Online History Degrees

If you have a passion for delving into the events, cultures, and people of the past, then online history degrees could be the perfect way to turn your interests into a versatile, fulfilling career.

The history of the world is what has shaped our present day, and those who go through a history degree program are able to utilize their in-depth knowledge to help build a better future for our society. Through the advancements in technology, online history degree programs have become an excellent option for busy adult students.

With flexible scheduling options and innovative software, it is now easier than ever for students to complete their education while juggling the demands of family and career.

Online Bachelor’s in History Degrees

A bachelor’s degree program in the field of history builds upon the basic knowledge found within an associate’s program. Through the course of your online bachelor’s degree program, you will go deeper into American and world history and look at how the past plays a key role in influencing the present day.

When pursuing your online bachelor’s degree in history, some schools allow you to choose a concentration to enhance your expertise.

These concentrations may include:

• American history
• European history
• Middle Eastern history
• Military history

As part of your online bachelor’s program, most colleges require in-depth research courses in order to successfully graduate. During the course of this program, you can expect to cover a wide range of subjects that include:

• American history
• World civilization
• African-American history
• European and middle eastern cultures

After completion of this program, the research skills you have learned will translate into marketable skills across a variety of occupational industries.

Common Online History Bachelors Degree Concentrations

History degree programs often offer concentrations that enable you to narrow your focus of study and concentrate on a specific type of history.

• American History: Students learn about key periods and themes in American history that helped shape the United States.
• European History: This concentration includes the study of ancient European civilizations to modern European history through religious, political, and social contexts.
• Military History: Students learn about the history of military and warfare by studying significant wars and their social, economic, and political impacts.
• Laws, Economics, and Human Rights: Topics related to law, economics, and human rights are studied in a historical context and may include the study of various movements or historical themes.
• Non-Western World History: This concentration explores the history of Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa and includes the study of empires and civilizations, globalization, and political and social movements.

These are just a few examples, but additional concentrations may be offered in other areas of history.

History Careers & Salaries

Whether you are interested in the corporate world, curation, or teaching, there are a number of ways to utilize your online history degree!

Employers across a variety of industries are looking for knowledgeable applicants with inter-disciplinary skills, and a degree in history can help prepare you for a number of different occupational positions.

To give you an idea of careers associated with an online history degree, we have put together a list of common careers and their median annual salaries based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

History degree programs are popular for students that plan on furthering their education in law school, but it is also a great stepping stone to other career paths.

From teaching at a university to managing a busy corporate office, there are a number of jobs available that can translate your history knowledge into a viable career. Experience can play a large role in salary, and you may make more or less than the numbers listed above throughout your career. Please keep in mind that some employers look for a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to be considered for a few of these positions.

Completing an online history degree program opens up a world of job opportunities. There are several ways you can utilize the skills learned through the course of your history education in the modern workforce, including teaching, museum curation, librarian work, and government positions.

For more information on the specific career path you are interested in, take a look at the website of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website. The BLS offers valuable information on a variety of different careers associated with the field of history. For example, they project that historian occupations will grow 4% over the next 10 years.

View a list of the top 40 history careers to compare jobs and salaries in this field.

Bachelor of Arts in History Curriculum & Courses

The curriculum of online history degree programs includes general education coursework and major coursework that introduces students to different types of history. These are some common core and elective history courses that may be offered:

• Introduction to American History: This course introduces students to key events throughout American history from a social, economic, political, religious, and environmental perspective.
• Introduction to European History: This course teaches students about the history of European civilization and key historical events that shaped European nations.
• World History Since 1500: Students learn about significant historical events and figures from a global perspective and the impacts of social, economic, and political developments.
• Introduction to Historical Methods: This is a writing-intensive course that introduces students to historiography, with an emphasis on how to conduct historical research and examine primary and secondary sources.
• Introduction to World Civilizations: This course examines civilizations around the world throughout history, including conquest, trade relations, migration patterns, and imperialism.
• History of Latin America: Major events and themes in Latin American history are studied, including conquest, culture, national identity, and revolutions.
• Interpreting the African Past: Students study the history of Africa and how major themes and events shaped present-day Africa.
• Antebellum America: This course teaches students about the history of the Old South in the United States beginning with the study of the War of 1812, with an emphasis on the institution of slavery, frontier, and the Civil War.
• United States Women’s History: Gender roles and social equality are studied, with an emphasis on women’s rights and influential women in history.
• American Military History: Students study the development of the American military and policies, along with major wars involving the United States.

