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Master’s in History Online MA Degree Program
Program Overview Why get a master’s in history online?
Study the past to prepare for your future with an online Master of Arts (MA) in History from Southern New Hampshire University. In this program, you'll gain historical knowledge by studying advanced research, analysis, presentation, writing and critical-thinking techniques. You'll also develop a valuable set of transferrable skills sought after by employers across diverse industries.
Skills you'll learn:
- How to build strong, source-backed historical insights
- Ability to spot bias and think critically about research
- Scholarly writing techniques for diverse audiences
- Socially responsible approaches to historical research
- How to show history’s relevance to contemporary issues
- Using tools and technology for research and preservation
Courses & Curriculum Master’s in history online classes that bring the past to life
Our online MA in History program goes beyond the memorization of facts. It's specifically designed to advance the applications and relevancy of history while strengthening your research and writing skills. Throughout this 33-credit program, you'll develop critical-thinking strategies that can be applied to research, writing, publishing and government work.
Master’s in history online concentrations
Try the general track. Or, if you'd like to specialize your knowledge, you can either pick one of 3 concentrations or choose from a range of courses you're interested in.
American History
Explore major political, cultural, social and economic shifts in American society in the Master of Arts (MA) in History with a concentration in American History program. Taking a broad look at American history, you'll study the significant factors that have shaped our country.
From the colonization of America all the way through to the current day, you'll analyze the rise of the U.S. as a global power. By applying a historian's tools to your own interests, you can graduate from the program as a true American history scholar.
After you finish your core history courses, you'll take 5 American history courses and complete a unique capstone experience to round out your concentration in American history.
Career outlook:
With an online master's in American history, you could pursue careers in research, writing, teaching, government or publishing. The knowledge you'll gain is applicable to government, nonprofit and corporate entities.
Courses may include:
- Early American Encounters
- Era of the Civil War
- The Gilded Age and Progressive Era
- America and the World Wars
Military History
In the Master of Arts (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 societies. In the process, you'll hone your research, writing and communication skills, making yourself more marketable to employers.
The online master’s in military history 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 needed to work in a variety of fields.
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 may have the opportunity to 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 44% 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
Protect historical artifacts and communicate cultural narratives by earning your online Master of Arts (MA) in History with a concentration in Public History degree. 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 this program's courses are geared toward understanding the tools of public history, as opposed to diving into historical content or periods. The curriculum 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 program may be a good choice for you.
Focusing on practical and business skills you can put to work in public settings, this program can 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 may 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
Master’s in history online degree courses
This program's core classes focus on historical methods and research skills that enable you to accurately and convincingly explain the past. You'll have the option of exploring history through traditional coursework focused on research and writing, or by investigating subjects pertinent to public history, like understanding the latest technology for digitizing history.
Courses may include:
Historiography
Course ID:
HIS 501
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.
Historical Methods
Course ID:
HIS 502
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.
Comparative History and Research
Course ID:
HIS 510
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.
Historical Lenses and Scholarship
Course ID:
HIS 520
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.
Research Seminar for Historians (Capstone)
Course ID:
HIS 790
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.
Capstone for Research Historians
Course ID:
HIS 791
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.
Visit the course catalog to view the full MA in History curriculum.
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: 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.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: Feb. 2, 2026 | Apr. 20, 2026
Next term starts:
November 10, 2025
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
10-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our history faculty members are dedicated to your success. Whether they're engaging with you on discussion boards, communicating concepts and ideas or helping you explore your passions, SNHU history instructors strive to make your learning experience valuable and memorable.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Robert Denning
A "history of mathematics" course first ignited Denning's interest in history when he realized he liked the history more than the math. Since then, he's earned 3 degrees in history and teaches full time at SNHU.
Position
Associate Dean, Liberal Arts
Joined SNHU
2013
Education
- BA in History from California State University, Sacramento
- MA in History from California State University, Sacramento
- PhD in History from Ohio State University
"There is a strong sense of community among historians, which is evident in the ways that instructors and students interact with each other in classes, in our student clubs and in our online faculty community."
Read more about Dr. Robert Denning and other online faculty at SNHU.
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 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.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 250,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Additional Program Requirements
Personal statement (500-600 words) that addresses the student’s interest in the field of history. Students in this program are expected to have a mastery of college-level writing.
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online graduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 33-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$659
$1,977
$21,747
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$15,510
*before previously earned credits are applied
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 vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$659 $1,977 $3,954 $5,931If 1 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $21,088
If 3 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $19,770
If 6 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $17,793
If 9 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,816
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. This master's degree requires 33 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 9 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer credits toward your master's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of an online graduate tuition discount for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Take advantage of an online tuition discount through your organization’s partnership with SNHU. Check with your employer to see if your organization partners with us and if you’re eligible for additional tuition savings and partner education benefits.
Career Outlook What can I do with a master’s in history online degree?
Our MA in History program 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. You'll learn advanced research, analysis and presentation techniques, while developing your ability to plan and execute projects.
Industries
Once you complete our online master's in history program, you'll have a skill set that's directly applicable to a number of industries, including:
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 physical and digital records.
3%
Increase in roles nationally for historians through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
$72,890
Median annual pay nationally for historians as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.
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 are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
I wanted to find a program that would allow for advancement in my career in the museum field.
Audra Kantor '21G
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online master's degrees taken seriously?
Respected public and private schools across the U.S. offer online master's degrees in history.
As a pioneer in online higher education, Southern New Hampshire University has decades of experience providing high-quality degrees both online and on campus. Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), SNHU remains committed to increasing access to high-quality degree programs.
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 2 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.
Learn about how a master's in history can be worth it.
Is a master's in history worth it?
That depends largely on your career goals, but it certainly can be! Earning your master's degree in history can prepare you for numerous positions in a wide range of industries, 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 many years is a master's in history?
Completing a master's degree program typically takes 1-2 years.
However, if you take 2 courses at a time over 6 terms, you could earn your master's in history degree in as few as 15 months at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Our programs were built with busy learners in mind, so the time it takes to earn your degree is largely up to your goals and schedule.
Additionally, SNHU's transfer credit policy allows you to transfer up to 9 credits toward our MA in History degree, which could help you graduate faster.
Can you get a master's in history online?
Yes, you can earn your master's degree in history online.
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Master of Arts in History degree program alongside 3 concentrations: American history, military history and public history.
Our online programs provide the flexibility needed to pursue your 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 your school and program of choice.
At Southern New Hampshire University, we're committed to keeping higher education affordable. At $659/credit — one of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation — SNHU's 33-credit Master of Arts in History has a total tuition cost of just $21,747.
Do I need a master's in history to get a PhD in history?
You might not need a master’s degree to enter a PhD program. Many programs accept students with just a bachelor's degree. However, getting your master's degree first can strengthen your application and better prepare you for the demands of doctoral study.
Some PhD programs may expect specific coursework or strong research experience, which a master's degree can help you get. But remember, admission requirements for PhD programs vary by school and field, so it’s important to do your research to see if a master’s degree is required for the program you're interested in.
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Sources & Citations
1Bureau 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 Apr. 19, 2024)
- 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.