I want to teach History in a Community College, can I get a legitimate masters degree online?

Question

I am almost finished with my Bachelors degree in History. I would like to continue on and get my masters in History. I am interested in American Public University's (APU) History program. But can I get a legitimate masters degree from a fully online institution, that when Im finished I would be able to get a job teaching at a community college? APU is fully accredited but Im leary because the only information about them I can find is on their website. It seems like nobody has heard of them. Any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

You should go to Walden University. It is fantastic check it out

www.waldenu.edu

Answer 2

If you want to teach, you really should get your masters at an institution where you will be teaching (or TAing) while getting your masters. It will be very hard for you to get a job teaching at a community college without that experience. I don't know your motivation for wanting to do it online, but if you go to grad school full time in history, your tuition is free (at most places anyway) and you'll be paid a stipend to teach. Not much, mind you, but it's something.

I'm sure your profs will be happy to advise you on grad schools that will be a good fit for you and your goals. You'll need letters of recommendation from them anyway.

Answer 3

Teaching at any institution of higher learning is based around what you as a potential colleague can bring to that faculty's table. Nobody in academia will admit it, but it is a huge bastion of snobbery and elitism--even at junior colleges. Therefore, when a job search is on at any college, people are going to be looking where you did your grad school work, first and foremost. They will want to know who you studied under and your views on the latest debates within the historical community. Consequently, it is in your best interest for any kind of gainful future employment to attend the best graduate school you can afford and/or gain acceptance in to, period.

Don't even think about applying to some on-line graduate programme. Figure out which type of history interests you the most, research some of the relevant historiography on the topic, and see if any of these professors teach at a school you can afford and/or gain admittance.