Major coursework may focus on a specific area of history if a concentration is added.

How to Choose an Online Degree in History Program

With the changing needs of their students, colleges have begun to offer many options for programs offering online degrees in the last several years.

With the multitude of choices available, how do you know which online colleges will provide you with the best quality education? There are several important factors to consider when choosing an online history degree program, and the information below is a good starting point for researching potential schools.

• Accreditation: Accreditation is an essential aspect of a reputable online accounting degree program. Check to see if your chosen school is accredited.
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Professors that teach in the virtual setting are more likely to be able to provide individualized support to their students when classes are kept to a low number of students. This is an important factor to consider when giving yourself the best opportunity to succeed within your online history degree program.
• Academic Advising and Student Services: Successfully completing your online history degree goes beyond a quality curriculum – you also need the support of student services to get the most out of your college experience. Many top colleges offer advising and services to distance learning students that can help them succeed in their studies.
• Cost: The cost of each program is also an important factor. Compare various programs to see which one fits your budget.
• Degrees Offered: Be sure to check with each school you are considering to ensure they offer your chosen degree program. Also, compare the various programs’ coursework to ensure the coursework fits with your desired career goals.

By doing your research beforehand, you can ensure that your degree will be respected by future employers within the workforce.

Admissions Requirements

These are some requirements and materials that may be requested to be considered for admission into a bachelor degree in history online program:

• High school diploma or GED
• All official transcripts
• SAT or ACT scores (only some schools require them)
• Letters of recommendation

Some schools require SAT or ACT scores to determine admissions eligibility, but they may be optional for some schools. Letters of recommendation from teachers or other professionals may be requested by the admissions office to get an idea of how you perform as a student.

Online History Degrees Accreditation

An accredited school refers to one that has gone through a voluntary review of its educational program. This process, which is done by an independent accrediting agency, ensures that the curriculum of the school meets the high-quality standards that its students expect.

There are several regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. By choosing a college that is accredited by a recognized agency, you are more likely to avoid the trap of enrolling at a “degree mill” school that does not have a favorable reputation in the field.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

State and federal financial aid is income-based assistance offered by the Department of Education. Your state’s Department of Education may provide additional information on how to receive state assistance to help you pay for college.

Federal financial aid eligibility can be determined by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the U.S. Department of Education. Scholarships are monetary awards offered by various organizations to assist students with the cost of college.

Scholarships can also be based on income, but there are many other types of scholarships based on other criteria such as enrollment status or academic interests. The process of applying for or receiving a scholarship can vary depending on the organization offering it.

History Professional Organizations

Professional organizations can be beneficial to many students who want to gain access to professional development and networking opportunities. These are some examples of history professional organizations:

• American Association for State and Local History (AASLH)
• American Historical Association (AHA)
• Organization of American Historians (OAH)

Each professional organization has its own benefits. Many offer online learning and professional development opportunities through workshops, webinars, and other resources. Professional organizations might be a good way to network with other history professionals, as you may be able to attend conferences or other events.

What is a History Degree?

A history degree is a liberal arts degree that includes the study of different civilizations, nations, and historical themes and events. The program includes introductory coursework to specific areas of history, such as American history, European history, and world history.

History degree programs are typically writing-intensive, which may help you develop excellent writing skills. You may take a seminar course at the end of the program, which involves conducting research and developing your own theories and perspectives on a specific topic in history.

