely online. Required courses include Historical Methods and classes on US History, while electives cover more elaborate topics in history. The program is designed to prepare students for Ph.D. programs, post-graduate employment opportunities, or career growth for those who are already working professionals.

Net Price: $15,909

Score: 92.6

13. Missouri State University-Springfield - Springfield, MO

Master of Arts in History

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Missouri State University designed their online Master of Arts in History program to be completed in two years, but scheduling is flexible to accommodate non-traditional or working students. Students often take only two courses a term and one during summer. There are three offered concentration tracks: American Studies, Global Area Studies, and the U.S. and World. Elective options will vary based on the track, but students complete coursework delivering an understanding of historiography, the traditional method, and history as a discipline. All graduating MSU-Springfield students complete a thesis or seminar, where either requires a large amount of original research.

Net Price: $15,173

Score: 92.7

12. Indiana State University - Terre Haute, IN

Master of Science in History

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Indiana State University's Master of Science in History is designed specifically for students pursuing professional careers, perhaps as teachers or in law, theology, business, social work, politics, and more. The 33-credit program can be completed entirely online at either a full or part-time pace. Concentration areas are offered in US History, European History, or History of the Wider World. Students are encouraged to pursue work and research that crosses geographic and disciplinary boundaries. Required courses regardless of concentration area include Historical Method and Theory, and Research Seminar. Electives cover topics such as History of Labor in the US; Women in History; The Gilded Age and Progressive Era, and more.

Net Price: $11,443

Score: 93.2

11. Pittsburg State University - Pittsburg, PA

Master of Arts in History

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Pittsburg State University's Master of Arts in History prepares students to teach history, pursue research and investigate relevant scholarship, and contribute to the more meaningful discourse. The 30-32 credit program encourages an interdisciplinary approach to History; the program is housed within the History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences department. With this recognition of history as a multidisciplinary discourse, students can focus on specific areas that may not be traditionally placed within the discipline. The degree can be earned entirely online, with elective courses covering the World Wars, British Healthcare, Ireland's Society and Political History, and more.

Net Price: $13,841

Score: 93.5

10. University of North Alabama - Florence, AL

Master of Arts in History

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University of North Alabama's Master of Arts in History prepares students for careers teaching history, or to further the intellectual and professional development of those dedicated to the field. The program is designed with a generalist curriculum, but there is an informal emphasis on US History; there are no concentration areas available to students in the online program. However, there is an option to complete a thesis. The thesis centers on major historical questions and inquisitions, culminating once a student has finished coursework on research methods in the discipline. Those who opt out of the thesis take coursework in research methods but instead complete a comprehensive exam.

Net Price: $12,103

Score: 93.5

9. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania - Slippery Rock, PA

Master of Arts in History

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Slippery Rock University designed their Master of Arts in History program to prepare students for careers in education, law, government; the military industry; and the private and public sectors. Graduates have also gone onto doctoral programs. The 30-credit degree may be completed entirely online in just two years and equips students with skills in text analysis and discussion, and the synthesis of data and analysis. Emphasis is also placed on the importance of research methods and the interpretation of historical material. Course topics cover all geographic areas of the world, with electives like Modern Germany, Political Violence in Latin America, Contemporary China, and Russia in the Twentieth Century.

Net Price: $17,557

Score: 93.6

8. University of North Carolina Wilmington - Wilmington, NC

Master of Arts in History

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The Master of Arts in History from the University of North Carolina was created specifically for those already working as professional history educators. The 30-credit program is designed to provide advanced knowledge in the study of history; familiarize educators with contemporary research practices, and develop the professional practices of educators to reflect their in-depth understanding of the discipline. The degree takes two years to complete, with online coursework and two on-campus summer residencies. All students complete a Capstone Experience rather than a thesis, where they gain real-life experience through different teaching situations. Required core courses are focused on current major issues and recent historiographical events.

Net Price: $16,831

Score: 94.5

7. University of Memphis - Memphis, TN

Master of Arts in History

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The Master of Arts in History from the University of Memphis is completed entirely online, still offering students the same opportunities they'd get on campus: internships, directed readings courses, and the benefit of learning from faculty whose focus areas range from ancient to modern. The program's strengths include US History; Women, Gender, and Family; Asia; and Medieval Europe. Completing a thesis is optional, but encouraged to those who plan to pursue their Ph.D. There are no concentration areas offered in the online course of study, but students have a variety of electives to choose from. Elective topics include Modern Middle East; Greek Experience; Philosophy and Theory of History; Civil Rights Movement; and more.

