The Best Online Military History Degree Programs of 2024: A Complete Guide

Interested in an online military history degree? If you’re here, you’re looking for a flexible, affordable program to propel you into this niche liberal arts field. These degrees lead to unique opportunities in education, research, government and the military itself! Maybe you’re breaking into the military analysis field. Perhaps you’re seeking to enhance your career as a museum archivist. A degree in military history online spans associate to master levels. They can benefit you if you’re just starting out or if you’re advancing your current position.

Whether you plan to become a teacher, an author, a historian, or you’re pursuing graduate school, a degree in military history could be just the ticket. A virtual degree is more flexible than a traditional program, and often comes at a better price! This article explores this distinctive major and delves into the best schools for military history online. Read on to find out more and start this academic path!

Article Navigation: Military History Major Online | Types of Military History Degree Programs Online | Best Schools for Military History Degrees Online | Accreditation for Online History Degrees | Online Military History Degree Careers | Embark On a Journey Through History with a Military History Degree Online

Military History Major Online

Online military history degrees are technically liberal arts/science programs. They guide students through the history of warfare and its impact on society. Many programs expose the causes, conduct, and effects of military conflict and the strategies of leaders and governments. In general, military history programs are broad and interdisciplinary. Their aim is to develop your critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills. They also incorporate several subjects and perspectives. That includes history and literature, sociology, philosophy, and other liberal arts avenues.

In addition, online history degrees offer formats that suit student preferences and needs. For example, students can pursue fully online options without in-person or on-campus requirements. Other options include blended and hybrid formats. These incorporate online and in-person learning elements.

Online military degrees also feature synchronous and asynchronous learning formats. Synchronous learning requires students to log in and participate in real-time sessions with instructors and classmates. This format can be helpful for students who want more structure and guidance. On the other hand, asynchronous learning allows for self-paced studies. It lets students with unpredictable schedules complete materials and assignments at their own pace and convenience.

Online military history degrees come at the associate’s, bachelor’s, graduate certificate, or master degree levels. Each program varies in length, curriculum, and admission requirements. However, at the time of this writing, no PhD in military history online exist. In this case, students must fulfill in-person and on-campus requirements to obtain a doctorate.

Types of Online Military History Degree Programs

As mentioned earlier, there are several levels of military history degree online programs. Each kind of program is tailored to student needs and aspirations. They offer an array of pathways for students fascinated by military history.

See the most affordable online bachelor's in history here.

See the most affordable master's in history online here.

Associate Programs

Associate online military history degrees are the most foundational academic programs. They generally provide a comprehensive introduction to military history. Associate programs take about two years to complete. Students can expect a summarized look into crucial historical events, including, of course, military strategies and the impact of warfare.

Because an associate’s program is very foundational, these online history degrees typically consist of general education courses. For instance, mathematics, natural science, research and literacy, social science, etc. But don’t fret, there are still core courses on military history as well. Any in-person requirements for an online associate’s degree depends on the learning format. However, in most cases, these requirements are non-existent. Other elective elements of these programs could be creative writing, psychology, public speaking, and more.

Lastly, capstones might be part of associate online military degree programs. In other words, summative research-based projects. These must demonstrate the knowledge and skills you acquired throughout the program. After earning this degree, you could pursue a bachelor’s program. Also, some of the most prevalent career paths with an associate military history degree include:

• Historian
• Defense contractor
• A variety of government positions

Bachelor Degree

A military history bachelor degree online is a four-year undergraduate program. You can expect it to provide a broader, deeper scope of history than an associate’s. For example, a bachelor’s will help you develop a strong foundation on the philosophy and theory of wars. It also touches on topics such as:

• Military technology
• Significant battles and campaigns of different wars
• Effects on society and politics

Most bachelor's in military history online programs do not have any in-person requirements. However, some may offer occasional visits to historical sites or the chance to attend conferences. In-person requirements also allow students to meet with faculty. Likewise, students can seek internships to gain practical experience and network with experts. If you’ve already completed an associate’s degree, you may be able to shirk some general education requirements. This could cut the time of your bachelor’s to two years instead of four.

A bachelor’s degree in military history online will still require a capstone project. Graduates might pursue entry-level positions in the field. A popular route for a bachelor’s degree is to be a contractor for a military agency.

Graduate Certificate

If you’re seeking out military history graduate programs but aren’t ready to pursue a master’s degree, consider a graduate certificate in military history online. These programs offer a specialized and focused pathway to improve your career prospects. Graduate certificates online typically take six to twelve months, depending on the schedule and the student’s pace.

