Earn a Master's in History Online
- $637/credit (33 credits total)
- Transfer up to 12 graduate credits
- Complete in as few as 15 months or at your own pace
- Develop advanced research skills
- Choose from 3 specialized concentrations
- 24/7 online accessibility – attend class when and where it's convenient
Master’s in History Program Overview
Interpret the past and illuminate the future in the online Master of Arts (MA) in History degree program from Southern New Hampshire University.
The master’s in history program can deepen your knowledge of the process of "making" history through analysis of historical scholarship, crafting written communications and defending the relevance of the past as it pertains to making informed decisions about the future.
Upon graduating, you'll emerge not only with degree-specific knowledge, but also with a valuable set of widely applicable skills. By studying advanced research, analysis, presentation, writing and critical-thinking techniques, the master's in history program can help you bolster your history expertise while building a transferable set of skills you can use in a variety of fields.
Our faculty is full of experienced and passionate historians – many with doctoral degrees – who are dedicated to sharing their deep understanding of history. Regardless of which geographic, periodic or thematic area of history piques your interest, the MA in History program can build upon your understanding of our past and its implications for our future.
Study the Past to Prepare for Your Future
In SNHU’s comprehensive master’s in history program, you can develop the writing, critical thinking and research skills to succeed in roles such as historian, researcher, curator or educator. Hear from three SNHU faculty members about how studying the past can help you prepare for your future.
Why is History Important?
History is more than dates and facts. It’s the study of human actions and how the past impacted our world. By thinking critically and asking questions, you can learn from multiple perspectives and improve your understanding of the world around you.
Why Should I Earn a Master’s Degree?
A master’s degree can help you start a new job, compete for a promotion or change career paths. From human resources to STEM fields and MBAs to history, SNHU offers some of the most sought-after graduate programs in the country.
What You'll Learn
- How to interpret history using various sources
- Analysis of sources for credibility
- Best writing practices for varying audiences
- Ethical and social responsibilities of a historian
- Tools to preserve and disseminate historical knowledge
How You'll Learn
At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.
Concentration Options
Want to dive deeper than the general course of study? Our program gives you the opportunity to choose from 3 focused concentrations.
Concentration Options
American History (MA)
Explore major political, cultural, social and economic shifts in American society in the Master of Arts in History with a concentration in American History program. Taking a broad look at American history, this program will have you studying the significant factors that have shaped our country.
From the colonization of America to both world wars and all the way through to the current day, you'll analyze the rise of the U.S. as a global power. By applying the historian's tools to your own interests, you can graduate from the program as a true American history scholar.
Career outlook:
With an online master's in American history, you can pursue careers in research, writing, teaching, government or publishing. The knowledge and skills developed by studying American history could give you an edge in a wide range of professions.
“While I’m not using my master’s degree specifically for history, there are many things I learned in that program that have helped me to excel at my current position,” Tatro said. “I am by far a better researcher, investigator and writer.”
With a concentration in American history, you could find yourself contributing to fields like education, journalism, publishing and research. The knowledge you'll gain from this program is applicable and valuable to government, nonprofit and corporate entities.
In the online master's in American history, you'll take courses that provide a broad look at American history and the events that have shaped our country.
Courses may include:
- Early American Encounters
- Era of the Civil War
- The Gilded Age and Progressive Era
- America and the World Wars
Military History (MA)
In the MA in History with a concentration in Military History program, you'll assess major themes in global military history, including military theory and the effects of warfare on the political, cultural and economic life of the societies involved. In the process, you'll hone your research, writing and communication skills, making yourself more marketable to employers.
The master’s in military history online program will deepen your knowledge of the process of making history through analyzing historical scholarship, crafting written communications and defending the relevance of the past as it pertains to making informed decisions about the future. You'll emerge not only with up-to-date knowledge, but also with the research, writing and critical-thinking skills to work in a variety of fields where today’s real world meets meaningful interpretations of the past.
The master’s in military history online program strengthens critical research and writing skills. After completing core history courses, you'll take 5 military history courses and complete a capstone experience that results in a project or research paper.
Career outlook:
Military history master’s degree-holders – especially those who are in the military – can pursue roles with the U.S. Department of Defense, Homeland Security and U.S. embassies around the world.
Earning a master's degree in military history could be a natural next step in your career if you have a military background. In fact, almost 40% of our master's in military history students have military affiliations. And because the busy life of an American military service member might not allow for a traditional learning experience on a college campus, the 24/7 flexibility of SNHU's online programs can be an ideal option for many students.
