What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in History Program?

Online programs provide the same professional, quality education that on-campus programs do, and the flexibility of distance learning makes it possible for those with existing careers to step forward into new opportunities while continuing to fulfill work and other obligations. When enrolling in a master’s in history program, it’s important to consider all your options to find an online degree program that meets your unique needs.

Available concentrations

Most history programs allow you to focus on a particular location, time period, or specialty area. Some of the most popular concentration options include:

  • European History: A concentration on the histories of nations in Europe and historical events relevant to that part of the world.
  • U.S. History: A concentration on the history of the United States, with extensive coverage of events such as the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and Reconstruction.
  • Global History: A broad approach to history from a global perspective. 
  • Public History: The study of how historical information is prepared for, distributed to, and consumed by the public. 

Common degree curriculum

In addition to classes that cover specific historical events and people relevant to your concentration, your coursework may include:

  • Historical Methods: Reviews approaches to discovering and understanding history.
  • Archiving: Examines ways to archive and manage manuscripts and other data.
  • Document Protection: Prepares students to work with ancient and historical texts and protect such documents from damage.

Certification and license preparation

Certification and licensure requirements will depend on which career path you pursue within history. If you want to become a history teacher, you will likely need to earn a certification from your state’s education department and your degree. In other occupations, certification is not required but can help you access job opportunities and advance to higher-paying positions. For example, archivists should strongly consider earning a certificate from the Academy of Certified Archivists.

Program accreditation

An important consideration when choosing any online degree program is accreditation. An accrediting agency conducts a full review of the program, including the coursework, student requirements, and the experience and capability of the faculty. Employers can be confident that graduates from accredited programs have been held to appropriate standards and have completed a rigorous program of study.

To ensure you’re investing your time and money into a degree that employers will value, you should only apply to institutions that have been approved by one of the following DOE-recognized regional accrediting organizations: the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), or WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 

Program completion timeframe

The total time you spend in an online master’s degree in history program depends on various factors, including the school itself, the type of program, whether you attend full-time or part-time, and how many credits you can transfer. Some online programs let you transfer as many as 50% of your master’s credits, which can substantially reduce the time it takes to earn your degree if you have made previous attempts in another program.

Most master’s in history programs take about two years to complete at a full-time pace, especially if you select a cohort model. Programs that follow a cohort model allow admissions only once or twice a year; admitted students all follow the same curriculum throughout the degree. Other programs let you learn at your own pace and accept admissions multiple times a year, allowing for a faster pace. Accelerated programs can take as little as 15 months, though these programs tend to have strict admissions standards and require you to complete a high volume of coursework each semester. 

Employment Outlook for Master’s in History Graduates

There are expected to be many employment opportunities available for history majors in the near future. For example, the number of jobs for archivists, curators, and museum workers is projected to grow 10% over the next decade, much faster than the projected job growth for all occupations combined.

Typically, a master’s degree is required for entry-level jobs as an archivist or curator. Museum technician jobs tend to require only a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s will help you stand out from other candidates, get hired more quickly, and earn a higher salary.

Indeed, there are lucrative opportunities available in this field as well. The top 10% of historians make more than $123,260.

Job Title Job Description Median Yearly Salary Projected Growth Rate (2022 – 2032)

Archivist

Archivists process, catalog, and preserve historically valuable documents. They may assist in research when these documents are involved.

$58,640

8%

Curators

Curators oversee collections within a museum or other facility environment. They may be tasked with appropriately adding to collections or managing technicians and conservators who prepare items for display.

$60,380

11%

Postsecondary History Teachers 

Postsecondary teachers provide instruction in universities and colleges. Individuals with master’s degrees typically teach at community colleges rather than traditional four-year universities.

$79,400

1%

Historians

Historians work in various industries to analyze and research the past and share insights with others.

$64,540

3%

Professional organizations

Professional organizations allow you to network with other individuals in your industry, expanding job and continuing education opportunities. Individuals with a master’s in history can choose from several professional organizations, including those below:

  • National Council on Public History: This organization works to build community among historians and provide resources that make collaboration in public history possible. Members have access to educational resources, including workshops and career support.
  • Organization of American Historians: Membership in the OAH provides many benefits to qualified individuals, including access to professional discounts and publications in your field. You can also participate in the Trust for Insuring Educators to save on vehicle, life, and other types of insurance.

Financing Your Online Master’s in History Degree

Online master’s degree programs are often more affordable than on-campus programs, and individuals may be able to transfer existing credits or take accelerated coursework to save even more money. Even so, many individuals still require assistance covering the total cost of a graduate education. 

The first step you should take in seeking any type of financial aid for college is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This process helps you learn about and qualify for federal grants, loans, and other financial aid options. Private grants and scholarships are also available to individuals seeking additional education.

Student Finance Resources and Guides

As mentioned above, many different options are available for financing your master’s in history degree. The following options will help you save as much money as possible:

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Interested in a degree instead?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.