How to Get a Master's Degree in History

Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past in order to provide accurate accounts of historical events, people, and places. Their research helps governments, schools, and companies learn from the past and make optimal decisions in the present.

Because historians must have strong research and communication skills, some employers require historians to have at least a master's degree in history. A master's in history qualifies historians to teach at the community college level and can lead to careers across industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many historians work for state and local government conducting research or performing policy analysis. Historians also perform archival work for museums, historical buildings, and visitors sites. The corporate world values historians for their research and analytical skills, so many historians work for companies unrelated to academia.

Whether you're interested in teaching or working for a government agency, a master's degree in history can give you the knowledge and skills you need to make the most of your career. With online degree programs, you can earn a master's degree online without sacrificing your current job and income. There are an abundance of history master's programs to choose from, so research and careful planning are essential. Using this guide, you can begin the research process, narrow your list of programs, and start applying.

An Overview of the Master's Degree in History

A master's in history usually takes 2 - 3 years to complete, depending on your academic experience. Many master's degrees in history lead to either an MA or an MS, and the difference between the two degrees is minimal. Like other master's degree programs, the master's in history requires students to take a set of core courses and select a particular field of interest. The field of interest is often defined by a given region, time period, or type of history, and offerings vary by school. Because history covers multiple cultures, most history master's degree programs require students to become proficient in a foreign language. At the end of many programs, students must pass a comprehensive exam and submit a final research paper. At some schools, the master's in history is a stepping stone on the path to a PhD as opposed to a stand-alone program.

How to Choose a Program

Whether you choose to earn a master's degree online or attend a traditional on-campus program, the following steps can help you navigate the often overwhelming number of options. After taking a broad look at existing programs, you can use your basic requirements, area of interest, and the attributes of each program to create a final list of schools to apply to.

Step 1: Make a Comprehensive List

The first step of the research process is getting a sense of how many master's degree in history programs exist and deciding which meet your basic requirements. Using sources like U.S. News and World Report graduate school rankings and WorldWideLearn.com, you can perform searches and make an initial list of schools that meet your basic needs. For each school, consider the following attributes:

Accreditation

Accreditation is granted to schools by national accrediting agencies that use a predetermined set of criteria to evaluate a program's quality and effectiveness. Not all schools seek accreditation, but, in general, it's a stamp of approval you should take seriously. The U.S. Department of Education offers a searchable list of accredited post-secondary schools and programs to aid in your research.

Educational Format

Are you interested in an online degree program, an on-campus program, or a hybrid option that combines the two? Considering your schedule and career goals can help you decide whether to attend a traditional degree program or earn a master's degree online.

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How to Get a Master's Degree in History

Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past in order to provide accurate accounts of historical events, people, and places. Their research helps governments, schools, and companies learn from the past and make optimal decisions in the present.

Because historians must have strong research and communication skills, some employers require historians to have at least a master's degree in history. A master's in history qualifies historians to teach at the community college level and can lead to careers across industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many historians work for state and local government conducting research or performing policy analysis. Historians also perform archival work for museums, historical buildings, and visitors sites. The corporate world values historians for their research and analytical skills, so many historians work for companies unrelated to academia.

Whether you're interested in teaching or working for a government agency, a master's degree in history can give you the knowledge and skills you need to make the most of your career. With online degree programs, you can earn a master's degree online without sacrificing your current job and income. There are an abundance of history master's programs to choose from, so research and careful planning are essential. Using this guide, you can begin the research process, narrow your list of programs, and start applying.

An Overview of the Master's Degree in History

A master's in history usually takes 2 - 3 years to complete, depending on your academic experience. Many master's degrees in history lead to either an MA or an MS, and the difference between the two degrees is minimal. Like other master's degree programs, the master's in history requires students to take a set of core courses and select a particular field of interest. The field of interest is often defined by a given region, time period, or type of history, and offerings vary by school. Because history covers multiple cultures, most history master's degree programs require students to become proficient in a foreign language. At the end of many programs, students must pass a comprehensive exam and submit a final research paper. At some schools, the master's in history is a stepping stone on the path to a PhD as opposed to a stand-alone program.

How to Choose a Program

Whether you choose to earn a master's degree online or attend a traditional on-campus program, the following steps can help you navigate the often overwhelming number of options. After taking a broad look at existing programs, you can use your basic requirements, area of interest, and the attributes of each program to create a final list of schools to apply to.

Step 1: Make a Comprehensive List

The first step of the research process is getting a sense of how many master's degree in history programs exist and deciding which meet your basic requirements. Using sources like U.S. News and World Report graduate school rankings and WorldWideLearn.com, you can perform searches and make an initial list of schools that meet your basic needs. For each school, consider the following attributes:

Accreditation

Accreditation is granted to schools by national accrediting agencies that use a predetermined set of criteria to evaluate a program's quality and effectiveness. Not all schools seek accreditation, but, in general, it's a stamp of approval you should take seriously. The U.S. Department of Education offers a searchable list of accredited post-secondary schools and programs to aid in your research.

