If you have a passion for history and are interested in examining military history through various viewpoints, a masters in military history may be an ideal graduate program for you.
Students in this program can gain an in-depth understanding of the causes and effects of warfare, study the great military thinkers and philosophers, and further historical research.
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Graduates often pursue careers in government agencies, historical societies, museums, archives, education, and nonprofit agencies. A military history masters program can also lay a foundation for doctoral studies.
Masters in Military History Programs Online
A master’s in military history can be beneficial for individuals who have a passion for military history and wish to develop their research, analysis, and critical thinking skills at an advanced level.
Students of this program study past military conflicts, pivotal military moments in world history, contemporary issues in the military today, and key military figures, strategists, and thinkers. In addition to studying military history, students can develop skills in military leadership, in-depth research, academic writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
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Many programs cover a wide range of topics, from specific conflicts and time periods to understanding the human element of war. While exact courses and topics will vary by program, below are some key topics that are usually covered in military history graduate programs:
- Advances in technological warfare
- Social effects of war during and after
- Consequences of war
- Evolution of warfare
- Military strategy
- Military concepts and philosophy
- Diplomacy
- Archival studies
- Amphibious warfare
- Non-Western military history
Some courses may also cover relevant issues in military history, including race and gender in the military. You can also learn how historical narratives shape our perception of history and gain an understanding of how historians gain information and craft narratives.
Some programs offer military history concentrations that focus on specific time periods or conflicts, such as the World Wars or the Cold War. Graduates are often prepared for careers in education, government, law, military, research, academia, and consulting, among other areas.
Common roles in this field include military historian, military officer, history educator, archivist, curator, or museum worker.
Common Military History Master’s Concentrations
As you explore earning your master’s in military history, you may find programs that offer the opportunity to choose a military history concentration.
Listed below are some common concentrations you may find in military history graduate programs:
- American Military History. This concentration focuses on conflicts from the American Revolution to the Cold War.
- American Revolution. This concentration focuses on examining all factors leading up to the American Revolution and analyzing the building of a nation in its wake.
- Civil War. This concentration examines the military, political, economic, social, and cultural issues related to the Civil War, including obscure yet critical figures.
- World War II. This concentration focuses on the politics, strategies, leaders, campaigns, and theaters of Allied and Axis powers during WWII.
- War Since 1945. This concentration includes a focus on World War II, the Cold War, and the US response to contemporary conflicts in the Middle East.
Many programs with concentrations will require a certain number required core classes, with the option to choose courses of interest based on your concentration.
Military History Careers and Salaries
Graduates who have earned their masters in military history degrees online may expand their career opportunities and increase their earning potential.
Graduates interested in research may explore opportunities to analyze information with research organizations or continue their research at a postsecondary institution. Students interested in working with historical objects and documents may find opportunities in museums, archives, historical societies, or historic preservation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries of some careers that are related to the study of military history.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Information Security Analysts | $102,600 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $79,640 |
| Writers and Authors | $69,510 |
| Historians | $63,940 |
| Editors | $63,350 |
| High School Teachers | $61,820 |
| Curators | $60,110 |
| Archivists | $60,050 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $48,370 |
| Museum Technicians and Conservators | $47,630 |
Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in this field tend to pay higher than average salaries, with steady job growth for historians anticipated to continue.
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Many graduates end up employed by government organizations at every level, including the Department of Defense and Homeland Security. Graduates with strong writing skills may find opportunities writing for publications, writing their own books, or working as freelance writers.
Master of Military History Curriculum & Courses
While your exact curriculum will vary based on your program and potential concentration, below are some common courses included in military history graduate programs:
- Historical Research Methods: Students in this course will develop the essential research, critical thinking, and writing skills needed for historical study.
- Archival Studies: This course focuses on the technical skills and knowledge needed at all archiving stages, including public education and grant writing.
- Historiography: This course focuses on studying historical thought, how history has been interpreted, and the use of historical narratives.
- Amphibious Warfare: This course examines the political, diplomatic, and economic effects of amphibious warfare and amphibious actions and operations.
- Non-Western Military History: In this course, you’ll focus on key forces in the 19th and 20th centuries, including China, Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
- Studies in US Military History: This course provides an in-depth study from the colonial period through today, including tactics, battles, and military policy.
- Race and Gender in Military History: Students in this course will study key topics on racial and gender integration in the military, including women in warfare.
- 20th Century America: Key topics covered in this course include foreign conflicts, immigration, and the struggles for equality for women and minorities.
- Museum Studies: Students in this course will learn the skills needed to work in museums, including the required ethical and professional responsibilities.