Is a History Degree Useless?

Depending on your personal interests and goals, a history degree can be useful for many careers. It’s a versatile degree that can teach you critical thinking, research, and verbal and written communication skills.

Some examples of career paths you may take with a bachelor’s in history include:

• Secondary School Teacher: 5% job growth
• Museum Technician: 12% job growth
• Writer: 4% job growth

A history degree can also be useful if you’re interested in studying history at the master’s level. Some undergraduate history students pursue a law degree after obtaining their bachelors.

What Can You Do With a History Degree?

Since a history degree may give you a broad skill set, there are several career pathways you may take. Online history degree programs may prepare you for a master’s program in history or another related area of study. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a master’s degree is typically required to become a historian.

Some entry-level historian positions may be attainable with a bachelors. You may also pair your program with a teacher preparation concentration to become a secondary teacher. A bachelor’s in history can also be useful for media and communications, government, or museum careers.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Bachelor’s Degree in History?

Bachelors in history degrees online may offer different semester schedules that can affect how long it takes to complete the program.

If you’re enrolled in a traditional, 16-week semester program and study full-time, it will take four years to complete the program. If you take additional credit hours each semester in a traditional bachelor’s program, you may finish in less than four years.

If you follow an 8-week semester schedule and study full-time including the summer, you can finish in less time. It can take longer than four years to complete if you study part-time.

What Jobs for History Majors Can I Get?

According to the BLS, these are the top occupations for professionals with a bachelor’s degree in history:

• Management Analyst
• Elementary or Secondary School Teacher
• Chief Executive

Professionals may acquire additional education or training to supplement their degree and become a more competitive job candidates. Other jobs that history majors pursue that typically require an advanced degree include historian, archivist, archaeologist, lawyer, and museum curator.

Salaries and job availability may be affected by where you live, your level of education and work experience, and current job markets. 

Should I Major in History?

Whether you want to take your education to the graduate degree level or simply need the flexibility of online scheduling to balance your busy life, there are a variety of reasons why students pursue an online degree in history.

In addition to the flexible nature of virtual schooling, there are several other advantages that come from enrolling in an online history degree program, including:

• Customizable degree options that allow concentrations in historical fields
• Virtual simulations and experiences that provide a first-hand look at history
• Access to extensive online libraries and research resources
• Ability to maintain employment throughout the course of your degree program

If you have a passion for uncovering the mysteries of the past and want to use this knowledge to improve modern-day society then an online history degree program is an excellent option to further your education.

What’s the Difference Between a BS vs. BA in History Online Degree?

There are two main degree options for online degrees in history, including a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts, which can affect the type of courses offered.

A Bachelor of Arts in History typically offers more coursework in the social sciences, while a Bachelor of Science in History focuses more on STEM subjects along with history courses.

Is an Online Bachelors Degree in History Worth it?

Yes, an online bachelors degree in history is worth it for many students. If you’re interested in learning about the history of different civilizations and key historical events, a history degree may fascinate you.

You may acquire a wide range of skills beneficial to many types of careers across several industries. According to the BLS, there are more than one million professionals in the history degree field. The top occupational group for this degree field is educational instruction and library occupations. Several history major occupations are projected to have a positive job growth percentage over the next several years.

Universities Offering Online Bachelor in History Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Arizona State University offers a BA in History through its fully online program. The program requires the completion of 39 courses for a total of 120 credit hours. Courses are 7.5 weeks long and offered several times each year. The degree may be completed as part of an accelerated master’s program.

Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A BS in History can be earned through Bellevue University. An optional educational track is offered for aspiring teachers. The program may be completed fully online or on campus. It requires the completion of 127 credit hours, including ten courses within the major. Courses are 10 to 11 weeks long.

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Columbia College offers a BA in History that can be completed fully online. Evening classes may also be taken at one of Columbia’s nationwide learning centers.

The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours. Courses are 8 weeks long, and there are multiple start dates offered throughout the year. Potential courses in the curriculum include The World Since 1945, History of the British Empire, and Making the Modern World.

