If you’re fresh out of high school, wanting to head back to school, or simply looking for a career change, earning your military history degree online may be the way to go.
And since a military history degree can help prepare you for a myriad of career options – including work in the government, armed forces, museums, or education fields – it can definitely be a smart move, especially in such unprecedented times.
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Intrigued? Scroll on for more information about how to obtain one.
Online Military History Degrees
Considering obtaining a bachelor’s degree in military history online? A bachelor’s in military history can typically be completed in about four years. The degree can be done wholly over the internet, allowing flexibility for students with children or working professionals.
As part of this degree program, you will likely learn about political science and foreign policy and can expect to take classes like World Politics, American Foreign Policy, War and Civilization, and Foreign Relations, in addition to completing general education courses like math and English.
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Having a degree in military history can open up a lot of doors career-wise. Possible options include becoming an officer in the military, a history professor at a university, or a curator at a museum.
In fact, due to ongoing public interest in museums and cultural centers, employment opportunities for administrators and curators in art and culture spheres should be particularly strong over the next decade.
Military History Careers & Salaries
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in military history can help you further understand the history of warfare from an interdisciplinary perspective. It can also give you the opportunity to study human conflict throughout history and learn how it has shaped civilization as a whole.
And with a degree in military history, shaped by an education built on strong writing, critical thinking, and communication skills, you can explore careers in the fields of education, government, nonprofits, historic preservation, the armed forces, and public administration and become a teacher, historian, military enlisted personnel, or military officer.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers in the military field include:
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Administrative Services Manager | $98,890 |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $69,600 |
| Historian | $63,100 |
| High School Teacher | $62,870 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $62,700 |
| Librarian | $60,820 |
| Curator | $56,990 |
| Archivist | $56,760 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $52,920 |
| Social Worker | $51,760 |
These are only a few examples of what you can do with a degree in history. However, it is important to note that while some jobs are attainable with a bachelor’s degree, you will need to earn a graduate degree to work as a professor or attorney.
Military History Curriculum & Courses
A degree in military history can allow you to delve into topics such as the causes and effects of warfare, its history, and how its changed over time.
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Here are some of the common classes taken when pursuing a bachelor’s in military history:
- World Politics – Students discuss political trends throughout history in this class, exploring topics like religion, economic changes, and human rights in politics.
- American Foreign Policy – Students examine U.S. foreign policy as a whole in this course, including its problems, development, and effect on the economy and military.
- War and Civilization – In this course, students delve into how security and policy development are affected by war, violence and peace.
- American Military History – In this class, students learn about the development of the American military and various wars that happened over time.
- Foreign Relations – Through case studies and current events, students learn about international policies and nationalism in this course.
- Military History – In this class, students receive an extensive overview of the historiography and methodology used to study history.
- Western Warfare – In this course, students examine the American and European military throughout the 20th century, comparing and contrasting Western warfare across the nations.
In addition to these courses, you’ll likely take some general education classes like math and science.
Admissions Requirements
Typically, admission requirements for a bachelor’s in military history include:
- high school diploma or equivalent
- minimum high school GPA
- minimum SAT or ACT score (though not always required)
- letters of recommendation
Admission requirements vary depending on the university, so be sure to take a closer look at the university’s that interest you.
Accreditation
Although many of the military degree programs that do exist can be completed entirely online, it is important to first confirm the school accreditation status before enrolling.
Attending an accredited school should not only ensure academic quality, transferable credits, and access to federal student loans (if you’re eligible), but it should also provide you the peace of mind knowing that your school has met widely accepted educational standards.
For more information about accreditation, check out the accrediting organizations that are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Financial Aid and Scholarships
When it comes to the college application process, planning how to pay for it is one of the first steps.
In addition to researching which state, college, or nonprofit grants and scholarships you’re eligible for (and meeting the application deadlines!), one of the best ways to receive assistance paying for school is by asking school counselors and financial aid representatives at your college office for help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is used to determine your federal aid eligibility.
Once you receive, review, and accept your aid form, you need to complete a FAFSA form each year and make satisfactory academic progress to maintain financial aid eligibility.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Military History?
A bachelor’s degree in military history can help equip you to become a researcher, analyst, author, teacher, archivist, or director in various career fields including academia, government, or the military.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for historians – primarily ones with master’s or doctoral degrees – is expected to rise by 3% for the next decade. A bachelor’s degree can also serve as a stepping stone if you decide to pursue higher education in law or graduate school.
In fact, a number of graduates continue their educations in an online masters in military history program offered at some universities.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Military History Degree?
If you follow a traditional, 16-week semester and attend full-time, it should take you about four years to obtain your bachelor’s degree in military history. You can complete your degree in less time if you follow an 8-week semester schedule and stay continuously enrolled year-round.
The best part of pursuing an online degree, whether it’s an online military science degree or an online military history degree, is the flexibility in scheduling and attendance it provides.
Is a Degree in Military History Worth it?
