An associate degree in military history is a versatile program that can equip you with research, effective communication, and critical thinking skills.
An associate can help prepare you for entry-level roles or further education in the field. The program can introduce you to weapons systems used in past warfare, theories and practice of US military operations and strategic planning, and national and global warfare.
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You can use the research skills you’ve developed to analyze primary and secondary resources, such as historical documents and scholarly journals, to gain different perspectives on military theory and practice.
Online Associate Degrees in Military History
An Associate of Arts degree in military history introduces you to basic research methods and critical thinking skills as you develop a foundational understanding of the United States Armed Forces and historical warfare.
Military history degrees are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Each degree level increases in depth in terms of historical research methods and critical and analytical thinking. At the associate’s level, students are introduced to several aspects of the U.S. government and its military operations throughout history.
Key subject areas explored in this program can include:
- American foreign policy
- National and global warfare
- Weapons systems
- Historical research methods
Studying these subject areas can allow you to gain a broad understanding of military operations throughout history. You’ll analyze US foreign relations, US military involvement in past wars, and technological advancements in weapons systems.
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Skills and knowledge gained throughout the program may prepare you for a variety of careers in the government, military, and education sectors. Examples of entry-level career paths you might consider with an associate’s degree in military history include:
- Protective service worker
- Enlisted personnel
- Museum worker
- Military analyst
- Law enforcement
If you wish to earn a mid-to senior-level position in the field, you may consider using the program as a stepping stone toward a higher degree. Some schools partner with other educational institutions to make it easier to transfer into a bachelor’s program.
Earning your associate’s degree online can help you complete your general education studies while enhancing your skills and knowledge in the field you’re interested in. Professionals who desire a more flexible learning schedule may find a military history online degree program helpful in balancing their education with their home and work life.
Military History Careers and Salaries
Completing an associates degree in military history can help you develop critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and research skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers.
Some graduates enlist in the US Armed Forces. The salaries of enlisted military personnel can widely vary depending on their rank and cumulative time served. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the annual median salaries of potential careers associated with the study of military history.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $83,640 |
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | $64,610 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | $59,380 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | $49,720 |
| Museum Technicians and Conservators | $47,630 |
| Transportation Security Screeners | $45,470 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $38,210 |
| Library Technicians and Assistants | $34,050 |
| Security Guards | $31,470 |
| Teacher Assistants | $29,360 |
While most careers listed may be pursued with an associate’s degree, some careers are more obtainable with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Job availability and salaries can depend on the level of education, work experience, and geographic location, among other factors. These are just a few examples of jobs you may seek with a military history or military studies degree.
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General education coursework offered in the program can also help you develop skills and knowledge that are applicable to other related fields.
Military History Associate’s Curriculum & Courses
The first half of an associate’s degree program is typically spent completing general education coursework in English composition, natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, and fine arts.
The following are core and elective courses that may be offered in an associate’s military history degree program:
- American History: You’re introduced to the history of America from a social, political, and economic perspective.
- United States Military History: This course is typically split into two parts to study American military groups from colonial militia to national and global warfare involvement.
- Introduction to Political Science: Political science concepts, theories, and ideologies are explored, along with foreign and international relations policies.
- Introduction to Terrorism: Types of terrorism, known terrorist groups, and counterterrorism strategies are studied in this course.
- The US Civil War: This course examines the events leading up to the American Civil War, major groups and battles during the war, and their impact on the nation.
- World War I: You’ll learn about events that led to the start of the first World War, and you’ll study how the US became involved and what role the American military played.
- World War II: This course studies global issues and interactions that led to the start of WWII, along with key events and the political, economic, and social impacts.
- Introduction to Research: You’ll learn about research processes and methods using diverse resources.
- Weapons of Mass Destruction: Various types of weapons of mass destruction are examined, along with how they’ve been used in warfare.
- Principles of War: You’ll learn about the nine principles of the conduct of war using historical resources.
You’ll examine research methods to gain an understanding of how primary and secondary historical resources are used to analyze past events. You’ll also learn to think critically about the impacts of these events.
Admissions Requirements
Although admissions requirements can vary depending on the school or program, these are some general requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent. Colleges and universities often request high school transcripts or proof of GED completion.
- Application questions and fee. Some schools may waiver the application fee under special circumstances.
- Statement of purpose. This can be used as an opportunity to tell the admissions office about your interests and prior achievements.
You can check a school’s specific admissions criteria before applying.
Accreditation
Colleges and universities can seek regional accreditation through regional accrediting organizations to assure students that their resources, faculty, and facilities meet or exceed quality standards. Although schools aren’t required to apply for accreditation, the accreditation status of a school can have an impact on certain things for students.
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For instance, nonaccredited schools may not meet specific requirements to allow students to receive federal financial aid. Other factors include potential credit transferability and employment opportunities. Colleges and universities often only accept credit transfers from accredited programs. Employers may consider the accreditation status of your school when reviewing your educational background.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid can be awarded to students in the form of state or federal aid, grants, loans, and scholarships. State and federal financial aid have certain eligibility requirements.
Federal aid is income-based assistance that factors in things like enrollment status and cost of tuition. You can submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the US Department of Education to find out if you’re eligible for federal aid.