Educational Format

Are you interested in an online degree program, an on-campus program, or a hybrid option that combines the two? Considering your schedule and career goals can help you decide whether to attend a traditional degree program or earn a master's degree online.

Historic demand for health care services is challenging medical institutions to manage resources more effectively and streamline care delivery. Nurse administrators play a critical role in this effort, coordinating the nursing staff responsible for front line patient care, providing medical supplies and equipment, managing the cost of nursing care, and preparing to meet future needs.

A master's degree in nursing administration trains nurses in the applied business skills necessary to manage health care resources effectively. Programs are designed to meet the needs of working nurses--in many cases you can earn a master's degree online, completing targeted projects relevant to your nursing role.

WorldWideLearn.com introduces you to the world of graduate nursing administration education. The step-by-step guide takes you through the process of planning your master's degree in the context of your career goals.

Guide to Master's Degrees in Nursing Administration

Graduate nursing administration programs train nurses to confront the resource management challenges facing the health care sector today. The degree focuses on the application of business fundamentals within a health care context. Courses focus on the "administrative structures, processes, and outcomes that facilitate nursing practice," with training in strategic planning, safety and quality assurance, regulatory requirements, staff management, clinical documentation and information systems, and health care finance.

To learn more about the field, see WorldWideLearn.com's Guide to College Majors in Health Care Administration or Nursing.

Professional and Academic Master's Degrees

Nursing administration is an applied discipline with both theoretical and business foundations. Different master's degrees have evolved to emphasize the professional and academic aspects of the discipline. Your options include:

• Master of Science (MS) in Nursing Administration. This MS is modeled on academic science master's degrees and culminates in a research project or master's thesis.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Nursing Administration. The MSN is an advanced professional nursing degree with an emphasis on clinical training.
• Master of Health Administration (MHA).The MHA takes a broader view of health administration, incorporating hospital and clinic administration, health policy, and other issues outside the immediate purview of nursing.
• Joint Degrees in Nursing Administration. Joint degrees such as the MSN-MBA (Master of Business Administration) and the MSN-MPA (Master of Public Administration) offer a deeper immersion in business or public policy skills related to nursing administration.

There is considerable overlap among these degrees, but generally speaking the MS features a more theoretical and research-based curriculum, while the MSN, MHA, and dual master's degrees focus on professional practice and clinical training. Both degrees are available via digital graduate education format for working nurses who want to earn a master's degree online.

Schedule

Will you be working full time while you attend school, or are you planning to be a full-time student? Students with full-time jobs often need the convenience and flexibility of online degree programs. With online degree programs, you can earn an online MA in history without commuting or leaving work to attend class.

If you plan to attend school full time and are looking for an all-encompassing graduate school experience, a traditional, on-campus program may make the most sense. With an on-campus master's degree program, you can take advantage of libraries, research facilities, and the academic community.

Career Goals

Your reason for pursuing a master's degree also comes into play when deciding between online and on-campus programs. Do you plan to advance your current career with a master's in history, or are you looking to transition into academia?

If you work full time and wish to enhance your career by earning a master's degree, an online degree program may make sense by allowing you to continue your education without giving up work experience. Students who wish to enter academia, either as a researcher or PhD candidate, may benefit from the academic community and resources of a traditional, on-campus master's program.

Program Options

Many schools that offer a master's degree in history do so only as part of a PhD program, so check school Web sites to be sure they offer stand-alone master's degree program.

Location

Finally, consider each school's location if you are applying to on-campus or hybrid programs. If you would not consider moving for your dream school, only list schools that are within commuting distance or consider pursuing an online graduate education.

After considering the above features, you should have a list of schools that meet your basic graduate program needs. Next you need to decide what areas of history most interest you and assess each school based on its program offerings.

Step 2: Narrow Your Focus

History is a broad topic, covering everything from ancient Rome to the civil rights movement, so you can't expect to master it all. Earning an MA in history requires you to focus on a specific region, time period, or type of history, becoming an expert in the field that interests you most. Course offerings vary by program, so it's important to apply to schools that offer coursework or specializations in your area of interest. The following are some common focus areas within history master's degree programs:

Specialization by Time Period or Region: Most master's degree programs in history allow students to specialize in the history of a given time period, region, or country. Specific program offerings vary by school, but common regions to study include:

• Africa
• America
• China
• Eastern Europe
• Western Europe
• Japan
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Russia
• Southeast Asia

Social and Cultural History: Social and cultural history combines anthropology and history to examine how social groups and cultures change over time.