A graduate certificate in military history online covers some general and some advanced courses. Some examples include:

• History of warfare to military leadership
• Strategies and tactics
• Case studies of military history

Most programs are fully remote and have no in-person requirements. However, students should verify in-person requirements before enrolling in any program. Graduate certificates generally don’t require internships or extensive capstone projects. Instead, they focus on coursework and exams, a more condensed and specialized curriculum. Furthermore, dissertations are not standard components of these programs.

Grad certificates are ideal for students seeking specialized knowledge with minimal research requirements. They also qualify you for career paths in education, historical research, military roles, and government careers.

Online Master’s

A master’s degree in military history equips you with advanced knowledge and research skills. This graduate program takes about two to three years to complete. Of course, that depends on the program’s structure and whether students study full-time or part-time. Course offerings tend to vary between each school. But, in general, a master’s program features courses that delve deeper into its subject. In this case, a military history master's online might cover topics such as:

• Modern military conflicts
• Historiography
• Research methods
• Military leadership and command
• Specific periods or disputes

Of all the military history degree levels, an online master’s in military history is more likely to have in-person requirements. Check your program for qualities like residencies, conferences, internships, and field work. Also, master’s programs often include capstone projects. For example, a research thesis, exam, or final research paper. A master’s degree is generally a proponent into a more advanced career. Some common paths include academia and historical research and consultation. Also, writing and journalism, archival work, and government jobs.

Best Schools for Military History Degrees Online

Pursuing a military history program is possible online! In other words, you’re no longer confined to a traditional classroom setting. We know you’re seeking unparalleled flexibility without compromising the program’s quality. Hence, below is a list of the best schools for military degrees online. These programs will direct you toward a fulfilling and impactful career in military history.

The schools on this list offer extensive military history programs and focus areas. They encompass associate, certificate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This list also provides expected tuition prices. In general, the average cost of a liberal arts bachelor’s online is around $46,400. A master’s in the field presents an average cost of around $17,100.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

   Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in History / Military History; Master of Arts in History / Military History
   Tuition (In-state & Out-of-state): $21,021-$39,600

   SNHU offers an array of online military history programs. Each degree provides a comprehensive understanding of historical military conflicts.

   Bachelor of Arts

   To begin with, SNHU’s Bachelor of Arts in History focuses on the connection between ancient civilizations and modern societies. At the same time, it offers the option to pursue one of four concentrations. These options include American, European, Middle Eastern, and Military History.

   The Military History concentration covers the influence of warfare on the development of culture and society. Students learn about the evolution of warfare by studying specific periods and events, including:

   – The Civil War and its Reconstruction period
   – The Industrial Era of World War 1
   – Military advances during World War 2
   – The Cold War
   – America’s rise as a global power
   – Modern warfare’s impact on non-Western societies

   Benefitting those with an associate’s degree, students can transfer credits into this degree. This is also an excellent benefit to service members and veterans seeking to finish a degree they started elsewhere. For this option, students must take general education courses within SNHU’s “The Common” curriculum.

   Master of Arts

   Aside from a BA in military history, students can also explore the more advanced online Masters in Military History. The MA in History with a focus in Military History evaluates major themes in global military history. This includes:

   – Military theory
   – The effects of warfare on the political, cultural, and economic life of societies

   With this master’s program, students can develop supreme research skills, making them more valuable specialists. The program requires 33 credits and permits students to transfer up to 12 graduate credits. It may take as few as 15 months at your own pace, with 24/7 online accessibility.

   As a private, nonprofit university, SNHU makes these programs affordable by offering some of the lowest tuition rates. The BA program costs about $39,600, while students can complete their master’s degree with about $21,021. SNHU also provides financial aid packages, plus a 30% tuition discount for service members and their spouses.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Arts in History / Military History
   Master of Arts in History / Military History

    

2. American Public University System

   Degree(s): Associate of Arts in Military History; Bachelor of Arts in Military History; Graduate Certificate in Civil War Studies; Graduate Certificate in World War II Studies; Master of Arts in Military History
   Tuition (In-state & Out-of-state): $7,650-$42,000

   APUS also offers robust and highly recommended online military history degree programs. This school is well-known for its dedication to providing accessible and flexible education to military personnel, veterans, and civilians. And it embodies this dedication with an extensive list of undergrad and graduate programs.