Scholarships are another form of financial assistance for qualifying students. This form of financial aid can be awarded by colleges or universities, nonprofits or charities, and other types of organizations. You can apply to as many scholarships as you’re qualified for to potentially increase your chances of winning one or more scholarships.
Some scholarships are based upon academic or athletic merit, while others can be specific to a major, certain groups of people, or location.
What Is an Associates in Military History Degree?
An associate in a military history degree is a two-year undergraduate program that teaches students about military theory and practice, including the history of the US Armed Forces and its involvement in key events.
The curriculum of a military history associate’s program involves the study of American domestic and foreign relations, US history, and national and global warfare. It also explores the social, economic, and political impacts of war. A large portion of major coursework is research and writing intensive.
You may analyze primary and secondary resources to gain an understanding of past military operational procedures that have shaped the present.
What Can You Do with an Associate Degree in Military History?
An associate in military history can help you develop effective communication, research, writing, and critical thinking skills, which can be applied to a diverse range of entry-level occupations.
If you’re interested in the US Armed Forces, you might consider a military service position. Enlisted personnel positions can include administrative personnel, combat specialty personnel, public affairs personnel, and more. Some graduates pursue positions as military analysts, protective service workers, or law enforcement.
If you’re interested in historical research, you may consider a career as a museum worker or teacher. Further education may be required for these types of positions.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate in Military History Degree Online?
Program lengths can vary between schools, but most programs require around 60 credit hours. It generally takes 2 years to complete an associate’s degree if you’re enrolled full-time in a traditional, 16-week semester program.
If you enroll as a part-time student, it can take longer to complete your degree. Some colleges offer accelerated programs that follow an 8-week semester schedule. If you choose this program schedule and stay continuously enrolled year-round, you may be able to finish in less than 2 years.
What Jobs Can You Get with an Associate Degree in Military History?
A military history associate’s degree can be used for a number of entry-level careers in the private and public sector, such as:
- Police officer
- Enlisted personnel
- Private detective or investigator
- Military analyst
- Security contractor
- Department of Defense employee
Police officers and other law enforcement workers typically require additional training through an academy. The US Armed Forces may recognize an associate’s degree when determining rank.
Most private detectives and investigators are self-employed or work for investigation, armored cars, and guard services. These professionals collect evidence, conduct surveillance, and search public records to gather information for their clients.
Is an Associate’s in Military History Degree Worth It?
Yes, an associate’s in military history degree is worth it for many students.
You can often complete your general education studies and gain a foundation in military history in 2 years or less. A military history program can also equip you with a diverse skill set in written and oral communication, research, analysis, and critical thinking. These versatile skills can be applied in a number of fields.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, protective service occupations are projected to grow at a steady rate of 2% over the next ten years. Education, training, and library occupations are expected to see 7% job growth over that same period.
Universities Offering Online Associate in Military History Degree Programs
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 offers an Associate of Arts in Military History. Potential classes include Survey of American Military History, Readings in Military Philosophy, and War from Antiquity to 1700. Classes can be attended online and are 8 to 16 weeks long. Up to 45 qualifying credits from outside institutions may be transferred in toward the program’s 60 required credits.
APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Arizona State University offers an Associate of Arts in Military Studies. This program is intended to provide accredited training for enlisted personnel serving as sailors, marines, or coast guard members. The curriculum is housed 100% online. Classes cover key topics like global history, American government, political science, statistics, and ethics.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Columbia Southern University offers an Associate of Science in Military Studies. This program aims to equip current and future servicemembers with critical thinking, analytical, creative, and problem-solving skills. The curriculum spans 60 credit hours. Potential courses include Introduction to Physical Security, Military Problem Solving and Leadership, and Military Fitness.
Columbia Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Delaware County Community College offers an Associate of Arts in History. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of United States history from diverse cultural, social, political, economic, and military perspectives. The completion of a minimum of 61 credit hours is required to graduate. Classes are housed primarily online.
Delaware County Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Liberty University offers an Associate of Arts in Military History. Graduates often pursue careers as defense contractors, security analysts, or military strategists. Classes meet 100% online and are 8 weeks long. On average, the program’s 60 required credits can be completed in 1.5 years.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Midlands Technical College offers an Associate of Arts in History. Potential courses include Cultural Anthropology, American Military History, and Public Speaking. Courses can be completed primarily online, though hands-on learning experiences may be available. Part-time students typically finish the 60 required credits in 8 semesters, while full-time students usually finish in 4 semesters.
Midlands Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an Associate of Arts in Military History. The curriculum covers interpersonal communication, problem solving, military theory, and diverse historical contexts. The program utilizes an entirely online learning model. Up to 45 qualifying credits from outside institutions may be transferred in toward the program’s 60 required credits.
The University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Getting Your Associate Degree in Military History Online
If you enjoy diving into historical topics and want to develop critical thinking and research skills, then you might consider pursuing an associate’s degree in military history online.
Whether it’s an associates, a bachelors, or a masters in military history online or on campus, this degree program brings multiple disciplines together—including political science, history, and military studies—to discover how military operations and strategies have changed and evolved over time.
You’ll examine historical documents, scholarly journals, and other prominent literary works in order to study theories and events from different perspectives.
You can begin your educational journey today by researching associate’s degree programs in military history from accredited institutions.