Diplomatic History: Diplomatic history focuses on the politics, rulers, and international relations that shape civilizations. This type of history is also called political history or Rankian history.

Military History: Military historians study war, military strategy, battles, and weaponry across regions and time periods.

School Web sites and information packets are a good place to start when researching the types of programs each school offers. For additional details, you can request a course catalog from admissions officers or department employees. When you finish your research, eliminate programs from your list that don't offer specializations in your field of interest.

Step 3: Finalize Your List

The last step in narrowing your list of schools involves assessing the pros and cons of each program and arriving at a realistic number of schools to apply to. The more research you do now, the less likely you are to waste time and money applying to schools that aren't good matches. By referencing school Web sites, admissions counselors, and financial aid officers, you can research the following aspects of each school and finalize your application list.

Faculty: Many of your courses as a master's degree student are small with a high level of teacher-student interaction, so the ability to connect with your instructors can greatly enhance your experience. Use library search engines, admissions counselors, and current students to answer the following questions:

• What is the academic history of each faculty member?
• Do they have first-hand experience in your field of interest?
• Have they published articles or books that interest you?
• Have other students had positive experiences with these professors?
• Are they accessible to students?
• Are they respected within the academic or professional community you hope to join?

Reputation: A program's reputation can affect how future employers view your graduate school experience, so talk to others in your industry to see which schools they recommend. When researching a program's reputation, consider the following questions:

• How long has the program existed?
• What does the academic community say about the program?
• What does the professional community say about the program?
• Is the program ranked among the top history graduate programs?

Graduation and Placement Rates: You can tell a lot about a program by the success of its graduates. Admissions counselors, school Web sites, and alumni officers can help you answer the following questions about program graduates:

• What is the graduation rate for students that begin the master's program?
• What industries do graduates enter?
• What is the job placement rate for graduates?

Funding: A program's funding influences everything from financial aid to the number of course offerings, so talk to financial aid officers and program administrators to determine the following:

• Does the program offer any scholarships, grants, or paid teaching opportunities?
• For on-campus programs, what is the quality of classrooms and facilities?
• How many courses are offered each semester or quarter?

Acceptance Rate: In addition to finding programs that meet your criteria, you must meet a program's criteria in order to be accepted. An admissions officer can help you answer the following questions and estimate your chances of admission:

• What percentage of applicants are accepted?
• What is the average undergraduate GPA and GRE score of accepted candidates?
• Do most successful candidates have professional experience?

By considering all of the above features of each master's program on your list, you should have a sense of which programs best suit your needs. While you may be tempted to apply to only programs with the best reputation, make sure you consider acceptance rates and apply to an appropriate mix of schools. Once decision time rolls around, you'll want to have options.

How to Apply for a MA in History

Deciding which schools to apply to is half the battle, but now the work of applications begins. Graduate school applications require a variety of paperwork and testing in some cases, so planning ahead is essential. Ideally, you should give yourself about six months to complete applications, especially if you're applying to several programs. Specific application requirements vary by program, but most master's degree programs require applicants to submit the following:

• Transcripts: You'll need to submit an official transcript from each post-secondary school you've attended. A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for all master's degree programs, but some programs also look for specific history or language

coursework.

• Personal Statement: This 1 to 2-page personal essay explains why you want to pursue a master's in history and why you would be a good fit.
• Writing Sample: Because history is a writing-intensive field, many programs request a 10 to 20-page writing sample from your prior academic work.
• Letters of Recommendation: Most master's degree programs request 2 to 3 letters of recommendation written on your behalf. Letters may be written by former instructors, employers, or coworkers, and you should ask each recommender well ahead of time.
• GRE Scores: The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) tests applicants' verbal, writing, and math skills, and you should spend time studying for it. Not all programs require the GRE, but many recommend it.

Preparing for the GRE and requesting letters of recommendations are likely to be your first steps, though you should devote a fair amount of time to the personal statement and writing sample, as well. Because each application varies, be sure to read instructions carefully and keep track of deadlines. If you plan ahead and stay organized, you can retain control of the application process and avoid unnecessary stress.

Aiming for a Career in History

Historians' analytic skills and understanding of the past make them attractive candidates for a host of careers, and a master's degree in history indicates a level of expertise and dedication that employers value. Online degree programs enable you to earn a master's degree online, regardless of your current schedule or lifestyle. With the abundance of master's degree programs and history career options, it's never too late to enhance your education and establish a rewarding career.

Sources

• American Historical Association, History Doctoral Programs
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social Scientists, Other
• CNN Money, Working Your Degree: History
• Columbia University, Department of History
• UC Berkeley, Department of History
• U.S. Department of Education, Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
• U.S. News and World Report, Graduate Rankings: History
• Yale University, Department of History

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