Online Master of Arts in History
Advance your career or prepare for roles in nonprofit, academia and other sectors with Arizona State University’s online Master of Arts in history. Throughout this program, you’ll explore the history of societies across the world while collaborating with your peers in a community setting. Featuring two focus areas to tailor your studies to, this program not only enriches your understanding of the past, but also helps you comprehend the present and influence the future.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 30
Build an advanced historical perspective while cultivating broadly useful skills
This master’s program will deepen your knowledge of the past and hone valuable, transferable skills such as information gathering, analysis, effective communication and evaluation of evidence. You’ll be readied to pursue jobs in museums, national parks, historic preservation, public service, academia and much more. If you teach in, or aspire to teach in, K–12 environments, this master’s program can strengthen your skill set and subject knowledge and could increase your earning potential.
Throughout this program, you’ll engage with comparative analyses, historiographies and research papers, enhancing your ability to write about complex topics. The culminating project is a digital portfolio that allows you to showcase work you've produced during the program. You’ll revise and edit a research paper and historiography from your previous courses. The digital portfolio also allows you to share your work once you’ve graduated and use it for future applications to jobs or other graduate programs.
To further expand your career opportunities, you can also pursue ASU’s online graduate certificate in public history in conjunction with this degree without adding additional credit hours.
Tailor your studies to your interests and career goals
This master’s program offers a thematic approach, encompassing various time periods and geographic regions. Rather than focusing narrowly on one subject, you'll gain a broad historical understanding and explore diverse perspectives. This flexibility allows you to tailor your studies to align with your interests and career goals. Upon completion, you'll possess the skills and expertise expected of a master's-level historian.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Online master’s in history courses
Courses are designed and taught by faculty members with PhDs and industry professionals working in museums or other public history settings. In addition to taking core courses related to your focus area, you’ll complete several electives, two research seminars and a capstone project.
The jobs a history master’s prepares you for
Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to work in research, government service, politics, journalism or other fields. For teachers, this program can support your growth as an instructor in primary, secondary and higher education environments. You may also choose to pursue roles in public history, including those at museums, historical societies or national parks. Potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:
Learn alongside practicing faculty and leaders in the field
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars
- Guggenheim Fellows
- MacArthur Fellows
- Nobel laureates
Learn alongside practicing faculty and leaders in the field
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars
- Guggenheim Fellows
- MacArthur Fellows
- Nobel laureates
How to apply
Applicants to the Master of Arts in history degree must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
The largest and most diverse college at ASU
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
31,572
students enrolled as of fall 2024
$161 million
in research expenditures in FY23
21
interdisciplinary schools and departments
100+
undergraduate degrees
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
