2024 Best Online Masters in Military History Programs

If you have an interest in the history and effects of warfare and military institutions, you might consider pursuing a masters in military history.

In this type of program, you’ll study a number of topics related to the military’s role in historical world events. This degree can help you understand and critically analyze military operations, from both the past and present, as well as their aftereffects.

Earning a masters in this field can also help you grow your professional qualifications and develop advanced writing and research skills.

Universities Offering Online Masters in Military History Degree Program

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

American Public University

American Public University offers an online program for a Master of Arts in Military History. The program requires the completion of 36 credits. Courses are 8 or 16 weeks long. Students can choose a concentration in American Military History, American Revolution, Civil War, World War II, or War Since 1945.

APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers an online program for a Master of Arts in World War II Studies. The program is the first of its kind in the nation and features a total of 10 classes. Each class is 7.5 weeks long. Students can gain access to primary sources through ASU’s partnership with the National World War II Museum.

Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University offers a Master of Arts in History that can be earned online or on campus. All students must choose a guided elective primary and a secondary field. Field options include Military History, World History, and US History. Completion of a thesis is optional.

Austin Peay State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Hawai’i Pacific University

Hawai’i Pacific University offers a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and Military Studies. Classes are available on weekends and evenings and online, and students can study full-time or part-time. The curriculum has a strong international focus and provides many elective options. The program’s instructors have experience working in the military, intelligence, and international relations.

Hawai’i Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers a Master of Arts in Military Operations—Military History that can be earned 100% online. The degree requires the completion of 36 hours and can potentially be completed in 1.5 years. Courses are completed in 8 week blocks and have no set login times so students can work at their own pace.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Norwich University

Norwich University’s Master of Arts in Military History can be completed entirely online and usually takes 18 months to finish. Class sizes are capped at just 15 students. The curriculum consists of courses such as Introduction to History and Historiography, Global Military History to 1800, and Military Thought and Theory. Completion of a thesis is optional.

Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University offers a Master of Arts in History. Students in the program may choose a track in Rights and Identity, War and Violence, or Encounters and Exchanges. Thesis and non-thesis options are available. The degree is available entirely online or in a combination of online and on-campus classes.

Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire State University offers an MA in History with a concentration in Military History. Students may work at their own pace and potentially finish in just 15 months. The program requires the completion of 33 credit hours. The curriculum consists of courses such as Historiography, Historical Methods, Comparative History and Research, and Capstone for Research Historians.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

The Citadel

The Citadel offers a fully online, 30 credit program for a Master of Arts in Military History. The school also offers a dual degree option that allows students to simultaneously earn a Graduate Certificate in Military Leadership by completing two additional credit hours. The curriculum emphasizes analytical thought and research. Students are usually able to graduate within 2 years.

The Citadel is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Missouri – Columbia

The University of Missouri—Columbia offers a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours of coursework that can be completed entirely online. Each course is 8 weeks long, and students typically take two or three courses at a time.

The University of Missouri – Columbia is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online Masters in Military History Programs

Military history graduate programs can teach you to understand, appreciate, and analyze history as well as to apply your analysis to contemporary and future events.

A military history program provides a comprehensive guide through the expansive study of the evolution of warfare and military institutions, including:

• The consequences of war, including internationally and globally
• The technology that influences armed conflict
• How war affects countries, populations, and society as a whole
• Civil-military relations
• The experience of combat
• The human dimension of war
• The impact of war on diplomacy
• Race and gender in military history

These topics provide the opportunity for you to delve into military and war-specific history, and it can give you the chance to expand your perspective on the world.

An online masters degree program in military history is designed to help you build a number of skills throughout your education. Some of the skills that you may find yourself developing in the program can include:

• Communication
• Writing
• Critical analysis
• Advanced research
• Information presentation
• Project management

If you are passionate about history, you might consider applying your knowledge in an educational setting. Aside from teaching, graduates tend to pursue work as curators, archivists, or military historians. Those interested in military history often go on to work for the government or historical societies.

Military History Careers & Salaries

Earning a masters degree in military history can help you qualify for a variety of careers in the field of education, history, and research.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some of the career paths related to the advanced study of military history.

While some of these careers can be obtained with just a bachelor’s, like a bachelor’s degree in military science, furthering your education may enable you to increase your earning potential, advance your current career, or enter into a new sector.

The positions you may qualify for can depend on a number of factors, such as your work experience, your educational background, your chosen industry, and your employer.