   Associate of Arts

   First, APUS offers an Associate of Arts in Military History. This foundational program explores the origin of armed conflict from ancient times and the patterns of Western warfare in the modern era. It concludes within 8-16 weeks upon completing 60 credits. There is also the possibility of transferring up to 45 credits into the program. Finally, the tuition for this AA program is about $21,000. You can expect to closely examine the following throughout this course:

   – Global military powers
   – War doctrines
   – Pivotal battles
   – Military leaders

   Bachelor of Arts

   Students can also pursue an online bachelor’s in military history. APUS’s BA Military History program focuses on the impact of armed conflicts on societies throughout history. This program requires 120 credits, of which students can transfer 90 credits in. It costs about $42,000 in tuition.

   Graduate Certificate

   Students can also opt for more advanced graduate programs. For instance, a Graduate Certificate in Civil War Studies or in World War II Studies. The Graduate Certificate in Civil War Studies is ideal for students interested in the Antebellum South, the Civil War years, and the Reconstruction era.

   On the other hand, APUS’s Graduate Certificate in World War II Studies focuses on developing student’s knowledge of the second world war. This online degree in WW2 history delves into the factors that enabled the rise of the Axis and Allied powers before, during, and after the war. Students must complete 18 credits and can transfer up to 9 credits into both programs. Furthermore, these certificates take between 8-16 weeks to complete and cost about $7,650.

   Master of Arts

   Finally, APUS delivers one of the best military history graduate programs with its Master of Arts in Military History degree. This degree is remote and can be completed in 8-16 weeks, depending on the student’s pace and credit transfer. The total number of credits is 35, with up to 15 transferable credits and a tuition fee of about $15,300.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Arts in Military History
   Bachelor of Arts in Military History
   Graduate Certificate in Civil War Studies
   Graduate Certificate in World War II Studies
   Master of Arts in Military History

    

3. Liberty University

   Degree(s): Associate of Arts in Military History; Bachelor of Science in Military Studies; Master of Arts in Military Operations
   Tuition (In-state & Out-of-state): $20,340-$48,492

   Liberty University, a prominent Christian school, also offers online military history programs. These popular degrees combine a solid curriculum with the convenience of online learning. LU’s military history courses cover many historical periods and topics related to warfare and military strategy. Students can explore ancient battles, modern conflicts, and the impact of wars throughout history. Notably, as a Christian university, Liberty strives to impart Christian morals and ethics in each program.

   Associate of Arts

   To begin with, the AA in Military History degree is an entirely remote, 8-week program. It prepares students for career paths in government positions. However, as an associate program it still covers foundational courses in math, science, religious studies, etc. LU’s Associate of Arts in Military History requires 60 credit hours and can take about 18 months to complete. Furthermore, the tuition for this AA degree is roughly $23,400.

   Bachelor of Science

   Students can also opt for the online Bachelor of Science in History with a focus on Military Studies. This program offers a solid academic foundation that prepares students for work as educators, historians, contractors, and more. With a course load of 120 credit hours, students can expect to finish this degree in about four years. In particular, this military history bachelor degree exposes students to topics such as:

   – American and European military operations
   – History of American entrepreneurship with issues related to military contractors
   – Macroeconomic implications of war

   Master of Arts

   Finally, Liberty’s Master of Arts in Military Operations is an advanced pathway for those interested in different facets of military operations. This program provides four specializations:

   – Military History
   – Military Leadership
   – National Security
   – Supply Chain Logistics

   Depending on the focus, courses can zero in on history, intelligence, leadership, and military support at home and abroad. The master’s degree rounds up in 18 months. Importantly, students are allowed to transfer up to 50% of the total 35 credit hours required. The tuition fee is about $20,340. Furthermore, Liberty holds SACSCOC accreditation. This factor makes this one of the best military history graduate programs available.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Arts in Military History
   Bachelor of Science in Military Studies
   Master of Arts in Military Operations

    

4. Norwich University

   Degree: Master of Arts in Military History
   Tuition (In-state & Out-of-state): $25,884

   Norwich University is another quality school known for its rich military traditions. Founded as the nation’s first private military college, Norwich has remained essential to its proud military history. Now, the university extends its commitment to military education through an advanced military history degree online.

   Master of Arts

   If you’re looking for a program that encompasses global conflict, explore this Master of Arts in Military History online. This program develops students’ knowledge of military history and global conflict by categorizing military achievements in diverse contexts. It highlights the geographical, political, and economic aspects of military warfare and triumphs.

   Master’s students can build a broad base of historical knowledge in the military history field. The program also develops students’ historical insight, research, writing, analysis, and presentation skills. This online military history degree program comprises six core courses delivered over 11 weeks for 36 credit hours. Students must master one course at a time to create a strong foundation and context for future topics.

