Master of Arts in History
Norwich’s history program curriculum is composed of six courses, each of which is delivered through our online classroom over 11 weeks for a total of 36 credit hours.
Our graduates can:
- Demonstrate a familiarity with more than one historiographic tradition and the ability to synthesize different types of historical knowledge.
- Apply a depth and breadth of subject matter expertise to current roles to become more knowledgeable teachers and public historians.
- Conduct historical research through several resources such as course papers and theses.
Public History Track
Public History is designed to enable you to make history accessible through the preservation and interpretation of visual artifacts, written documents, material culture, and other sources.
For the 4th course, please refer to the elective course list in the next section.
Please note that the Research and Planning Seminar and Capstone Project courses will be taken as the 5th and 6th courses.
HI553 and HI563 will entail working as an INTERN for a total of 400 hours working on site. This 400 hours can be spread over 9 months – (3 months for HI553, 3 months for HI563, and if needed 3 months for an extension on HI563).
Elective Courses for the Public History Track
Students can take any one of these electives for the fourth seminar in the Public History concentration. The elective should be chosen in consultation with the Program Director or Associate Program Director. The elective should give students historical content knowledge for the period, region, or type of public history employment they will pursue.
American History Track
American History is designed to help you establish yourself as a complete historian through the systematic exploration of history in the United States. For the courses below, in addition to common readings and threaded discussion posts each week, each student writes several papers of varying lengths. This concentration will progress as outlined; course descriptions are down below.
First Course:
Introduction to History and Historiography (MH510)
Second and Third Course (choose two):
American Colonial, Revolutionary and Early National History (HI520)
19th Century America (HI530)
20th Century America (HI540)
Fourth Course:
Choose an elective from the below list.
Fifth Course:
Directed Readings in History (HI550)
Sixth Course:
Capstone Paper (MH562; or M.A Thesis via MH570 and MH571)
Elective Courses for the American History Track
For seminar four, students choose one of the following courses.
World History Track
World History is designed to give you the capability to examine world history to build a strong historical knowledge base. This concentration will progress as outlined; course descriptions are down below.
First Course:
Introduction to History and Historiography (MH510)
Second and Third Course (choose two):
Hunter-Gatherer and Agrarian Eras to 1500 (HI526)
The Late Agrarian Era to 1800 (HI536)
World History from 1800 to 1991 (HI546)
Fourth Course:
Choose an elective from the below list.
Fifth Course:
Directed Readings in History (HI550)
Sixth Course:
Capstone Paper (MH562; or M.A Thesis via MH570 and MH571)
Elective Courses for the World History Track
For seminar four, students choose one of the following courses.
Optional Master's Thesis (Applies to American and World History Tracks Only)
The optional master’s thesis is an original research project demonstrating your ability to conduct primary-source research and demonstrate mastery of the historiography germane to the research question. This option is recommended for those interested in continuing their studies in history at the doctoral level. The thesis must reflect graduate-level analysis, synthesis, and argument and make a compelling case for the argument's historical and historiographic significance. Students interested in this degree completion option must petition the Capstone/Thesis Director during the second semester. The petition must be accompanied by a thesis proposal and letters of recommendation from two faculty members of the Master of Arts in History or the Master of Arts in Military History program.
The thesis option is, at minimum are two 11-week three-credit seminars. Accompanying sustaining and thesis fees will be applied.
Prerequisites: Approval of thesis petition and successful completion of the five previous core courses.
Legal and Constitutional History Track
The Legal and Constitutional History track is designed for primary and secondary school teachers in American history, world history, social studies, and/or government with a focus on providing a broader and deeper understanding of the historiographical foundations of European and American legal and constitutional structures, such as the rule of law, civil rights, and the balance of powers among the branches of government.
For the 4th course of this track, please refer to the elective course list below.
For the Capstone project, students have a choice to complete either MH562 or HI568
Elective Courses for the Legal and Constitutional History Track
Students can take any one of these electives for their fourth course in this concentration. The elective courses help give students greater knowledge of trends in historical scholarship relative to their professional interests.
Capstone Course for Legal and Constitutional History Track
Students choose from one of the two available capstone courses to round out the Legal and Constitutional History concentration of the M.A. in History degree program.