- Great Military Philosophers: Students in this course will study military concepts and thoughts from philosophers, including Sun Tzu, Machiavelli, and T.E. Lawrence.
If your program includes a thesis component, you may be required to take thesis courses to prepare you for completing your thesis project.
Admissions Requirements
While admissions requirements can vary by school, below are some common criteria for applying to a military history masters online program:
- Bachelor’s degree, not necessarily in a related area
- Resume detailing your educational and professional experience
- Letters of recommendation or professional references
- Official school transcripts
- GRE or GMAT scores (not required by all schools)
In addition to the requirements listed, most programs require the completion of an online application and payment of an application fee.
Accreditation
The process of accreditation ensures that a school meets high educational standards. Of the various types of accreditation, regional accreditation is the most widely accepted.
As you look into master’s programs, some may only accept bachelor’s degrees earned from regionally accredited schools. Likewise, if you pursue additional education after your masters, most doctoral programs only accept master’s degrees earned from accredited institutions.
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You can visit the US Department of Education’s website to learn more about school accreditation.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
As you look into military history graduate programs, you can also look into the various financial aid opportunities that may be available to you.
You can research scholarship opportunities that are offered through schools, public institutions, and private organizations. You can also explore opportunities for assistance through government-funded grants or loans.
You can go to the Federal Student Aid website to learn more about the federal aid process and potential opportunities for need-based aid. Some schools also offer scholarships or financial aid for active-duty military and veterans. If you are currently active in the military, you can also look into military grants.
What Is a Masters in Military History?
A masters in military history is a graduate program that provides in-depth knowledge of military history and helps you develop advanced research, critical thinking, and analysis skills.
Students can study the social, political, historical, geographical, and cultural impact of warfare on societies from the beginning of civilization to the present. In addition to specific conflicts, courses focus on issues such as gender and race in the military, military thought and philosophy, and how historical narratives shape history.
Graduates may use their learned skills and knowledge to further historical research, educate others, write books, or pursue a doctoral degree in history.
What Can You Do with a Master in Military History Degree?
Graduates with a masters in military history have numerous career opportunities they can explore. Many graduates pursue opportunities in areas such as education, law, writing, information analysis, archiving and preservation, public education, and museum work.
Many also consider becoming military historians or even military officers or educators. Individuals interested in research may go on to pursue their PhD, while others may author books based on their research. Graduates may also find numerous opportunities within the local, state, or federal government, including sectors like the US Department of Defense.
How Much Money Can You Make with a Masters in Military History?
Job opportunities and salaries vary based on many factors, including where you live, your prior work experience, and your education.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most historians make between $37,310 and $118,380 each year. The median salary for these professionals is $63,940. Military history professionals may also pursue work as museum curators or archivists. The median salaries for these roles are $60,110 and $60,050, respectively.
Others enter the field of historical writing. The median salary for writers and authors is $69,510. While many postsecondary teaching positions require a PhD, there are often opportunities to teach at the community college level with a masters degree. The median salary for postsecondary history teachers is $78,130.
Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Military History Online?
Yes, you can earn your master’s in military history degree completely online. Online history degree programs offer the opportunity to gain the same knowledge and skills that you could gain going to classes on campus but with increased flexibility.
In addition to being able to access your program from any computer, many programs offer flexibility as to when you watch lectures, with 24/7 access to course materials. While some programs offer real-time courses that everyone participates in at the same time, other programs allow you to learn the material on your own schedule.
How Much Does an Online Masters in Military History Program Cost?
While tuition will vary, you can expect to pay between $370 to $719 per credit hour when pursuing a masters in military history. The cost for military history graduate programs will vary based on several factors, including the school you choose and any financial aid opportunities available to you.
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When comparing schools, it could be beneficial to compare each of their financial aid and scholarship offerings. Active duty military and veterans may explore options for military-based scholarships and military grants.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Masters Degree in Military History?
Most masters programs can be completed in 1 to 2 years with full-time study. The completion time for a military history masters online will vary based on several factors, including whether or not your program requires a thesis for completion.
For a 36-credit-hour program with no thesis required, you may be able to complete your degree within 1 year of full-time enrollment, including summer courses. If your program requires a thesis or if you are enrolled part-time, it may take longer than a year to complete your degree.
Is a Master in Military History Worth It?
Yes, a masters in military history is worth it for many students. Graduates can find career opportunities in a wide variety of industries, allowing for career flexibility and satisfaction.
Many graduates find employment in government agencies, schools, museums, nonprofit organizations, research organizations, and historical societies, to name a few. Graduates can also develop advanced research skills that may provide the opportunity to continue their research and author books on military history.
