What Master's degrees can one pursue with a History BA? I'm not interested in a teaching degree.

2015-09-07T09:23:35-04:00

I just graduated with a History BA this past Dec, I am about to PCS next month to Scott AFB Illinois and would like to know if anyone knows what degrees other that teaching degrees can be pursued with a BA in history. I have interests in museum curator, or ancient text curators, scholars, archeology. I do not want to teach simply because I do not have the patience required to deal with that. Any help would be appreciated. Thank You.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 7 at 2015 9:31 AM

2015-09-07T09:31:36-04:00

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member these are some fields of study you can choose from.
https://www.onetonline.org/find/quick?s=ba+history

Quick Search

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Sep 7 at 2015 9:38 AM

2015-09-07T09:38:12-04:00

First, I would say break the assumption that your BA and further degrees have to be affiliated.

In my case, my BA is in History. I then got two degrees (AA's) in Computer Programming and Database Management. Following that, I picked up a MS in Management and an MBA. My eventual PHD will likely be in Organizational Psychology or a related field. Though, if I win the lottery, it'll be in History!!!! (My objection isn't the patience, but the lack of $$$)

Second, don't automatically assume that you need an advanced degree to get into the field of your choice. This is more of a generic thing that I throw out, as people too often assume a degree is is needed. Your fields of interest are such that you probably do. Of the top of my head, I know that Johns Hopkins has an MA in Museum Curation.

Third, do extensive research on what fields interest you and you will often find ways to break in either without a degree or while getting a degree. You will often find that there are little-known creative ways of funding your dreams. In the case of my ex-wife, she was able to find an internship as a school psychologist at FULL salary as part of her Master's program. In her case, that was leveraged into a job that lasted for more than a decade.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Sep 7 at 2015 10:04 AM

2015-09-07T10:04:34-04:00

If you want to get into the Archaeology biz get some specialized training!
Surveying / GIS is hot, hot, hot!
Go to a couple good field schools.
Job seekers for out weigh available jobs!
The more "special" schools on the CV the better!
Department of Army has a current opening for a staff position @ $70K
Here are the basic requirements
A Degree that included 3 semester hours each in the following course areas: History of archeology; Archeology of a major geographical area such as North America or Africa; Regional archeology, archaeological cultures, or sites in a specific part or portion of a major geographical area to acquire or develop a foundation for regional specialization for professional development; Theory and methods of archeology. Methods include, but are not limited to, typology, classification, sampling, cultural evolution, diffusion, dating, and analytical techniques. Archaeological field school, to provide a basic understanding of theoretical and practical approaches to research design implementation, field preservation techniques, and report preparation by participation in actual field work. AND Six semester hours of related course work in: geography, geology, or cultural geography; history, historiography, or historical archeology; environmental studies; scientific writing (nonfiction English composition); and/or surveying; AND Archaeological field school. Related Curriculum -- Degree in anthropology (with emphasis on ethnology, physical anthropology, or scientific linguistics), history, American studies, or a related discipline may be accepted as satisfying in full the educational requirements, provided the curriculum supplied academic course work sufficiently similar to the requirements above (including archaeological field school).

Good luck! If I was to be doing it all over again this would be a very tempting path!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 7 at 2015 11:58 AM

2015-09-07T11:58:22-04:00

The only thing that means is you may have to take prerequisites to be fully accepted to a degree program. I did when I entered the MBA program without a formal business background.

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Sep 7 at 2015 12:00 PM

2015-09-07T12:00:53-04:00

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member completely agree with LTC Stoneking. I would add, get involved with professional organizations in your field of interest. They are a great source of info, ideal for in-field networking and will help you hit the ground running when you ETS.

Response by PFC Maxo Marc made Sep 7 at 2015 12:03 PM

2015-09-07T12:03:18-04:00

Hawaii Pacific University has a master's in Diplomacy and Military Studies. Norwich University has a master's in Military Studies. Look into both.

Response by MAJ Bill Maynard made Sep 7 at 2015 1:10 PM

2015-09-07T13:10:00-04:00

Pretty much anything that doesn't require a specific undergraduate degree.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2015 1:50 PM

2015-09-07T13:50:20-04:00

With the exception of engineering and physics, most other advanced degree fields are open to anyone. For example, an MD program generally requires an undergraduate degree in any field PLUS one year of biology, chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry. The MD is unique in that most state medical licensing laws requires these four courses be completed before medical school so there are many one year programs to qualify history etc graduates for medical school. MOST OTHER GRAD PROGRAMS WILL ALLOW YOU TO COMPLETE ANY REQUIRED UNDERGRADUATE COURSES DURING YOUR FIRST YEAR IF GRADUATE SCHOOL OR IN PARALLEL WITH GRAD COURSES.

The keys are (1) make them believe you are fully committed to working hard and making a difference in your new field, (2) have undergrad grades that predict success in graduate studies and (3) score well on the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, or other required graduate school admission test. Faculty letters that say you are graduate school material and explain how you overcame prior difficulties in your life help.

Why an archeology curator? Why not fine art? Why not law school - where dredging up history or some ancient text as precedent can make the difference in winning a case? Law school and MBA degrees can open leadership and project management jobs in technical fields like archaeology, Is this your passion or just what you believe may be open to you?

Why not register for the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Officer (FSO) or Foreign Serbice Staff (FSS) test where an undergraduate degree in history provides just the kind of deep research, analysis, and writing talents required to be a successful FSO/FSSr? Grad degree not required!!! Your history studies may well help you score really high on the USDOS FSO Test - and the test is fun!!!