Residency
The final academic requirement for the history program is a residency at the beautiful and historic Norwich University campus in Vermont. Students have the opportunity to meet with fellow students, faculty, and program staff in both formal classroom and informal settings. Academic recognition ceremonies and commencement cap off the week, and family and friends are encouraged to attend.
Norwich covers the cost of all meals and accommodation on campus.
Career Opportunities for Master of Arts in History Graduates
Whether your goals are to sharpen writing and research skills, develop a nuanced perspective on the past or garner subject matter experience, numerous Norwich alumni have proven that the pursuit of an online master’s degree in history is a fruitful endeavor.
Our Master of Arts in History degree can help you reach a variety of roles related to the field of history. You can also apply your degree to other public history venues. If you are in the military, our online master’s degree in history program may help you advance within the military or transition to a new career.
Our graduates have pursued a variety of roles, including:
Career Roles
- Archivist
- Archeologist
- Content Producer
- Curator
- Digital Historian
- Editor
- Educator
- Executive Director
- Grant Writer
- Intelligence Analyst
- Legislative Staff
- Museum Director
- Records Manager
- Researcher
Our students bring experience from nearly every sector of public service, including*:
- Federal Government (Military) - 10%
- State/Local Government - 40%
- For-profit Organization - 50%
What our graduates have to say:
report a higher level of responsibility at work since graduation.*
say they have acquired practical skills they were able to apply to their job.*
would recommend our online program to someone they know.*
Read more about our Master of Arts in History student outcomes.
*Source: Norwich University Master of Arts in History Graduate Survey, fielded in February 2016; percentages are based on those who responded.
For nearly two centuries, Norwich University has played a vital role in history as America's first private military college and the birthplace of ROTC. In fact, we have more than 18,000 alumni, many of whom have made significant contributions to our country’s development including Edwin Ferry Johnson, chief engineer of the Northern Pacific Railroad; Harry Bate Thayer, president and chairman of AT&T in the 1920s and General Gordon R. Sullivan, chief of staff of the U.S Army in the 1990s.
Our Master of Arts in History program is uniquely positioned to lead students through a comprehensive analysis of the major developments, events, and figures of the past.
Download a free brochure for more information about this program.
- Public History
- American History
- World History
- Legal and Constitutional History
Learn from a faculty of active scholars with doctorate degrees.
Customize your studies based on your career goals and personal interests.
Develop essential skills relevant to not only careers in history but also in business, law, education, and government.
Improve your historical insight, research, writing, analysis and presentation skills.
Apply to one of four start dates per year.
Benefit from a university recognized as offering Best Value with respect to high academic quality and low net cost of attendance, according to the U.S. News & World Report.*
*Rankings are based on undergraduate programs and on students who recieved the average level of need-based finanical aid.
Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.).
Recognized for academic excellence, U.S. News & World Report ranks Norwich University in the top 100 for Regional Universities in the North. Rankings are based on undergraduate programs.
Get to know the graduates of Norwich’s online Master of Arts in History program.
Resources
NU_MAH Pre-Qualify
Help us learn more about your experience and see if you qualify for the Master of Arts in History program.
At a Glance
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher
Contact Admissions
Mon - Fri: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST
Call: 1-877-348-8153
Email: info@online.norwich.edu
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Transfer CreditsYou may receive the equivalent of up to 12 semester credits for study conducted elsewhere. Norwich complies with VA regulations and guidelines as it pertains to transfer credits. -
Academic ScholarshipsThe Master of Arts in History program now offers an academic achievement scholarship for newly enrolled students! Complete your application to qualify for one of the scholarships. -
Norwich Alumni BenefitsReconnect with Norwich University to complete your master's degree online. As apart of our alumni community, you are eligible for a $2,500 scholarship as well as other benefits.
Eligibility Requirements
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by WES, IERF, SpanTran, or CED.
- If English is not your first language, proof of English language proficiency is required. This can be demonstrated in one of three ways:
Please Note: All eligibility requirements are expected to be met unless noted in specific articulation agreements or memoranda of understand (MOUs).