Courses may include:
- History of Military Thought
- America and the World Wars
- The Russian Revolutions
- Chinese Imperialism
Public History (MA)
Protect historical artifacts and communicate cultural narratives by earning your online Master of Arts in History with a concentration in Public History degree. In the master's in public history online program, you'll learn to create historical preservation and outreach initiatives that integrate deep content knowledge and technological savvy to educate and empower individuals and groups.
Many of the courses in the public history master's program are geared toward understanding the tools of public history as opposed to diving into historical content or periods. The program was created to help you build your skill set, including the management, preservation and interpretation of historical records and artifacts while strengthening critical research and writing skills.
After completing the master's in history core, you'll take 5 public history courses and complete a unique capstone experience. Placing an emphasis on the skills needed to work at a museum or other public history venue, the public history capstone is project- and presentation-based rather than a thesis paper.
Career outlook:
If you've always dreamed of leading an organization, program or project, the master's in public history is a great choice for you.
Focusing on practical and business skills you can put to work in public settings, this program was created to help prepare you to become a leader in museum and historical society work, community history projects, preservation programs, and local and federal research projects.
Careers for public history master’s degree-holders include archivists, editors, educators, information managers, journalists, librarians, records managers, researchers, and historians for corporations and nonprofits.
Courses may include:
- Public History Strategic Management
- Documentary Editing
- Archival Management
- Museum Collection Management
Career Outlook
Taking your education a step further by earning your MA in History can be a strategic step in finding employment as a historian, as BLS reports that most historian positions require at least a master's degree.1
Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for historians are projected to grow 3% through 2032.1
Salary
The median annual salary was $64,540 for historians in 2022.1
Understanding the Numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
However, it's important to note that the MA in History was designed not only to build your history-specific knowledge and skills, but to prepare you for an array of careers outside of academia and traditional history-related positions. Aside from writing and communication skills, the master's in history aims to help you become skilled in advanced research, analysis and presentation of information while developing your ability to plan and execute projects.
"I wanted to find a program that would allow for advancement in my career in the museum field," she said. Now, she works at a military museum in the suburbs of Chicago.
Without historians, there would be no history. Writing history, preserving it and applying it are integral to a surprising number of professions.
Where Could You Work?
Museums
Lead the acquisition, storage and exhibition of collections, in addition to categorizing them.
Nonprofits
Research, analyze, interpret and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources.
Universities
Appraise, process, catalog and preserve permanent records and historically valuable documents.
Libraries
Help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use.
Publishing
Plan, review and revise content for publication, confirming sources and verifying facts in the process.
Government
Manage the organization, classification and disposal of records, both physical and digital.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online History Degree
Why SNHU for Your Online Master's in History
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
Prior coursework and work experience could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 12 credits from your previous institution. You could also earn college credit for previous work experience.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
- Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:
- Completed free application
- Undergraduate transcripts, which we can retrieve for you by submitting a transcript request form
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms.
Master's degree candidates must also submit a personal statement. Students with an undergraduate GPA below 2.75 are eligible for provisional acceptance.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:
- Complete free graduate application
- Submit undergraduate transcripts
- Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through application process
What SNHU Students Are Saying
"I never really thought it was possible to do my degree online. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the MA in History program and cost. I could actually afford it."
Courses & Curriculum
SNHU’s history programs require more than just the memorization of facts. The curriculum for the online master's in history advances the applications and relevancy of history while strengthening research and writing skills. Throughout your courses, you'll develop critical-thinking skills that can be applied to research, writing, publishing and government work, using what you’ve learned from the past to help determine the right path for the future.
The core master's in history degree courses focus on the historical methods and research skills that enable professional historians to accurately and convincingly explain the past. By understanding the range of historical approaches, you'll better appreciate the changing nature of historical interpretations and arguments and develop your own preferred methods of analysis. You'll have the option of exploring history through traditional coursework, focused on research and writing, or by investigating subjects pertinent to public history, such as understanding the latest technology for preserving and digitizing history.
