What is an Online History Master’s Degree?
Students who complete an online master’s degree in history learn about world history from the start of the Stone Age up to our current space age. Influential leaders like United States presidents Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt were presidents of the American Historical Association. Students with an online history master’s degree can advance to a doctoral program, or seek employment in a variety of careers. Some programs allow students to specialize in American History or World History.
Historians with a master’s degree analyze and interpret historical documents and other sources. With an online history master’s degree you can become an anthropologist or archeologist and study the culture, language and behavior of humans. Other people with an online degree in history choose to work in museums as archivists and curators. Political scientists research political ideas and analyze trends in politics, policies and governments.
A master’s degree in history is also useful for high school and middle school history teachers who want to meet certification requirements and improve their historical knowledge. While a high school history teacher may be able to find a job with a bachelor’s degree, some school districts require a master’s degree.
Students who are looking to advance in their profession or change to another career may not want to leave their current job while they study. Pursuing a master’s degree in history online provides beneficial flexibility that helps students balance other responsibilities. Students can proceed with their studies at their own pace.
What is an Online Master’s Degree in History that Does Not Require a GRE?
These are a few of the colleges and universities that do not require a GRE for admission to a master’s degree in history program.
Southern New Hampshire University Master of Arts in History
Students are invited to interpret the past in order to illuminate the future with an online master’s degree in history at Southern New Hampshire University. You will have 24/7 online accessibility so you can study at your own convenience.
Concentrations include American History, Military History and Public History. Highly competitive tuition rates make this program one of the lowest in the nation. Students have access to advisors, learning resources and career services. The master’s degree in history can be completed in as little as 15 months.
Arizona State University Master of Arts in History
The Arizona State University Master of Arts in History is issued from the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies. Coursework delves into a range of geographic locations and time periods.
Students acquire historical knowledge of the world along with analytical and communication skills to make the most of employment opportunities. School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies is a leader in the field of public history and focuses on taking history outside of the classroom walls to prepare students for the future.
Johns Hopkins Master of Arts in Museum Studies
Students who are looking for leadership positions in museums and other settings can enroll in the Johns Hopkins Master of Arts in Museum Studies. The program is offered by the Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs.
Subjects include museum technology, the impact of globalization on museums, exhibition planning and design methods. Students participate in a study seminar in Washington, D.C. or they may take an internship in their location upon obtaining an exemption.
Norwich University Master of Arts in History
The online Master of Arts in History program at Norwich University provides students with the chance to analyze, discuss and debate key moments in history. You will study the events and individuals who shaped our modern world.
There are two tracks, the American History track and the World History track. Students have the opportunity to explore their personal and professional interests and they can complete the program in as few as 18 months. Norwich University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Do All Master’s Degrees in History Require a GRE?
Some colleges and universities believe that admission tests like the GRE are not useful for predicting academic success, especially for older and non-traditional students. While some schools still require the GRE, it is possible to find many that offer an online master's degree in history without an admission test.
Some schools may require a portfolio of work, an accounting of past coursework and evidence of past degrees. You will probably have to meet GPA requirements for your undergrad work, typically 2.75 or 3.0.
However, depending on the program, the college or university may be willing to work with you and make an exception. Many online master’s degree in history programs are as rigorous and high quality as on campus master’s programs.
Do Employers Differentiate Between GRE and Non-GRE Degrees?
There is a trend away from requiring the GRE for admission to graduate school, especially for online coursework. Many well-established colleges and universities now offer quality online master’s degree programs that do not require the GRE for admission.
What is an Online Master’s in American History?
An online master’s degree in American History is designed to help students explore the complete history of the United States. Students typically take an introductory course that introduces key disciplines of historiography and methodology. You will learn how historians gather information and formulate hypotheses and the use of primary and secondary sources.
Coursework in the American colonial, revolutionary and early national history explores events through the early 19th century. The 19th century course explores the early national period up to World War I. Students are introduced to themes and debates of the time.
Coursework in 20th century America explores the cultural, social and political history of the United States from the Progressive Era to the end of the Cold War. Some online master’s programs in American History require a directed readings class.
