<p>Typically, in the US, programs that state “MA” are “terminal”, meaning you’re not meant to go further. Most good history programs, especially those with funding, are PHD programs. You enter with your BA, get your MA en-route after 2 years or so, then 2 more years to ABD, and a few years for PHD (in history, you may need 3-4 years after being ABD). Funding typically last 5-6 years so you have to be as efficient as possible.</p>
<p>If you speak German, Bowling Green has a special “History with German” Master’s, with funding, that can then take you to PHDs that focus on German History/culture.
But overall you’re better off looking at schools with PHDs in history. Additionally, what area of history are you thinking of? Look at the profs’ research specialty. Military history, social history, contemporary Russian history, quantitative history, history of the book… each program has various strengths, that you need to research before you apply.</p>