- Our #1 ranking school for an online master’s in history is Fort Hays State University, followed by the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
- Online history programs are ranked based on ROI, student-to-faculty ratio, and in-state tuition costs.
- Programs cater to professionals, with most requiring only minimal on-campus presence and offering flexible learning tracks.
An online master’s in history can open doors to career advancement, whether you’re a working professional seeking promotions or an aspiring teacher aiming to teach high school or community college history. Choosing the right program is essential to getting the most out of your history degree online. This ranking highlights the top 10 value colleges offering history master’s programs, helping you find the best fit for your academic and financial goals in 2024.
Ranking the Best Online Master’s in History Degree Programs
Featured Programs
Finalists had to offer all or the great majority of coursework online. We ranked our initial pool of 25 down to 10 based on ROI, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduate tuition/fees (in-state where applicable). In the case of a tie-in point awarded, the lower-priced program received the better ranking.
20-Year Net ROI according to payscale.com
- Above 500,000 – 5 points
- Above 400,000 – 4 points
- Above 300,000 –3 points
- Above 200,000 – 2 points
- Above 100,000—1 point
Student-to-faculty ratio
- 20-16: 1 point
- 15-11: 2 points
- 10-6: 3 points
Graduate tuition and fees (in-state where applicable)
- Below $13,000 – 1 point
- Below $11,000 – 2 points
- Below $9,000 – 3 points
- Below $7,000 – 4 points
- Below $5,000 – 5 points
1. Fort Hays State University
Online Master’s in History
This non-thesis online master’s in history garners our number one spot largely because of its inexpensive in-state graduate tuition rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is also reasonable.
Even though you do not complete a thesis in this version of the program, you will still have the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to conduct research by writing some major research papers in the context of two graduate research seminars.
Graduate Tuition: $4,055
Points: 7
2. University of Nebraska at Kearney
Online Master’s History
Kearney, Nebraska
This MA in history online is offered at an attractive in-state tuition rate. Note that students must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 18 hours of courses in history to be admitted to the program.
Major areas of study include Early America, Modern America, Early Europe, Modern Europe, and Public History, with some interesting areas available for minor fields of study.
This program can be completed online, all on campus, or a combination of the two approaches.
Graduate Tuition: $6,693
Points: 7
3. Troy University
Online Master’s History
Website – No Longer Available.
Whether you are looking to further graduate study or hoping to go directly into work related to museums, archives, or historical societies, Troy’s online MA in history earned high points on our ranking for its combination of student-to-faculty ratio, return on investment, and tuition rate.
Choose between American history and European history as a primary area of study, with other options available for a secondary area. Choose between a thesis or non-thesis track, but either way, you will need to complete 36 credits for the degree.
Graduate Tuition: $7,948
Points: 7
4. Wayland Baptist University
Online Master’s in History
Wayland was one of the first schools to offer a master’s in history online. With a decent institutional return on investment and a very low student-to-faculty ratio, this program is worth a look. You’ll need to complete 37 credit hours and have the possibility of taking the thesis track. The thesis track is a good idea if you are considering a doctoral program down the road.
Graduate Tuition: $11,800
Points: 7
5. Pittsburg State University
MA in History Online
The online history MA from PSU can follow a thesis or non-thesis track. Non-thesis students will take two graduate seminars. You will learn not only how to teach history effectively but also how to continually engage in research yourself as you grow as a historian.
Another unique feature of this program is the exploration of alternative ways of transmitting historical knowledge, such as living history and simulation.
Graduate Tuition: $7,732
Points: 6
6. Eastern Illinois University
Online MA in History
This program is as rigorous and academic as other MA history programs but is specifically adapted to the needs of K-12 teachers. You can complete this online history master’s in three years while gaining depth in US history and world history.
The only on-campus requirement is the 5-day kick-off, and after that, everything is online. Note that this program does not lead to teacher licensure.
Graduate Tuition: $9,705
Points: 6
7. University of Memphis
Online Master’s in History
The strengths of this online MA in history include women’s studies, as well as Asia, Medieval Europe, and US history. Check the program website for a detailed listing of available courses in these areas and others.
Students can join subject-specific student organizations such as the Graduate History Association (GHA), the Graduate Association for African-American History (GAAAH), and the history honor society, Phi Alpha Theta (PAT).
Graduate Tuition: $10,463
Points: 6
8. University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Online MA for History Educators
Take two online courses for four semesters, plus two Summer Institute classes on campus, to complete your master’s in history online degree in about two years.
This program is particularly catered to professional educators working in private or public school settings in North Carolina. You will become familiar with the most recent research related to teaching history.
Graduate Tuition: $7,043
Points: 5
9. Emporia State University
Online Master’s in History
You’ll study colonial America to the present in this online history MA that offers four concentrations. Choose between thesis, non-thesis, public history, and social sciences education (for secondary school teachers).
Emporia State offers inexpensive in-state tuition to help you complete your history degree fully online without complications.
Graduate Tuition: $7,806
Points: 5
10. Liberty University
Online Master’s in History
Liberty has been doing distance education for a long time, so its transition to online learning has been natural and significant. World history, European military history, and American history are included in this 36-credit hour 100% online degree.
Check their website for the next acceptance deadline to get your degree program started.
Graduate Tuition: $8,430
Points: 5
Other Online Master’s in History Degree Programs to Consider:
National University
Online Master of Arts in History
Jackson State University
Online Master’s in History
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Master’s in History Online
Western Kentucky University
Online Master of Arts in History
Norwich University
Online Master of Arts in History
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Online Master of Arts in History
Sam Houston State University
Online Master of Arts in History
University of North Alabama
Online Master of Arts in History
Austin Peay State University
Online Master of Arts in History
University of Louisiana—Monroe
Online Master of Arts in History
Missouri State University
Online Master’s in History
This concludes our ranking of the 10 top value colleges for an online master’s in history.
Sources:
NCES College Navigator
Payscale.com
By CVO Staff
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