Net Price: $13,663

Score: 95.7

6. Sam Houston State University - Huntsville, TX

Master of Arts in History

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Sam Houston State University's Master of Arts in History prepares students for professional careers in teaching, the military, civil service, public history, and doctoral studies. The program is a total of 30-36 credits and can be completed entirely online or in a hybrid format. The offered concentration areas are Rights & Identity; War & Violence; and Encounters & Exchanges. Regardless of the concentration area, all students complete coursework that equips them with skills in analytical writing, critical thinking, and research methods. Courses include Empires in World History; Recent African-American History; The Japanese Colonial Empire; The Ottoman Empire; and more. Students have the option of completing a thesis or defending a portfolio of written work at the end of their studies.

Net Price: $11,742

Score: 96.3

5. Arizona State University-Tempe - Tempe, AZ

Master of Arts in History

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The Master of Arts in History from Arizona State University is ideal for those already working professionally, both as K-12 teachers and in other history-informed careers. The program is best-fit for those who are dedicated to a rigorous examination of the past as a way to understand the present and work towards changing the future. The 30-credit MAH has offered courses in Historical Methods, Global History, The Sixties, Comparative Colonialism, and Global Environmental History. Admission to the program is selective, and the most competitive applicants will have at least a 3.3 undergraduate GPA, a persuasive writing sample, and completed at least 18 credits of coursework in History.

Net Price: $12,947

Score: 97.9

4. University of Louisiana at Monroe - Monroe, LA

Master of Arts in History

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The University of Louisiana designed their Master of Arts in History to prepare graduates with the advanced knowledge necessary for work on matters of law, politics, and citizenship. The 30-credit program does not offer a thesis option. A majority of the degree is made up of electives after completion of coursework in Research Methods. Offered electives cover topics such as Voodoo, Hoodoo, and Conjure; Colonial Latin America; The Holocaust; The Makers of America; and Historiography. Applicants who have less than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA are required to submit GRE scores with a minimum combined score 283, accompanied by a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5.

Net Price: $10,787

Score: 98.5

3. Louisiana Tech University - Ruston, LA

Master of Arts in History

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The Master of Arts in History program from Louisiana Tech University prepares students with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter various professional fields such as teaching, or thrive in doctoral programs. The degree can be earned with or without a thesis, but all students will complete the required courses Introduction to Historiography, and Introduction to Historical Research and Writing. The remainder of the degree is made up of electives and possible thesis work. All students in the program also elect a major field, which will take up 12 credits of coursework that is related to the chosen major area. The concentration area is selected and designed by the student to fulfill what most interests them in the discipline.

Net Price: $10,683

Score: 98.8

2. University of Massachusetts-Boston - Boston, MA

Master of Arts in History

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The University of Massachusetts designed their online Master of Arts in History program for those wanting to continue into doctoral programs, those already working as secondary-school teachers, and those looking to enter the professional field post-graduation. The MAH is earned entirely online, and led by the same faculty who teach the on-campus courses. Students complete four required courses, including Research Methods, Introduction to Historiography, Thesis Preparation, and a designated Thesis course. The remaining coursework is fulfilled by electives, which cover topics like Indigenous Histories; Islam and Historical Study; and Age of FDR: Depression, War, and the Birth of Modern America.

Net Price: $10,991

Score: 99.4

1. Western Kentucky University - Bowling Green, KY

Master of Arts in History

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The Master of Arts in History from Western Kentucky University is designed for those in pursuit of teaching at the college level, going onto doctoral degrees, and those hoping to enhance their ability to teach history at the secondary level. The online program does not offer a thesis option and can be completed in three years. The only required History course is in Historiography, and students then complete courses to fulfill a concentration area from the following: Pre-Modern Europe/World; Modern Europe; Non-Western World; Pre-Civil War US; and Post-Civil War US. All students will be prepared for research, as coursework in Statistics is also required. Applicants must submit GRE scores, a sample research paper, and personal statement; and have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

Net Price: $11,817

Score: 100