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School of Arts, Humanities & Education

Military History

Online Associate of Arts in Military History (AA)

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$0 Transfer Credit Evaluation
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About This Program

Explore the origins of armed conflict from ancient times to patterns of Western warfare in the modern era by enrolling in the Associate of Arts in Military History at American Public University (APU).

This online military history program examines global military powers, war doctrines, pivotal battles, and military leaders from Alexander the Great to General George Patton. The program analyzes principal military thinkers and the evolving relationships among Western societies, warfare, and their military institutions.

APU has a military legacy, and APU’s faculty includes many current and former military leaders who bring unique perspectives and relevant research to your learning. This military history degree program enhances professional research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

What You Will Do

  1. Identify major historical developments and examine the past from diverse perspectives
  2. Apply historical reason to study the past, thinking about causes, context, timelines, changes, and continuity
  3. Use historical method to conduct research, analyzing evidence and coming to defensible conclusions

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Number of Credits
60
Transfer up to 45 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$360 | $250*
$324**
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant or APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take the following in this Section:

Course ID: 5037

|
Information and Digital Literacy is designed to provide students with sustainable and usable skills essential to success in both academic and professional settings. Students will learn best practices to locate and evaluate sources, and effectively communicate using digital literacy to become proficient 21st century learners.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4951

|
Martin Luther King, Jr, said, “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to KEEP MOVING.” Making Writing Relevant is a composition course that will definitely keep you moving. It is not merely a required course; it is the type of course you will want to take because it moves you onto the path to success. Over eight-weeks, we will help you learn the most important components of a successful writer-communicator. We will teach you how to research properly, knowing you will need this skill in every course you take here at APUS and also in interactions in your professional and personal life. We will teach you the formatting style you will use in your field. We will provide a supportive community to strengthen and encourage you, and by the end of this nearly-all-you-need-to-know-about-writing course, you will be able to fly.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 3657

|
This course is a survey of the changing patterns of warfare within Western civilization, to include analyses of principal military thinkers and the evolving relationship among Western societies, warfare, and their military institutions.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3383

|
This course is a study of the American military institution from the colonial period to the current environment in the 21st century. Students will examine military traditions and employment of forces during war and peace as well as the relationships between the military and society. Recommended prerequisites are two lower level survey courses in U.S. or World History.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3658

|
This course is a survey and discussion of warfighting during ancient times through to the beginning of the 17th century with emphasis on technological advances in the military arts and sciences and their short-term and long-term effects on strategy and tactics.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3659

|
This course is a survey and discussion of warfighting from end of the 17th century until now, to include military arts and science as well as combined arms employment. Emphasizes the innovations and changes in strategy, tactics, organization and technology engendered by the decisions of the great captains of each age.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 3393

|
This course is a study of military leadership of ancient to present day commanders through selected readings. Emphasis will be on the burden of command and the various solutions that military leaders employed in the prosecution of war. Ancient and modern leadership will be examined, but the primary focus will be on the modern era. (Prerequisites: HIST300/HS334 for History and Military History majors only)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 3394

|
This course is a study of basic concepts in military strategy and tactics viewed through the prism of the selected readings from well-known military philosophers. Both ancient and modern philosophers will be studied. (Prerequisite: HIST300/HS334 for History and Military History majors only)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Jul 6
Register by Jul 3
Apply Now Request Info

Admission Requirements

  • All APU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED). Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

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Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

 

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.