   There is also an optional master’s thesis. In this case, students can demonstrate their ability to conduct primary-source research. The thesis is recommended for those looking to continue their studies at the doctoral level. Overall, the thesis must reflect graduate-level analysis, synthesis, and argument. It has to be historically and historiographically significant. Furthermore, at minimum, the thesis option includes two 11-week, three-credit seminars.

   Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution. Alternatively, they could get an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by WES, IERF, SpanTran, or CED. International students must also show proof of English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS. However, this process is unnecessary for students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a college with English as the primary language.

   Norwich University holds NECHE accreditation. The Masters Degree in Military History program costs about $25,884 in tuition fees, and students can complete this program in 18 months. Prospective students can also explore financial aid resources through tuition discounts, scholarships, and military benefits.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Military History

    

5. Citadel Military College of South Carolina

   Degree: Master of Arts in Military History
   Tuition (In-state & Out-of-state): $20,850

   Our final pick in the list of the best schools for military history degrees online is Citadel Military College of South Carolina. This renowned college provides excellent military-focused education and leadership development. It extends its expertise to its online degrees. Overall this is a great choice for military specialists, veterans, and those interested in military history.

   The tuition in-state and out-of-state for this program is about $20,850. Students typically get support for the application process by networking with peers and professionals. These features make The Citadel one of the best colleges for military history.

   Master of Arts

   The Citadel’s Masters of Arts in Military History program is fully online. It includes 30 credit hours that provides an advanced historical study of military operations. This curriculum includes:

   – The theory and practice of warfare
   – Military institutions and processes
   – War’s impact on societies

   The college also offers a graduate certificate in military leadership. However, this dual program option requires three additional LDRS courses for the leadership certificate.

   Through the master’s degree, students develop as historians. They learn how to think historically about war, its conduct, meaning, and consequences. They also develop an astute knowledge of armed conflict at different warfare levels. That includes strategic, operational, and tactical levels. Some military history courses incorporated in this program include:

   – Introduction to Military History
   – Foundations in Military History
   – Conflict Studies
   – War and Society

   This online program addresses the diverse professional development needs of officials, educators, and historians across military settings. It’s also a solid foundation for students planning to pursue a Ph.D. in war studies, military history, and human conflict. Through the curriculum, which students can complete in two years or less, they develop reading, researching, analysis, critical thinking, and writing skills.

   Applicants must have an undergrad degree from a regionally accredited school. You specifically need a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and a 3.0 in the major. Students who fail to meet this requirement can be provisionally accepted for the program. However, they will only gain full admittance by completing the first nine hours of degree coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.50. Other admission requirements include a letter of recommendation, a resume, and a one-page letter of intent.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Military History

    

Accreditation for Online Military History Degrees

Colleges and degree programs are subject to crucial evaluations:

1. Regional and national accreditation
2. Programmatic accreditations

Regional or national accreditation is a vital indicator of a school’s commitment to quality education. It also represents a school’s ability to meet established standards. By meeting these standards, colleges can offer numerous benefits to students, including credit transfer, improved career paths, and access to financial aid.

On the other hand, programmatic accreditation focuses on the quality of college programs. That said, there are no programmatic accreditors for military history degree programs. This is due to the limited number of programs and the field’s interdisciplinary nature. This further emphasizes the importance of regional accreditation of any school offering a military history degree.

However, if you’re pursuing a teaching career in military education, you can explore programmatic accreditations for education programs. Some prevalent accrediting bodies that specialize in education programs and related areas include:

• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Military History Careers

Military history degree programs open the gates for diverse interests and careers. Here are some rewarding career paths that become accessible with a foundation in military history.

• Historian: This career encompasses research, analysis, and interpretation of historical data and events. They can earn a median annual salary of around $64,540
• History Professor: Professors teach, conduct research, and publish academic work. They earn about $80,840 annually.
• Intelligence Analyst: Analysts work in government agencies to assess information that impacts national security decisions. They typically earn $52,095 per year.
• Archivists and Curators: Archivists preserve historical documents, records, and artifacts. Curators manage collections of historical artifacts, often in museums or military institutions. They can work in different agencies and earn an average annual salary of $53,420.
• Military Officers: Military officers plan, direct, and execute military operations and activities. The salary of these specialists depends on their rank, service years, and additional allowances.

Start an Online Military History Degree Today

Ultimately, online military history degrees are perfect for historical exploration! You can become a master in critical analysis, and advance your career in many fields. And with online education, you can delve into the military past as a nontraditional student. Full-time, part-time, synchronous, hybrid, and beyond!

Each military history online degree connects you with the stories of those who shaped our world. Plus, they’re tailored to meet your needs. Apply for a degree in military history online  today through GetEducated!