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According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers for historians are on the rise and expected to grow 4% over the next ten years.
Universities Offering Online Masters 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 a Master of Arts in Military History with concentrations in American Military History, American Revolution, Civil War, World War II, and War Since 1945. Classes meet online and are 8 to 16 weeks long. Up to 15 qualifying credits from outside institutions may be transferred in toward the program’s 36 required credits.
APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Arizona State University offers a 100% online program for a Master of Arts in World War II Studies. This curriculum combines disciplines like history, political science, sociology, geography, and communications. This program requires the completion of 30 credit hours. Many graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, law, military service, nonprofit organizations, or public relations.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Boise State University offers a Master of Arts in History. The program specializes in several subdisciplines, including military history, historical archaeology, and history of racism. A minimum of 33 credits are required to graduate. After completing the required coursework, students culminate their studies with a final thesis or a public history project.
Boise State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Grand Canyon University offers a Master of Arts in History with an emphasis in Education. This curriculum seeks to provide students with broad historical knowledge through diverse cultural, military, economic, and political lenses. Classes are housed online, and each one is 8 weeks long. Up to 12 qualifying credits may be transferred in toward the program’s 34 required credits.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Hawaii Pacific University offers a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and Military Studies. This program’s flexible online learning format and full-time or part-time tracks seek to allow even working adults to take the next step in their education. On average, the degree requirements can be completed in 18 months. Incoming students are admitted three times a year.
Hawai’i Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Liberty University offers a fully online program for a Master of Arts in Military Operations. The curriculum emphasizes key concepts in military doctrine and military history. Potential courses include Historical Methods, World War II, and Modern Naval Warfare. The program’s 36 required credit hours can typically be completed in 1.5 years of full-time study.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Norwich University offers a Master of Arts in Military History. The program utilizes a 100% online learning model and provides the opportunity to tailor studies to professional goals through a diverse range of elective courses. The degree requirements can typically be completed in 18 months of full-time study.
Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Sam Houston State University offers a Master of Arts in History. Students can select one of three tracks: Rights and Identity, War and Violence, or Encounters and Exchanges. This program can be completed entirely online. Courses cover key concepts such as diplomacy, US and world history, cross-cultural interactions, oral history, research methods, and warfare.
Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Southern New Hampshire University offers a Master of Arts in History. The program offers concentrations in American History, Military History, and Public History. It can potentially be completed in 15 months of full-time attendance, but students’ may complete it at their own pace. All classes meet online.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The Citadel offers a fully online program for a Master of Arts in Military History. Many graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, national defense, homeland security, public history, or higher education. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours. Potential courses include Historiography of Military History, Naval and Amphibious Warfare, and The Modern Middle East.
The Citadel is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Troy University offers a Master of Science in International Relations with concentrations in Global Studies, National Security Affairs, and Regional Affairs. The program requires the completion of 36 credits and meets entirely online. Full-time students can typically complete the program in 1 year, while part-time students can usually complete it in 2 years.
Troy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Massachusetts—Boston offers a Master of Arts in History. Graduates often pursue careers in libraries, museums, secondary and higher education schools, or historical societies. The degree requirements can potentially be completed in 2 years. Classes meet fully online.
The University of Massachusetts Boston is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Missouri—Columbia offers a 100% online program for a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies. This curriculum covers military history, conflict management, foreign policy, and strategic theory. Classes are 8 weeks long. On average, the degree can be completed in 1 to 2 years depending on course load.
The University of Missouri – Columbia is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Nebraska—Kearny offers a Master of Arts in History. This program is designed with current servicemembers and families in mind. The curriculum emphasizes areas such as the American West, early modern Europe, gender, military history, and the modern United States. The program requires the completion of 36 credits and offers thesis and non-thesis options.
The University of Nebraska – Kearney is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Texas—El Paso offers a Master of Defense and Strategic Studies. Graduates often pursue careers as legislative aides, defense consultants, military foreign officers, and homeland defense specialists. Classes in the program utilize a convenient online format and are 7 weeks long. Up to 12 qualifying credits may be transferred in toward the degree.
The University of Texas at El Paso is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Military History Masters Degree Online
Earning a military history masters online could provide the opportunity to expand your career opportunities and earning potential while studying a fascinating part of history.
Graduates may pursue opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels of government. You could also explore positions in museums, nonprofit organizations, historical societies, or research institutions. The variety of military history concentrations that are available could allow you to study areas that you find most interesting and meaningful.
You can start looking into military history graduate programs from accredited schools to see which concentrations and program offerings best match your interests and goals.
