5 Best Online Master’s in History Programs 2025
Key Takeaways
- An online master’s in history degree can lead to career opportunities in education, research, museums, and more.
- The best online master’s programs have a solid academic reputation, expert faculty, and numerous research opportunities.
- Many of the online master’s programs in history in our ranking are not only among the best in the United States, but also very affordable, with tuition lower than the national average.
Best Online Master's in History Programs in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best online master’s in history programs saw a considerable amount of shuffling. Florida International University was able to gain the most ranking positions as the university further developed its Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Institute, offering students hands-on opportunities in AI, machine learning, and big data research. The university has also enhanced its sustainability initiatives, incorporating renewable energy projects and eco-friendly campus upgrades, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Additionally, FIU has upgraded its online learning platforms, providing more flexible and interactive options for students pursuing remote degrees. These updates reflect FIU’s focus on technological innovation, sustainability, and accessibility for diverse learners.
For those with a passion for studying the past, a master’s in history can lead to exciting career opportunities in education, research, museums, and more. However, taking time off to attend traditional on-campus programs is not feasible for all aspiring historians.
Fortunately, more colleges and universities now offer high-quality online master’s degrees in history, allowing students the flexibility to advance their education on their own time. We spotlight the top online history master’s programs to help prospective students find the right fit.
Featured Programs
Top 5 History Master’s Program Online
Enrolling in an online master’s program in history allows students to balance advanced qualifications with employment and family obligations. The below ranking list of universities considers essential factors such as enrollment prices, placement services, statistics, and class size. Pick the one that seems most suitable for you from these top-ranking universities.
- #3 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #23 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
67%
Student body
85K
Career Outlook for History degree at Arizona State University
Cost of Degree: $13,389Expenses: $21,219Starting Salary: $43,867Salary after 4 years: $54,004Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryArizona 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.
- #6 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
69%
Student body
72K
Median SAT/ACT
1155/23
Career Outlook for History degree at Florida International University
Cost of Degree: $11,334Expenses: $19,406Starting Salary: $41,100Salary after 4 years: $50,599Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryFlorida 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.
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
54%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1100/22
Career Outlook for History degree at University of Nebraska at Kearney
Cost of Degree: $7,866Expenses: $17,784Starting Salary: $36,200Salary after 4 years: $44,566Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe 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.
- #7 Best Research Universities in Louisiana 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #2 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
51%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1202/22
Career Outlook for History degree at University of Louisiana at Monroe
Cost of Degree: $9,400Expenses: $17,458Starting Salary: $36,595Salary after 4 years: $45,052Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe 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.
- #2 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in West Virginia 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
55%
Student body
94K
Career Outlook for History degree at American Public University System
Cost of Degree: $8,160Starting Salary: $47,198Salary after 4 years: $52,502The 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.
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Related Questions
What are the key criteria for finding the best online master’s in history programs?
The program’s credibility, faculty expertise, academic reputation, research opportunities, curriculum diversity and flexibility, online learning platforms, and technological resources contribute to its quality.
Can I do a master’s in history in one year?
Usually, it takes about two years to finish a Master’s degree. Schools like APUS offer accelerated programs where students can complete their master’s degree in one year.
Is 30 too late to start a master’s degree in history?
No, 30 isn’t too late to start on your history master’s degree! On average, people in graduate school are around 33 years old. Some might be younger, others older. Age is just a number in a grad school class.
Conclusion
Pursuing an online Master’s program ensures future historians excel in their ambitions and embrace the possibilities. There are plenty of good options to start your history master’s program online.
These online programs offer flexibility and transformative learning experiences, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to study the past. With this blog, you can choose the one that suits your requirements and start your online master’s journey.
