Best Online Master’s in History Programs

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you will make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering school rankings that are transparent, inclusive, and relevant for online students.

Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our Ranking Methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

Historical methods courses examine modern approaches to studying the past and professionalism within the field. Assignments may provide flexibility, allowing students to focus on their own areas of interest. This writing-intensive course may require weekly essays, research proposals, and/or a research portfolio component.

A seminar in American history includes hands-on research and writing on events such as the Great Depression, WWII, and the civil rights movement. Professors typically allow students to choose their own topics for assignments. Course objectives include selecting useful primary sources, responding to criticism, and drafting publishable work.

A seminar in global history introduces students to modern and ancient movements and events across the world. This course emphasizes reading, research, writing, and critical thinking. Final assignments typically include a research proposal and a high-quality research paper. This course also encourages student collaboration and debate.

Introduction to historiography courses present key concepts and challenges modern historians face. This course requires intensive reading, writing, and research. Students engage with philosophical and theoretical works that analyze how the field has evolved. Course objectives include developing independent intellectual agendas, honing critical reading and writing skills, and discerning future historiographic trends.

This course surveys the Middle East from pre-Islamic years through Ottoman rule. Among other topics, students may consider the plurality of cultures that make up the region and the intellectual and spiritual formation of Muslims, along with the civilization’s literary works, art, warfare, and trade.

A concentration in American history examines pertinent topics regarding the establishment and development of the U.S., its people, the land, and its global presence. This concentration prepares graduates for multiple roles, including K-12 teaching positions in secondary schools.

Public history emphasizes teaching historical lessons in non-school settings, such as museums and historic sites. Students gain the knowledge and skills to broaden public awareness regarding the value of studying history using methods like public colloquia and digital media. This concentration often requires an internship.

Students examine Europe’s historical, political, economic, and global influence from its inception to current day. Courses may include German nationalism and state formation, Russian and Soviet history, Irish history, and Reformation and Renaissance history. This concentration requires extensive research.

Students examine historical connections between people from multiple regions, cultures, and states. Areas of study may include constitutionalism, economic networks, slavery, environmental exchange, migration, exchanges and diffusion of disease, and diaspora.

Students interested in studying art and artifacts can supplement a master’s in history with a specialization in museum studies. This concentration explores collections, exhibitions, and historic preservation. Students also gain experience with revenue generation, proposal writing, and fundraising.