Top 9 Most Affordable Accelerated Masters in Military History Online

Military history is a specialized field that focuses on armed conflict, the technology that influences it, and how international conflicts can affect both countries and populations during and after the conflict. It is also a field that is growing its educational demands for its professionals.

Unfortunately, many professionals are already working full-time in military history; they could be adjunct professors, researchers, political scientists, or working for one of the country’s intelligence agencies. If they are going to go back to school, they need degrees that can fit their needs, including two-year online programs that have little to no residency requirements, are flexible in the delivery format of the program, and have affordable tuition rates. That is what this ranking, updated from last year, shows with the best schools for military history degrees listed below.

Featured Schools:

Rating and Ranking Methodology

Time to Completion

  • Less Than 2 Years: 1 point
  • 20 Months or Less: 2 points
  • 18 Months or Less: 3 points
  • 16 Months or Less: 4 points
  • 14 Months or Less: 5 points
  • 12 Months or Less: 6 points

Graduate Tuition

  • Less Than $20,000: 1 point
  • Less Than $15,000: 2 points
  • Less Than $10,000: 3 points
  • Less Than $5,000: 4 points

Accreditation (School-Wide and Program-Specific) – 1 point per item

Presence of an Online Student Support Network– 1 point

Ranking the Low-Cost Accelerated Master’s in Military History Online

Our editors scoured the web for colleges and universities currently offering online master’s degrees in military history to develop this ranking. We then ranked these programs according to the rating and ranking methodology outlined above. The methodology’s application required information from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and each program’s official website. In the case of a tie, the more affordable program was ranked higher.

#9—Hawaii Pacific University

Honolulu, Hawaii

Online Master of Arts in Diplomacy and Military Studies

Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years

Points: 2

The online accelerated master of military history degree program from Hawaii Pacific University is a flexible option featuring full-time and part-time tracks as well as on-campus and online courses. Students enrolled in the program are required to take three core courses:

  • Diplomacy and International Relations
  • Military History: Methods, Approaches, and Historiography
  • Theory/Practice Diplomacy
  • world history

Students will also choose from elective offerings, including:

  • The Military Revolution
  • International History of the Cold War
  • The American Way of War

The WASC Senior College and University Commission has accredited Hawaii Pacific University to confer the accelerated master of military history online degree. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the school as one of the top 65 regional universities in the West.

Graduate Tuition: $20,250

Website

#8—Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

Online MA in Military History

Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years

Points: 4

The accelerated online military history master’s program from The Citadel can be completed within just two years of fully online study. The 30-credit hour curriculum for the program includes an optional graduate leadership certificate and features course titles such as:

  • Methods and the Historiography of Military History
  • Leadership in the Crucible of War
  • Naval and Amphibious Warfare
  • Global War on Terrorism
  • world history

The Citadel Military College of South Carolina is fully accredited to award the accelerated master’s in military history online credential by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has identified the school as the second best regional university in the South.

Graduate Tuition: $10,740

Website

#7—Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, Tennessee

Online MA in History: Military History

Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years

Points: 5

The accelerated online master’s of military history from Austin Peay State University is offered both on campus and fully online. Technically a Master of Arts in History with a specialization in Military History, the program requires students to take core and major courses such as:

  • The U.S. Civil War
  • Philosophical Perspectives on War and Justice
  • American Foreign Policy in the 20th Century

Students who elect the Military History concentration will also take additional classes like:

  • The Military Revolution and State
  • The Military in Nontraditional Roles
  • S. Military and American Society
  • military institutions

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited Austin Peay State to confer the online accelerated master of military history degree. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the 60 best regional universities in the South.

Graduate Tuition: $8,100

Website

#6—American Military University

Charles Town, West Virginia

Master of Arts in Military History Online

Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years

Points: 5

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American Military University offers an accelerated online master of military history program through its School of Arts and Humanities. The program is offered fully online, and monthly course start dates have been established for maximum flexibility. Classes are structured via 8-week formats. Once enrolled, students can choose from five available concentrations:

  • American Military History
  • Civil War
  • American Revolution
  • World War II
  • War Since 1945
  • civil military relations

Regardless of concentration, all students enrolled in the program are required to take the following core courses:

  • Studies in U.S. Military History
  • Historical Research Methods
  • Great Military Philosophers
  • Historiography

A Military History capstone course is also required for successful program completion. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited AMU to award the accelerated military history master’s online credential.

Graduate Tuition: $6,615

Website

#5—Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas

Online Master of Arts in History: War and Violence

Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years

Points: 5

The accelerated master of military history online program from Sam Houston State University is a MA in History with a specialization in War and Violence that can be completed entirely online or via a hybrid model. The program’s curriculum requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, including core and elective classes. Students enrolled in the War, and Violence concentration will take classes such as:

  • Seminar in Military History
  • United States Diplomatic History
  • S. Civil War
  • Holocaust & Genocide

As a culminating element, students must also complete either a written portfolio or thesis before graduation. Sam Houston State holds the institutional accreditation necessary to award the accelerated military history master’s degree online from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the country’s leading national universities.

