5 Best Online Master’s in History Programs

The American Public University System is a private, for-profit institution offering two comprehensive online history programs – the Master of Arts in History (36 credit hours) and the Master of Arts in Military History (36 credit hours), with multiple specializations. These top-notch online master’s programs in history go beyond merely examining historical facts.

They help understand how these historical facts impact society and shape subsequent history. APUS boasts a high financial aid rate of 84% for student support, with an average aid amounting to $5,082. The program’s flexibility is enhanced by using the D2L Bright Space system. It allows students to progress at their own pace. This makes the program suitable for part-time students.

The school has a high A+ Salary Score, meaning graduates start with a good average salary of $52,904.  

• Core Courses: Historiography, Research Methods, and U.S. Military History
• Ideal Candidates: APUS’s online history program is perfect for aspiring historians seeking flexibility, financial support, and diverse career pathways in a highly accessible learning environment.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers an online Master of Arts in History with 36 credit hours, ranked #8 in top public schools. It is a nonprofit school, ranked #8 in Top Public Schools, and offers a history program at an attractive in-state tuition rate. They offer online programs—802 for undergraduates, 1,655 for graduate students, and 53 certification courses.

UNK is a great choice for an online Master of Arts in History. The school prepares students for leadership roles and research projects in their academic and professional careers. Once you graduate, you can have archaeology, education, or museum management jobs.

Moreover, UNK is a financially supportive institution. 95% of students get an average of $7,441 in aid. The mean salary after graduation is $50,130.

• Core Courses: America Interpreted, Historical Methods, and Digital History
• Ideal Candidates: This program suits aspiring historians seeking a flexible online Master of Arts in History featuring a comprehensive curriculum, financial support, and diverse career pathways within a reputable nonprofit institution.

Arizona State University offers two online Master’s degrees in History: Master of Arts in World War II Studies (30 credit hours) and Master of Arts in History (30 credit hours). You can complete these programs in about a year. They offer engaging classes that take you through different historical periods.

ASU is a great school, especially in terms of financial support. 92% of students receive aid, averaging $12,201. Due to increased job prospects with this program, most students (92%) manage to repay their loans on time. ASU scores an A for how much graduates earn, kicking off with an average salary of $49,412.

As a public university, ASU is highly recommended by many students (90% recommendation rate). If you’re considering a budget friendly online Master’s degree, ASU is a reliable choice.

• Core Courses: North American History and Global History
• Ideal Candidates: ASU’s online Master’s degrees in history, with engaging classes and financial support, are suitable for those seeking efficient, comprehensive programs with a high recommendation rate and lucrative career prospects.

The University of Louisiana at Monroe is a great choice for online Master’s in history programs. They have a flexible, four-year program that’s 100% online. Students need 30 credits to graduate, and each credit costs about $500 for both in-state and out-of-state.

Students have 27 elective credits and a research methods course. A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA and 18 credits in social sciences or humanities is required to get admission. As part of the program, students must complete a 10-page book review, honors thesis, or research paper.

ULM has affordable tuition fees compared to other university program costs. In-state undergraduates pay about $5,788, and graduate students pay $6,490. For out-of-state students, it’s $17,888 for undergraduates and $18,590 for graduate history programs. They have 8,673 students, and 43% are enrolled in online programs.

• Core Courses: Law, Citizenship, and Public Policy
• Ideal Candidate: This program is great for students seeking a flexible and affordable online Master’s in history. It’s all online, focusing on law, citizenship, and public policy. It’s a great option for convenience and a specific study area.

Florida International University in Miami has an excellent online master’s program in history. The program takes about four years and is available online and on campus. Students need 30 credits to graduate, and it’s affordable at around $500 per credit for both in-state and out-of-state.

The program covers Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. It includes a historical methods course and a two-semester research seminar. It requires a 3.25 GPA in upper-level undergraduate coursework and 12 history credits.

FIU is known for its affordable college tuition. In-state undergraduates pay about $4,721, and graduate students pay $8,912. With careful research, you might even find free master programs in their system. Out-of-state students pay $16,529 for undergraduates and $21,393 for graduate programs. FIU is a top choice, especially for those looking for advanced degrees, with 68% of students enrolled in online programs.

• Core Courses: Law, Government, and Academia
• Ideal Candidate: FIU’s online master’s in history is great for people who want an affordable and flexible program, available online or on-campus. Students of these programs study various global regions, making it perfect for budding historians with at least a 3.25 GPA in relevant courses.