Our 3 concentrations in American history, military history and public history then give you the opportunity to specialize your knowledge base and skill set – which might be attractive to certain employers. If you're interested in developing a broader knowledge base instead of focusing on a concentration area, you can tailor your program by choosing electives from any of the graduate history courses.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| MA in History |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| MA in History Online | ||
| HIS 501 | Historiography | This course provides a deep-level exploration into the study of history and historical writing, focusing on the craft and profession of history and its relationship to society. The course contends with the changing nature of historical interpretations and arguments, and the role of historical meta-narratives in shaping one's understanding and experience of history. Students are asked to position and evaluate their own thinking in relation to various historical analyses, defending a preferred approach to a relevant area of interest. |
| HIS 502 | Historical Methods | Historians use a wide variety of methods and approaches to the study, analysis, and evaluation of historical accounts and sources. This course offers students an opportunity to investigate various methodological approaches and the relationships between method, theory, and interpretation in historical research. Students will design an initial research proposal and articulate how a chosen methodology positions them appropriately to address the central issues and problems of their research. |
| HIS 510 | Comparative History and Research | Comparative research is a valuable tool for historians to be able to discover possible historical and social connections across separate historical settings. This course introduces students to best practices, issues, and challenges of comparative history approaches. Central to the course is the development of effective research practices in comparative history: identifying appropriate sources, articulating the context and focus of a research project, and making an informed and supported argument. This course will use the topic of democratic revolutions to model comparative research. |
| HIS 520 | Historical Lenses and Scholarship | What does it mean to focus on the economic issues of a historical event? What considerations of race, gender, class, or other lenses of difference can be made to illuminate the social and cultural experiences of people throughout history? The central focus of this course is to provide students with an exploration into various lenses of historical research and analysis and how these lenses can structure the types of questions a historian asks. Students will integrate best practices for the production and writing of historical scholarship using a chosen lens (or lenses) of analysis. |
| HIS 790 | Research Seminar for Historians (Capstone) | The capstone experience integrates knowledge and skills developed in previous coursework with a focus on developing scholarship in a student's chosen area of specialization. This course focuses on helping students propose a topic for research, conduct preliminary research on primary and secondary sources, and develop a capstone research proposal. This course prepares students for the formal capstone submission in the subsequent capstone course. |
| HIS 791 | Capstone for Research Historians | The capstone experience integrates knowledge and skills developed in previous coursework with a focus on developing scholarship in a student's chosen area of specialization. This course extends students' research proposals into a formal capstone project. Students will workshop and submit their final capstone projects in this course. |
| Total Credits: 33 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
|
Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
|
Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
|
Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
|
Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
|
Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
|
SNHU Purchase Programs |
||
|
Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
University Accreditation
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer a 25% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
| Online Graduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 15 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $1,911 | $637 | $9,555 |
|
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* |
$1,410 | $470 | $7,050 |
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs:
Course Materials ($ varies by course). Foundational courses may be required based on your undergraduate course history, which may result in additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online master's degree in history respected?
Respected public and private schools across the U.S. offer online master's degrees in history.
As a pioneer in online higher education – launching our online program offerings in 1995 – SNHU has decades of experience providing high-quality degrees both online and on campus. Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Southern New Hampshire University remains committed to increasing access to high-quality degree programs to more than 170,000 learners nationwide.
SNHU's online MA in History program is one of the largest and fastest-growing in the nation. Because of the flexible nature of online learning, many working adults embrace online master's degree programs to help balance professional and personal priorities while earning a quality education.
In fact, the online nature of this program was appealing to Audra Kantor '21G.
"When I started the program back in 2018, I was working two part-time jobs," Kantor said. "I did not have the ability to start a program that required in-person learning with the hours I was working."
The flexibility of an online degree program gave Kantor the opportunity to build a schedule that worked for her lifestyle. She could do her coursework on her terms and work towards the degree she's always wanted without sacrificing her existing responsibilities.
What jobs can I get with a master's in history?
Earning your master's degree in history can prepare you for all types of positions in a wide range of industries. Graduates of this program won't just gain a better understanding of the past. They'll develop a variety of other skills valued in many fields.
Earning your MA in History might position you for roles like:
- Archivist
- Conservator
- Curator
- Educator
- Historian
- Museum director
- Research analyst
- Teacher
Beyond a more traditional career path, the skills gained in a graduate history program could be useful in work related to libraries, journalism, anthropology and even communication and marketing. Learn more about what you can do with a master's in history.
How long does it take to get a master's in history?
Completing a master's degree program typically takes 1-2 years.
By taking 2 courses at a time over 6 terms, you could earn your master's in history degree in as few as 15 months at SNHU. Our programs were built with busy learners in mind, so how long it takes to earn your degree is largely up to your goals and schedule.
Southern New Hampshire University's transfer credit policies also allow you to transfer up to 12 credits toward your master's degree, which could save you time in completing your graduate degree in history.
Can you get a master's in history online?
Yes, you can earn your master's degree in history online.
SNHU offers an online Master of Arts in History along with 3 concentrations: American history, military history and public history. With over 170,000 students enrolled at our university, many students have found that the format of our online programs provides the flexibility they need to pursue their degree while working full time.
How much does it cost to get a master's degree in history?
The cost of earning a master's degree in history can vary depending on the school and program.
At Southern New Hampshire University, we're committed to keeping higher education affordable. At $637/credit, SNHU's 33-credit MA in History has a total tuition cost of $21,021.
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References
Sources & Citations (1)
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/historians.htm (viewed Nov. 15, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193093.htm (viewed Nov. 15, 2023)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.