Application Process
We encourage you to contact an admissions advisor (see below) if you need help at any stage of the application process. You will be required to submit the following items:
- Application form
- Resume that includes 3 professional references with contact information
- Official transcript of your undergraduate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university
- Letter of intent
- Admissions essay demonstrating graduate-level writing and critical thinking skills, or the GRE with the following scores:
- For GRE tests taken within the past six years:
- 85th percentile or higher on the verbal test and a 5 or higher on the analytical writing test
In place of the admissions essay, the Program Director will also consider a thesis, or a publication, or other evidence of scholarly work that includes footnotes or citations, and an argument that's several pages long on a case-by-case basis.
- For GRE tests taken within the past six years:
- Proof of English language proficiency if applicable (TOEFL)
To contact an admissions advisor:
Call: 1-877-348-8153
Email: info@online.norwich.edu
About
When applying for the Master of Arts in History program at Norwich University, there are two essential factors to consider: what does it cost, and how can you pay for it? There are many ways to get financial assistance and several financial strategies that can help you achieve your academic and professional goals. We are here to help you identify and pursue the options that are best for you.
Tuition at a Glance
- Credit Hours: 36
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $719
Technology - $300/term
Library - $75/term
Graduation - $150/one-time
Featured Alumni
After completing the program’s core courses, students can choose an elective specific to their interests in American history. Course topics include historiography; Colonial, revolutionary, and early national history; and 19th- and 20th-century America.
You can choose to complete either the American History track or the World History track.
Yes, in fact, both programs share one course: MH510 Introduction to History and Historiography. Master of Arts in History students also have the option of taking MH550 U.S. Military History as an elective.
Yes. The last course of the history program is devoted to your capstone paper. An optional thesis track provides the opportunity for a focused research and scholarly investigation in addition to your coursework. The thesis option extends the program time to completion by at least one additional semester.
History program faculty all have terminal degrees and have extensive subject matter expertise in history - American history, in particular. They must demonstrate a wide range of university/college-level teaching experience, and a strong research record. Our faculty members are also active in publishing their academic scholarship, presenting at conferences and editing manuscripts.
Yes, the history program is designed to complement your day-to-day work schedule.
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by WES, IERF, or SpanTran.
- A GRE score is not required but may be requested based on your undergraduate GPA.
- If English was not the language of degree study, proof of English language proficiency and minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 80 (internet-based test, or iBT) on the TOEFL are required, unless otherwise noted in specific articulation agreements
- Price per Credit: $719
- Term Tuition: $4,314
- Technology Fee: $300/term
- Library Fee: $75/semester
- Graduation Fee: $150/one-time
- Total Program Cost (6 terms): $28,284
The program’s six courses (each six credits) take approximately 18 months to complete. Depending on when you start the program, you can expect your degree to be conferred in 18 to 24 months. Thesis students will spend an additional seminar to complete their studies.
Yes, students who have previously completed the military history master’s degree are welcome to apply and study in the history program. They typically will receive six transfer credits, and if they also completed MH550 U.S. Military History, the total number of transfer credits they are eligible to receive is 12.
When you apply for admission to the Master of Arts in History program, you can submit transcripts and course outlines from previously attended institutions of higher education to be considered for transfer credits. Transfer credits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may be accepted for up to 12 credits. Norwich complies with VA regulations and guidelines as they pertain to transfer credits.
Scholarship Opportunities
Norwich University offers a range of opportunities to help you lower your overall tuition costs. Contact our admissions team today to learn more about the below options. Please note that scholarships are not additive. In addition to the below scholarships, students may also be eligible for discounts if their organization partners with Norwich University.
Achievement Scholarship
Recognizing your past academic and professional achievements, the Achievement Scholarship is for newly enrolled students. You could receive a $4,200 scholarship, which will be distributed equally over the courses of the program. To be considered for this scholarship opportunity, submit your application package (application form, resume, letter of intent, and essay (if applicable)) for your program of interest at least one week prior to the upcoming application deadline. The Scholarship Selection Committee will review all application materials and select the recipient.
Norwich Alumni Scholarship
Norwich University alumni and their spouses, parents, and children are eligible to receive our Alumni Scholarship. The scholarship is award for each term of enrollment at $425 per term.
Active Duty Military Scholarship
Active duty, National Guard, and Reserve personnel are eligible to receive a $250 award for each term of enrollment in an online master’s degree program.
Pre-Qualify Learn More About our Online Master of Arts in History
- Public History
- American History
- World History
- Legal and Constitutional History
