I've been doing some searching for awhile now looking for history programs via DL. I've not had much luck finding things so I thought I would ask for some suggestions. I've done some research on the forum here and read some posts, but I'm not quite sure I've found what I want. My undergrad degree is in History, minor in computer science. My master's degree is in MIS (Management Information Systems). I've found quite a few Phd programs for CIS/MIS/etc... However, I've not found many that deal with history. I'm looking for a DL program; preferably with minimal residency requirements, that would allow me to complete a Phd in history. I understand that since my master's is not in the same field I might have to complete some additional coursework. My eventual career goal would be to teach at the college level - first preference would be history. I am also open to suggestions with regard to teaching at the college level in other subject areas, such as computer science, MIS, etc. Any thoughts or suggestions would be great... In the short time I've perused the board I've greatly enjoyed the discussion about "degree mills," etc... Looking forward to the replies - thanks for your time!
Sam Houston State U. has an MA in History (Military History Concentration) available completely online: http://www.shsu.edu/~dl_www/mahist.html Beyond that, I don't believe there is yet a DL option for a Ph.d. in History from a U.S. school (I've been looking for one also).
I believe that the closest you're going to get with a US degree is the PhD program at Union Institute and University as you can design your own area of study. Much has been written about Union on this forum over the years and their website is readily available. Otherwise, you'll have to ask yourself if you're willing to consider a non-US doctoral degree. There are pros and cons to this prospect. If the answer is 'yes' then you'll find programs in Britain, Australia and South Africa that may meet your needs. Jack
That was one that I had started to look at some. I'm rather interested in the military aspect of history so that would match up - and I would need to complete a Master's in history before going on.... I'll post if I do find something - I've been looking quite a bit as well...
I haven't quite begun to contemplate the pros and cons of a foreign (foreign to US) doctoral. Some of my professors had their phd from outside the states, so I know it isn't completely unheard of. I have just started looking at Union and am rather curious about their program....
I'll take a look at that one - I've not had much in the way of studies of archaeology or ancient history, but that's not necessarily a problem!
Just an update on the SHSU MA, (Department of History -- Sam Houston State University). The faculty is pretty solid, but the course offerings are slim. I'm working on my MA @ AMU (American Military University - Official Site) and find it to be comparable, if not better, and cheaper. Additionally, I get to choose to do a Thesis. Re: PhDs, Leicester is a top-ranking school, one I'm thinking of, myself, if I'm so lucky, but it's also heavy on Archaeology, and if that's not part of your plan, Leicester may not be for you. There's also UNISA (Unisa Online) which might be flexible on subjects. Honestly, Commonwealth PhDs are valued just as US PhDs, if not more highly. That being said, you'll be doing a lot more research ( 250+ page Dissertation! ) in a Commonwealth school. You're almost certainly going to have to get some grad-level stemwork out of the way.
This isn't exactly PURE history, but it's related. The University of Florida has some distance PhDs related to classics and Roman history. They do have residency requirements though. However, it's a US school that has a decent name. To get in, you have to have taken and be able to read Latin. Department of Classics at The University of Florida -Matt
This is one of the ones I'm looking at! I've explored this one pretty thoroughly, and it looks like there are actually several language requirements, specifically Ancient Greek. However, I've communicated with the program director, and she specified the following for the distance PhD: 6 courses in Latin (i.e. transcripts) and you must be a teacher. Beware, this might be a little too good to be true.
The London School of Economics and Political Policy (LSE): Research MPhil /PhD in International History International History - Research Programmes 2011 - Graduate - Study - Home University of London: Several research PhD (History) Course Results: Course Search Results Western Kentucky University: MA in History Master of Arts in History | Norwich University: MA in Military History Master of Arts in Military History – American (US) Military History Degree Online University of Denver: MA in World History and Culture World History and Culture master's degree online University College, University of Denver
I have not read through this entire thread but in regards to the Major's post above I would want to point out that the distance learning component of the University of London does not offer Doctoral degrees in any subject area. Distance learning - University of London - UoL - online education - Postgraduate
As I had mentioned … with both The London School of Economics and Political Policy (LSE) and UOL PhD’s are research program degrees.
Hey, There are history graduate programs at Stirling University in UK, which train students to be historians and prepares them for doctoral research. There are also three pathways specifically for in-depth study in Medieval Scottish History, the American Revolutionary Era and Revolution and Counter-Revolution.