Graduate Tuition: $5,765

Website

#4—University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, Texas

Online Master of Defense and Strategic Studies

Minimum Time to Completion: 2 Years

Points: 5

The accelerated online master’s in military history option from the University of Texas at El Paso is a unique Master of Defense and Strategic Studies. Courses are offered via accelerated seven-week formats, and the program can be completed entirely online. Once enrolled, students will take classes such as:

  • Strategic Theory and Modern Warfare
  • Strategic Survey of the Americas
  • Low-Intensity Conflict
  • Information Operations

The University of Texas at El Paso is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the accelerated master of military history online. UTEP has been ranked among the country’s top national universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Graduate Tuition: $5,497

Website

#3—Norwich University

Northfield, Vermont

Online Master of Arts in Military History

Minimum Time to Completion: 18 Months

Points: 6

The accelerated online master of military history program from Norwich University is an MA option that can be completed within just 18 months. Coursework for the program can be completed entirely online, though students must attend campus for a one-week residency to complete the culminating experience. Sample course titles associated with the program’s curriculum include:

  • Introduction to History and Historiography
  • Military Thought and Theory
  • Race and Gender in Military History
  • Non-Western Military History

A capstone course is also required, and students have the option to complete a master’s thesis if desired. No graduate school admissions exams are required for admission. Norwich University is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education to award the online accelerated master’s in military history. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the school as one of the top 100 regional universities in the North.

Graduate Tuition: $17,904

Website

#2—Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

Online MA in History: Military History

Minimum Time to Completion: 15 Months

Points: 7

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The accelerated master’s in military history online offering from Southern New Hampshire University is a Master of Arts in History with a Military History specialization. The 33-credit hour program is highly accelerated, and students can earn their credentials in as few as 15 months. Core courses required for the major include titles such as:

  • Comparative History and Research
  • Historical Lenses and Scholarship
  • Historical Methods

Students enrolled in the Military History concentration will take additional classes like:

  • Cold War and the American Empire
  • History of Military Thought
  • The Russian Revolutions

A capstone course is also required for successful program completion. The New England Commission of Higher Education has accredited SNHU to confer the online master of military history credential. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the 75 best regional universities in the North.

Graduate Tuition: $18,810

Website

#1—Arizona State University

Tempe, Arizona

Online MA in World War II Studies

Minimum Time to Completion: 18 Months

Points: 7

Arizona State University’s accelerated master of military history online program is a MA in World War II Studies. The 30-credit hour curriculum for the program consists of ten distinct courses designed to be completed within 18 to 24 months. Featured course titles include:

  • The Lived Experience of World War II
  • World War II in Film
  • World War II Decision Points
  • World War II in Literature

A capstone course in WW II studies is also required before graduation. Arizona State holds institutional accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission to award this accelerated MA in military history online. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school among the country’s top national universities.

Graduate Tuition: $11,720

Website

About Master’s Degree Programs in Military History

Becoming an expert in military history may sound like something one might do in their spare time as a hobby or pastime. Some individuals make a living as history buffs who specialize in the armed forces, though. After earning a master’s degree in military history, these professionals may find work in either the public or private sector as university professors, museum curators, military intelligence specialists, or political scientists, for example.

About Accelerated Online Master of Military History Degree Programs

For working professionals and other busy adults interested in military history, accelerated online military history degree programs are a dream come true. These convenient plans of study enable students to earn a graduate credential in this exciting field in a way that’s quick, affordable, and accessible from their own homes. When it comes to postsecondary opportunities, it doesn’t get much better.

Types of Accelerated Master of Military History Online Options

When searching for accelerated online military history master’s degree options, you can expect to find some similarities from program to program. It’s the differences you’ll want to pay close attention to, though. Below, we’ll address some of the common distinctions you’ll find among these online graduate degree plans.

Hybrid Versus Fully Online Accelerated Master’s in Military History Offerings

Online master of military history programs that require campus visits, no matter how minimal, are technically hybrid programs. These degree options combine distance education with traditional in-person classes for a best-of-both-worlds experience. Students who have strict scheduling requirements often prefer fully online degree plans, however.

Synchronous Versus Asynchronous Online Military History Master’s Degree Programs

Another feature to consider when looking for an accelerated online master’s in military history program is the program’s content delivery method. In general, there are two basic methods: synchronous and asynchronous content delivery. Synchronous programs are the less flexible of the two methods as they require students to log into their learning platforms at specific times for virtual class meetings. What these programs lack in terms of flexibility, they make up for in enhanced interactivity amongst students, their classmates, and professors. Conversely, asynchronous online master’s in military history programs offer students the maximum convenience since they require no specific log-in times. In these programs, students work at their own pace and rely on pre-recorded lectures for instruction.

