Everything that is happening now is helping to shape our future, while everything that happened in the past is effecting what is going on right now. If you are intrigued with how past events and people have helped shape society today, you might be interested in a Master's Degree in History.
Master's Degree in History
A Master's Degree in History generally takes 2 years to complete and is available at many colleges and universities either as an online degree or a campus education. Most people who pursue a History Master's Degree have a Bachelor's Degree in History, education, or a related liberal arts degree. This degree is very common as an online degree since most of the coursework involves reading and discussion which is easily done through distance learning on the Internet.
When you complete a Master's Degree in History you will gain an in-depth understanding of past events and cultures and how they have shaped the past and the present. It is a highly academic degree that involves reading and analyzing texts, researching ancient documents, and writing reports about your findings. You will gain knowledge about different world cultures and societies and how they have affected society, gender roles, and politics.
Degree Programs
Since it is such a broad discipline, most colleges that offer a Master's Degree in History will require you to pick one or two areas of concentration. While this is not always necessary it will allow you to specialize in a certain area and help narrow your search for a career. Some areas to choose from:
- Master's Degree in Ancient History
- Master of Arts in History Education
- Master's Degree in Military History
- Online Master's Degree in American History
- Master's Degree in Public History
Coursework
The coursework for your Master's Degree in History will cover a variety of cultures, languages, and geographical areas. The classes you take will vary depending on your chosen area of concentration, but many History programs offer similar courses such as:
- Environmental History
- World History
- American History
- Historical Research Methods
- Early World Civilizations
- The Middle Ages
- Digital Preservation
Finding a Career
The career choices for a Master's Degree in History can at first seem very limited. But there are many interesting and rewarding jobs available in a variety of settings. Many individuals use their knowledge of history to go on and get a doctorate or PhD in history to do research or teach. Other popular career options include:
- Museum Curator
- Historic Preservationist
- History Professor
- Writer
- Researcher