As far as funding - professional programs like JD/MBA usually provide loans. Many programs will offer a scholarship / fellowship / traineeship that pays college costs plus a small salary for faculty research help. Just ask around if your resources are limited. I held generous "full ride" scholarships for graduate school that paid all of my school costs including tuition, room, board, books, and a small personal allowance.

Response by SFC Glenn Cober made Sep 7 at 2015 1:56 PM

2015-09-07T13:56:43-04:00

I would recommend for you to pursue an MBA.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Sep 7 at 2015 3:07 PM

2015-09-07T15:07:13-04:00

I'd advise you to find a field that your are passionate about and pursue that. If you don't have a field you have passion for, then maybe the nature of the graduate degree doesn't matter. Essentially, find your passion and go after that - it makes the work worth it.

Response by SSgt Adrene Wike made Sep 7 at 2015 7:42 PM

2015-09-07T19:42:59-04:00

I have mine in Business Admin, but I'm working on my Masters in Training & Development! I would pick a program you are interested in start talking to schools!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2015 9:52 PM

2015-09-07T21:52:23-04:00

Honestly, whatever you want. The degree doesn't matter so much as that you have one and had good grades. And do well on whatever their prerequisites are.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2015 9:56 PM

2015-09-07T21:56:27-04:00

I didn't make it through either. I have two AOCs and 4 ASIs, it's the hardest school I've ever been too. If you don't have a great attention to detail don't bother. It's a great program and a great school but it's hard. Ordnance will set you up for a good career and a good job after if you want. Ultimately try to pick a career field you'll enjoy, if not there is no point.

Response by Lt Col Stephen Petzold made Sep 8 at 2015 12:09 AM

2015-09-08T00:09:07-04:00

Really two choices. You can get pretty much just any master's to fill the box or you can get one that will help you get a job down the road that supports your interests. If you just want to fill the box then there are the University of Phoenix's and usually a couple of other colleges that offer classes on base. The benefit here is that they are usually used to working with military schedules, TDY's etc. If you want to find a master's along the lines of your interests such as archaeology, anthropology, etc, then you might have to look at a more traditional university. The down side there is they will probably be less accommodating to military schedules. Many smaller museums definitely have a business/marketing aspect to them, so a masters in one of those areas might be available on base yet still be applicable to your future goals. Also a masters in history might be an option.

Response by MSgt Danny Hope made Sep 8 at 2015 10:50 AM

2015-09-08T10:50:48-04:00

Graduate programs are designed to give you the skills to take your career to the next level...that being said, the program you choose is completely up to you. Granted, some programs have specific "prerequisites" for acceptance, however, most do not. For example, I did a MA in Diplomacy and Transnational terrorism and decided to do a second one in Information Assurance. Since the IA degree was designed for preparing students to "manage" a IA program, the nuts and bolts about IT security wasn't required. I was able to convince the program director to allow my enrollment as it was more management driven than technically driven. But my advice would be to pursue something you are truly interested in as it helps the hours and hours of research more palatable.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Sep 9 at 2015 12:22 PM

2015-09-09T12:22:23-04:00

What Master's degree do you want to pursue? I had a BA in Communications and got my MA in History, there is no reason you could not do the same? My first question is what do you want to do, then it is what do you need to do to get there? IF you did like studying History...you may still want to stay in that lane?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 9:35 PM

2015-09-09T21:35:52-04:00

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member I'm not very familiar with the particular areas you mentioned, so can't be much help in pointing out specific degree programs. I will tell you that you can pursue pretty much any Master's program you want. I see you're at Ramstein now, but my suggestion would be to get in touch with a few museum curators and ask their opinions about the best degrees for someone in their field. Give them an idea of the Universities around Scott AFB and see if they have any opinions on those. You could also contact some archeologists in the departments at some of those universities, or at any university or at a foundation that supports archeological work. Ask around of the experts, and they will (mostly) be happy to share their thoughts with you.

Best of luck to you in your search and continued education. Make sure it's something you find fun!

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Sep 14 at 2015 9:13 AM

2015-09-14T09:13:01-04:00

My BA from Tulane University was in Russian Language and History. I had also studied Civil Engineering, so I had a lot of math and science in my background. I took the Master's of Science in Business Administration program at Boston University, and I highly recommend that program. The curriculum was a nice mix of art and science, and the faculty was outstanding.

Response by MSgt Edward Wayne Powell made Sep 15 at 2015 11:31 AM

2015-09-15T11:31:26-04:00

Residing in IL, I am familiar with the area and would like to offer you some insight, as I am currently pursuing my MA as well. I believe the Education and Training Center on base has the best information but I found that there were 3 universities that offered MA programs on base. I agree with COL Vincent Stoneking in that it won't matter what BA was in, just matters what fields you are interested in (and have have pre-reqs for). Park University, Webster University, and Maryville University all have on-base offices, offering MBA, MA in Leadership, and many others. It will be up to you to evaluate what you want and then go after it. Take it from this old Master Sergeant and do your research, see what best 'bang for buck' is, and then follow your own compass to what you want to be when you 'grow up'. Semper Fidelis and happy hunting.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 3:27 PM

2015-09-30T15:27:44-04:00

I have a Bachelor's of Sports Science and an MBA. The two don't always have to be related!

Response by SGT Ryan Lawson made Jan 29 at 2018 5:24 PM

2018-01-29T17:24:40-05:00

I'm at Argosy University Twin Cities for My Master's.. I/O Psychology (Management). Argosy gives life experience credits, takes JSTs, accepts VA benefits, and gives 20% deal for active, reserve, or vets. Has accredited 100% online too! Associates-Doctoral.