Yes, a degree in military history is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in education, training, and library occupations over the next 10 years.
Common careers in this field include teachers, professors, historians, archivists, and librarians, and if you pursue additional schooling in law or graduate school, you can also expect more opportunities as well as more pay.
Universities Offering Bachelor’s in Military History Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Led by faculty members with military backgrounds and expertise, American Public University’s bachelor’s in military history is designed to prepare students to look at history through multiple lenses. The program has a heavy research component that aims to empower students to conduct independent research using sources and critical interpretation.
After completing the program, graduates are expected to be trained in understanding the impact of conflicts and forming arguments from historical perspectives.
APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Arizona State University’s bachelor of arts in history is designed to train students to understand the political and societal happenings and dynamics that have shaped civilizations. ASU students who graduate from the program often go on to conduct research, teach, work in museums, and provide analysis.
Arizona State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Designed to provide a foundation for careers in government, military, and private roles, Bellevue University’s bachelor of science in intelligence and security studies is a robust interdisciplinary program. Students are given opportunities to dive into the worlds of psychology, technology, and global politics with a view toward anticipating and preventing threats.
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Columbia College’s bachelor of arts in history is designed to prepare students for meaningful careers in law, public service, historical preservation, media, and education. The goal of the program is to train students to use historical evidence to make analytical observations and solve problems logically. Graduates should leave with a deep understanding of societal dynamics.
Columbia College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Drury University’s bachelor of science in history is designed to help students transform into masters of interpreting the human experience. A course list covering United States history, the American Civil War, Latin American history, European history, and geographical history can help prepare students to work as educators, analysts, curators, and archivists.
Drury University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The bachelor of science in history program offered by King University aims to help students study and analyze various events and civilizations throughout human history. Topics including the American Civil War, the Cold War, the impact of Christianity on global affairs, and the history of science are covered.
The program also emphasizes the evaluation of historic writings and texts.
King University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Offering four specializations to choose from, Liberty University’s bachelor of science in military studies is designed to equip students for careers in defense. Liberty’s unique program is focused on helping students to identify and understand current security threats around the globe.
A professional track allows military members to use real-world experience to complete their degrees in less time.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Norwich University’s bachelor of science in strategic studies and defense analysis is designed to allow students to apply their real-world military experience toward developing leadership skills needed for future careers. This highly specialized program is designed for active and retired servicemen and servicewomen.
The development of research skills and ethical decision-making skills are emphasized.
Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Oregon State University’s bachelor’s of history is designed to prepare students for careers in education, analysis, media, curation, and archiving through intense courses focused on critical thinking, documentation, and composition. The capstone of the program is an independent research project.
Students are also eligible to participate in the Public History Internship Program.
Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Park University’s military history degree offers in-depth explorations of both United States history and global history. Students are given opportunities to research the sociology, geography, and politics of various regions and movements that have shaped the world.
After spending several semesters learning how to analyze scholarly views of history, students conclude the program with an eight-week research project.
Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The bachelor of arts in history degree from Regent University offers a presentation of history through a Christian worldview. Students are trained to view civilizations, conflicts, and movements through conducting research and writing projects. Students also receive strong mentoring as part of the Regent approach to instruction.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The bachelor’s of military history offered by Rogers State University is designed to prepare students for professional careers in academics, law, journalism, intelligence, private security, and the armed forces. The program covers aspects of foreign policy, global politics, and military conflicts.
Enrolled students can choose from four minors while tailoring their degrees to fit their goals.
Rogers State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Southern New Hampshire University’s bachelor of arts in history uses a unique approach to contextualize world events by linking past societies with current events. In addition to reading and research, students also participate in real-world learning experiences that help prepare them for the job market.
Students can customize their degree paths by choosing concentrations in military history, American history, European history, and Middle Eastern history.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The bachelor’s of history from the University of Memphis allows students to train as historians while studying history’s biggest moments from ancient times through the modern era. Heavy emphasis is placed on locating, recognizing, and critically analyzing historical sources.
Students are also trained to formulate and defend arguments using historical perspectives.
The University of Memphis is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Texas – El Paso offers a rare bachelor’s of arts in security studies. Through a deep study of security problems and applications, graduates prepare to work in roles related to defense, law enforcement, threat analysis, government intelligence, corporate security, Homeland Security, and risk analysis.
Requiring strong analytical skills, UTEP’s security studies degree dips into geography, history, theory. and strategy.
The University of Texas at El Paso is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Bachelors Degree in History Online
Whatever your reason is for pursuing a degree in military history, it may be a smart one. The careers graduates with this degree pursue are often lucrative and interesting, and the available jobs are expected to grow in a variety of different fields.
The flexibility and convenience of attending class online is also an added bonus, especially if you’re a working professional or parent! And once you graduate, you should have a myriad of career options to choose from, making your job, both looking for and keeping one in this rocky climate, that much easier.
Get started today on your educational journey by exploring online military history degrees at accredited universities.