Accelerated Online Master’s in Military History: Admissions

Unfortunately, an interest in earning a master’s degree in military history isn’t enough to get the process started. You’ll need to meet certain admissions requirements before your enrollment as a graduate student. What exactly are the criteria for entry into an accelerated online master of military history, though? The answer may not be as straightforward as you would like. The truth is that admission requirements will vary depending on the school and program you’re interested in. Typically, though, you can expect that a master’s degree in military history online program will require that you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Sometimes, schools will ask that your undergraduate degree is in a field specific to your majors, such as history or political science, for example. In other cases, any bachelor’s degree will be sufficient.

In addition to your bachelor’s degree diploma, you may also be asked to submit your undergraduate transcript to be considered for an accelerated online master’s in a military history degree program. This transcript enables admissions officers to get a better idea of your track record as a student. It shows your undergraduate grade point average (GPA), which can be used to indicate your academic abilities. Some schools require their graduate students to have a minimum GPA, which can also vary by program. A minimum GPA of 2.75 to 3.0 is common.

Another indication of future academic success commonly used by colleges and universities is the graduate record examination—or GRE. You may be required to submit a minimum score to be admitted into a master of military history online program in some cases. However, many schools have waived this requirement to offer added convenience and ease of admission for their prospective students.

Additional requirements for admission to online accelerated military history master’s degree programs may include writing samples, statements of purpose, professional resumes, and letters of recommendation, for instance.

Online Accelerated Master’s in Military History Degree Programs: Curriculum

The exact curriculum for a master of military history online program will depend on the school you choose to attend. Even so, you can expect to take fundamental courses in the humanities as well as major-specific classes in topics like historiography, military strategy, political science, international affairs, and military leadership. You will also learn about the specific wars that have occurred throughout history, not only in America but across the globe.

We’ve listed some core course titles taken from actual accelerated online master’s of military history degree programs for the sake of reference. This should give you an idea of the kinds of classes you will likely take once enrolled in a program of this kind.

Core Courses

  • Irregular Warfare
  • French & Indian War
  • War of American Independence
  • German Military History
  • Historical Research Methods
  • Studies in U.S. Military History
  • Seminar in War and Violence
  • World Historiography
  • Amphibious Warfare
  • Global Military History to 1800
  • The Russian Revolutions
  • Chinese Imperialism

Depending on the program, students may also have the opportunity to select elective classes. These are courses not specifically required for the major; instead, they offer students the opportunity to explore related topics aligned with their academic interests and/or career goals. Many accelerated online master’s in military history programs also require students to complete some sort of capstone before graduation. These culminating program elements may take the form of a thesis, scholarly research project, or internship, for example.

Frequently-Asked Questions About Accelerated Master of Military History Online Programs

When considering an accelerated online master of military history program, you may find that you have more questions than answers. Don’t panic; instead, consider the following FAQs about these types of online graduate degree programs.

Q: How long does it take to earn an accelerated online master’s in military history?

A: Completion times will vary by school and program. The most accelerated master of military history online currently available is offered by Southern New Hampshire University and can be completed within just 15 months.

Q: How much does an accelerated master’s in military history online program cost?

A: It depends on which school you attend—the programs identified in our ranking range in tuition costs from roughly $5,000 to over $20,000.

Q: Can I earn an accelerated online master’s in military history on a part-time basis?

A: Maybe. Some schools may allow their online students to complete their coursework on a part-time basis, but this usually lengthens your time to completion. The most accelerated options for this degree typically require a full-time course load. Still, the online format means that you can complete your assignments at a time that is convenient for you, such as during the evenings or on weekends.

Q: Can I earn a master’s in military history online without a thesis?

A: Yes. Though some programs require a master’s thesis, others allow students to complete some other culminating project such as a professional portfolio, research project, or internship.

Q: What is the best online accelerated master of military history degree program?

A: Despite our ranking, there is no one best accelerated master’s in military history online program to suit every student’s needs. Still, it’s possible to discover the ideal program for you by considering distinguishing factors such as a program’s curriculum, cost, scheduling options, and reputation, for example.

Career Questions About Online Accelerated Master’s in Military History Degrees

Q: What can I do with an online master of military history?

A: Various career options are available to graduates of online military history master’s degree programs, including occupations in both the public and private sectors and government agencies. Some of these options are listed below, but they are not meant to represent an exhaustive list:

  • History professor
  • Museum curator
  • Military intelligence specialist
  • Defense strategist
  • War historian
  • Political scientist
  • Congressional aide

Q: How much will I make with a master’s degree in military history?

A: It’s difficult to predict exactly how much you’ll earn with a graduate degree in military history. That’s because your future salary will depend on numerous variables, such as where you live and who you end up working for. Still, PayScale reports the average salary for individuals with an MA in Military History to be nearly $95,000.

Q: Are jobs for graduates of online master’s in military history in demand?

A: Some of them are, yes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that historians and history professors’ employment opportunities are growing about as fast as average, for example.

Q: Is there a professional organization for military historians?

A: Yes. The Society for Military History was formed in 1933. Today, it continues to support academic pursuits in the field of military history.

This concludes our ranking of the Top 9 Most Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Military History Online.

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