Military History Master’s Curriculum & Courses

Master’s in military history degree programs provide you with an overview of the cause and effects of military functions and how they have developed over time. The courses in this type of program may include:

• American Military History: This course covers the history of war in America, including wars such as the Civil War, the Frontier Wars, and the Cold War. You’ll also explore how these wars impacted the development of militant institutions in the United States.
• Race and Gender in Military History: This course covers the history of the military as seen through the experiences of those involved in racial integration and women’s participation in warfare.
• Conflict Studies: This course studies the structural mechanisms that cause conflict.
• Amphibious Warfare: This course teaches you about how warfare attacks by sea changed military strategy.
• Total War: This course covers historical massive wars that were either continental or intercontinental, including the French Revolution, the Cold War, the American Civil War, and the World Wars.
• The Red Army: This course studies the 1918 Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic and their effects on the German Invasion.
• Non-Western Military History: This course surveys major historical events in the military history of the non-European world, including the Middle East, India, Latin America, and beyond.
• History of Military Thought: This course discusses military theory development and practice, and it focuses on important figures, major campaigns, social and economic factors, and differences in military theories throughout cultures.
• Napoleonic Wars: This course analyzes the effects of this series of wars on Europe and how it led to French dominion.
• The Hundred Years’ War: This course explores the long-term effects of this war on intercontinental trade and nobility.

Your specific curriculum will depend on your chosen program, as coursework can vary from school to school.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for online masters degree programs in military history typically include:

• Official undergraduate transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• GRE scores (not required by all schools)
• Personal statement
• Graduate resume

While these guidelines generally apply to online MA in Military History programs, it’s beneficial to check each individual school in order to confirm their specific admission requirements. For instance, some schools may allow letters of recommendation to come from personal references, while others may require them to come solely from professional references.

Accreditation

When you are looking for online masters degree programs in military history, it is essential to make sure that your chosen school is regionally accredited before applying. A school with regional accreditation has met certain quality standards, and its students are able to receive federal financial aid if they qualify.

Accredited schools meet widely accepted educational standards, so having a degree from an accredited institution can be advantageous when applying for jobs or trying to transfer credits to another school. For more information on accreditation, you can take a look at the website for the US Department of Education.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

When researching military history masters online programs, you can also explore your financial aid options. You could choose to talk to a financial counselor at the school of your choice to see what they recommend.

Depending on your work circumstances, you may also have grant or tuition reimbursement options through your employer. To see if you qualify for need-based aid through the federal government, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Common forms of federal aid include student loans and work-study programs. While loans need to be repaid after graduation, student loans are known for having lower interest rates.

What Is a Military History Masters Degree?

A military history masters degree is designed to help you develop an advanced understanding of the complex factors that contribute to warfare as well as the history of armed conflict and military campaigns.

Students who engage in this field of study dive into historical research and analysis to better understand armed conflict. You can also learn about the art of writing history, such as writing historical narratives surrounding armed conflicts.

These military subjects are viewed through many different lenses, with the intent to help you think critically and develop narratives to preserve history and inform future discussions and decisions.

What Can You Do with an Online Masters Degree in Military History?

An online masters in military history may provide you with the opportunity to pursue a variety of career options, especially in the fields of education and research.

If you value preserving history, you might be able to work in museums or libraries as an archivist or curator. With your learned narrative skills, you might also pursue a career as a teacher, a professor, or an author. Becoming a historian, such as a military historian, is another common path for graduates.

Professionals with a background in military history also tend to pursue work for the government or the military, often as officers, intelligence agents, or even US ambassadors.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s Degree in Military History Online?

The amount of time that it takes to complete your master’s degree in military history depends on your individual circumstances as well as the school and program you decide to take part in. Generally, a master’s program takes about 2 years to complete with full-time study.

If your program of choice does not require a thesis and consists of around 36 credit hours, you may be able to complete it in 1 year with full-time, year-round enrollment, including during the summer. Part-time enrollment will often add to your overall time to completion.

How Much Does an Online Military History Masters Degree Cost?

When considering which school to attend in order to receive your master’s degree in military history online, it’s helpful to consider the overall cost.

There are many affordable history degree online programs that provide the flexibility you might need in order to attend graduate school while living your day-to-day life. While tuition varies between schools, you can expect to pay between $250 to $630 per credit hour.

Comparing costs and other benefits of each school—such as accreditation, admission requirements, and class format—may help you determine which college or university is right for you.

Is a Master in Military History Online Degree Worth It?

Yes, a master in military history online degree is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for historians is expected to grow at a steady rate of 4% over the next ten years. A masters is typically the minimum educational requirement for historians.

Other positions in the field are expected to see faster than average growth. For instance, 12% job growth is projected for archivists, curators, and museum workers (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Professionals in this field tend to work for government agencies or historical societies. Others may go into education, teaching history at the middle school, high school, or junior college level.

Getting Your Masters in Military History Online

If you have a passion for the history of the military and warfare, an online masters degree in military history can help you expand your knowledge and qualifications in this growing field.

An online military history degree masters program can help you develop versatile skills, such as communication, writing, research, and critical analysis. Most professionals in the field apply their expertise as historians, archivists, conservators, researchers, or educators.

You can start exploring accredited military friendly colleges and universities today to find the masters program in military history that’s the best fit for you.