Master of Arts
in History
Prepare for Your Future by Studying the Past with a Master of Arts in History
Do you have a passion for the past and studying the lives and accomplishments of great leaders in the formation of the world we have today? Liberty’s Master of Arts (MA) in History can help prepare you for history-related vocations through the study of historical facts, scholarly arguments, military campaigns, and more. In addition to studying historical events, you will also study leadership lessons from some of the most important figures of the past and present.
The need for historians who can provide insight into current events, analyze decisions, and teach others is of vital importance. By pursuing a history degree at Liberty, you are not only diving deep into history – you are preparing for your future. By further developing as a historian, you could become a valuable contributor to the field of history and potentially teach others.
Our professors seek to help you become prepared to positively impact the world for Christ. Some of the areas you’ll study include historical methodology, historical research and writing, and literature analysis. You will also have the choice to study either American history or European history. Our professors strive for you to have a comprehensive understanding of history so you can be better equipped for history-related vocations or doctoral study.
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Highlights
Highlights of Our MA in History Degree
Hands-On History at Mead's Tavern
Mead’s Tavern, built in 1763 and now owned by Liberty, serves as an onsite laboratory for hands-on training in history, archaeology, and more!
Pick the Path That's Best For You
A master’s degree in history can be used for more than pursuing a career as a historian.
With research and writing skills, you could pursue a range of roles such as an intelligence officer, newspaper editor, FBI agent, research assistant, political scientist, lobbyist, and many other areas.
Don’t Take the Journey Alone
Our chapter of Phi Alpha Theta provides a variety of professional development opportunities. It is dedicated to recognizing and encouraging excellence in the study of history.
Explore Rich Historical Sites
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and Poplar Forest are nearby, and we are close enough to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, and Washington, D.C., for a historical weekend getaway!
Career Potential
What Can You Do with a Master of Arts in History?
Liberty University’s Master of Arts in History Degree can help you prepare to pursue the following occupations:
- Archivist
- College or secondary teacher
- Editor
- Government worker
- Museum curator
- Political scientist
- Public relations worker
- Publisher
- Researcher
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Courses
What Will You Study in Our Master of Arts in History Degree?
To be an impactful historian, you can benefit from a foundation in the mechanics of studying history. Writing proper footnotes and conducting an oral history interview are 2 of the first skills you are taught. You will also study cultural assumptions and methodological limitations that may have affected historians in the past. Additionally, you can obtain a better understanding of how to explore Christian perspectives on history and develop a biblical approach to researching, writing, and teaching history.
Some of the best resources we have at Liberty are our faculty. Our professors are committed to your success and seek to partner with you as you grow as a historian. Not only does this help meet our mission of Training Champions for Christ, but it is also one of many reasons we have a strong, flourishing history graduate program.
Throughout this degree, the way American Christianity has influenced our social, political, and cultural development is explored in depth. Some other areas of interest include:
- How the demographic, industrial, and social changes in Europe helped to shape the pattern of warfare on the continent
- Modern European military history, from the shaping of nations to the rise and fall of empires
- The evolution of U.S. policy and culture from the end of World War II to the end of the 20th century
All these courses can help sharpen your research and writing skills and better prepare you to defend your opinion in both written and oral forms.
Featured MA in History Courses
HIST 501 – Historical Methods
HIST 502 – Historiography
HIUS 530 – American Christian Heritage
Degree Information
- This program falls under the College of Arts and Sciences
- View the Degree Completion Plan
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s MA in History?
A Prime Location for History Lovers
Liberty University is located in beautiful Central Virginia, offering easy access to countless historical sites within a 4-hour radius. You can take day trips to places like the Natural Bridge, Lexington, the National D-Day Memorial, and Appomattox. For longer excursions, spend a weekend exploring Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, or Washington, D.C.
Access to Historic Sites and Artifacts
The region is rich in historic landmarks, including Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and Poplar Forest, as well as Liberty’s own Mead’s Tavern. These locations allow you to engage directly with American history through original documents, architecture, and artifacts. On campus, the Scriptorium houses a collection of historical books and items that can further enhance your studies.
Flexible and Rigorous Academic Path
Our residential master’s program in history offers both thesis and comprehensive track options, allowing you to choose the path that best fits your academic and career goals. Both tracks are designed to challenge you while providing you with tools for success.
Academic and Professional Excellence
While pursuing your degree, you may be eligible to join Phi Alpha Theta, a national honor society that recognizes academic excellence in history. This opportunity, paired with our rigorous curriculum, gives you the chance to be part of a professional community committed to scholarly achievement.
Admissions
How Do You Become an MA in History Student?
Every application is reviewed by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no set minimums for acceptance. However, all applicants must submit the following documents* for admission:
- Admission application
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Admission essay
Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.
*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.
Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.