A capstone paper may be required as well. This paper must cite primary source documents along with academic secondary sources to support a compelling interpretation of an historical question. Some online master’s degrees in American History provide students with the opportunity to complete an optional master’s thesis, an original research project.
What Do You Learn in a Master’s Degree in History?
Most master’s degree in history programs cover a wide range of topics, including the following:
- Historiography: An examination of research and historical thought from early works of the classical world to modern days.
- Historical Methodology: An explanation of techniques used by historians to gather information and formulate hypotheses.
- Research Methods: How to use primary and secondary sources when conducting research.
- Evolution of Languages: The development of human civilization from early hunter-gatherer days through the era of discovery and the New World colonization.
- Major Historical Works: Study of primary and secondary sources associated with social, political and cultural history.
- The Rise of Empires: The examination of European history to the 1500’s.
- Major Historical Themes: An exploration of topics such as the rise of European power, military development, the Reformation and scientific advancements.
- Original Research: How to use graduate level analysis, synthesis and argument to present a compelling case.
- Development of Human Civilization: An examination of forces shaping world history from 1800 to 1991, including European revolutions, the rise of the Ottoman Empire, WWI and WWII and the Cold War.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in History?
While a typical master’s degree requires 1.5 – 2 years of full-time study, students registered for an online master’s degree in history may have the opportunity to study at their own pace. Many programs offer coursework that is available 24/7, so motivated students may be able to complete the course of study in as little as 15 months.
What are the Advantages of an Online Degree?
Taking courses online is a growing trend, and many people choose to get their degree online. As evidence is mounting that online learning can be as effective as an on campus education, more online programs are being offered and more people are signing up. Here are some of the advantages of an online degree:
- Lower Cost: One of the greatest draws of an online degree is that many programs are a much more affordable option than an on campus experience. In addition to lower tuition, textbooks may be online at no cost.
- A Flexible Schedule: Students with other obligations such as a job or a family can arrange to study when they can. Online study can promote the work/study/family balance, especially for older students.
- Convenience: Online course material is generally accessible 24/7, so special trips to the classroom or the library are unnecessary.
- A Range of Programs: You can find online programs in a wide range of disciplines, so if your local college or university does not offer the program you may be able to find it online.
- No Commute: With online study there is no time-consuming and often traffic filled commute to get to class. Students also benefit because they have no commuting costs.
- Career Advancement: Taking convenient online courses can show commitment to prospective employers, provide skills for advancement and explain any gaps in your resume.
What Skills You Need to Get a Master’s Degree in History?
When you study for your master’s degree in history you will take historiography courses that examine historical writings from ancient times to modern times. You will learn about movements in history such as the Civil Rights Movement and Women’s History.
Many programs explore the development of human civilization and the evolution of languages. You may also be asked to conduct original research. To be successful in your studies, you should possess a range of skills.
These are some of the skills you will need to get a master’s degree in history:
- Analytical Skills: As a historian you will be required to look at primary and secondary historical resources and draw logical conclusions.
- Communication: You must be able to communicate well when collaborating with colleagues and presenting your research in written documents and presentations to the public.
- Research Skills: You will be expected to look at a number of historical sources such as material artifacts, documents and images. You will have to process the information.
- Problem-Solving: When you are answering questions about the past you will have to decipher historical information, investigate events and people and identify how the past affects the present.
- Foreign Language: Some primary sources may not be written in English, so a working knowledge of other languages can be useful.
- Organizing Material: As a historian you will come across a lot of material, and you should be able to organize it all in a logical and coherent way.
How Much Can You Earn With a Master’s Degree in History?
Employment for historians is projected to grow at the rate of four percent from 2021 to 2031. That is about as fast as the average rate of growth for all occupations. Historians can face strong competition for jobs, and individuals with a master’s degree or a Ph.D. typically have the best job opportunities. According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are many occupations that are suited by people with a master’s degree in history.
Anthropologists and archeologists study the culture, language and physical characteristics of humans around the world. In 2021, the mean salary for historians was $72,130. Historians who work in the federal government earned a median annual wage of $103,970, while those in state government earned a median annual wage of $58,070.