Columbia College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A BA in History can be earned through Florida International University’s Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs. The program is available entirely online. Completion of 120 credit hours, including junior and senior seminars, are required to graduate. Courses follow a regular semester schedule, with start dates in fall, spring, and summer.

Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Indiana University among the best schools in the country for online bachelor’s degrees. The school offers a BA in History through a fully online program. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours, including a capstone experience. Many courses may be taken in an asynchronous, accelerated format.

Indiana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Bachelor’s Degree Center named King University among the top 15 schools for online bachelor’s degrees in history. KU offers a BS in History that can be completed fully online. The program is designed to help students obtain teacher licensure. Up to 76 credits may be transferred toward the program’s required 124 credit hours. Courses are taken in an accelerated format.

King University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Best Colleges named Liberty University one of the best schools for an online bachelor’s in history. LU offers a BS in History that can be earned through a fully online program. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours, and up to 75% of the credit hours may be transferred in from outside institutions. Courses are 8 weeks long.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A BA in History can be earned through Maryville University. The program is entirely online. The program requires the completion of 128 credit hours, a senior portfolio, and a local internship or history seminar. Courses follow a semester schedule, and there are start dates in the fall, spring, and summer.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Best Value Schools ranked Nicholls State University among the top ten schools in the nation for online bachelor’s degrees in history. NSU offers a BA in History that can be earned fully online. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours. Courses are 8 weeks long, and there are several convenient start dates offered.

Nicholls State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A BA in History can be earned through Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s Global Campus. The program is available online and on campus. Courses have both synchronous and asynchronous components. Online students pay the same tuition, regardless of residency. Courses are offered in full- and half-terms during the fall, spring, and summer.

The Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

U.S. News & World Report named Oregon State University among the best schools in the country for online bachelor’s degrees. OSU offers a completely online program that can be completed for a BA or a BS in History. The program requires the completion of 180 quarter credits. Courses are 10 weeks long, with start dates in the fall, winter, spring, and summer.

Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Ottawa University offers a fully online BA in History. The degree may also be earned on campus or at learning centers in Arizona, Kansas, or Wisconsin. The program requires the completion of 52 credit hours within the major.

Courses are taken in an 8 week, accelerated format, with multiple start dates offered throughout the year. Potential courses in the curriculum include Religion in American Culture, World Regional Geography, and World Civilization.

Ottawa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A BA in History can be earned through Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus. The program is fully online, and courses are taken in an asynchronous learning format. Completion of 123 credits is required to graduate.

Courses follow a semester schedule, with start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. Potential courses in the curriculum include Introduction to US Food History, History of Madness, Mental Illness and Psychiatry, and Recent American History.

Penn State is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Sam Houston State University offers a program that can be completed for a BA or a BS in History. It can be completed entirely online, on campus, or in a hybrid format. The program is designed for students who have already met general education requirements, which can also be earned through SHSU. Courses follow a semester schedule and start in the fall, spring, and summer.

Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Southern New Hampshire University offers a BA in History that can be earned entirely online. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours, and up to 90 qualifying credits may be transferred in from outside institutions. Courses are 8 weeks long and conducted in an asynchronous learning format. There are six start dates offered each year. Concentration options include Middle Eastern History and Military History.

SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.

U.S. News & World Report named the University of Arizona in the top ten schools in the country for online bachelor’s degrees. The school offers a BA in History that can be earned fully online. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours. This major also requires a minor or a double major. Some courses have synchronous components.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Central Florida offers a BA in History through an online program. U.S. News & World Report recognized the school as one of the best in the country for online bachelor’s degrees. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours. Courses follow a semester schedule, and there are start dates in the fall, spring, and summer.

The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A BA in History can be earned through the University of Illinois – Springfield fully online or on campus. The program offers opportunities to join an honors program and create a professional portfolio. Courses follow a regular semester schedule and start in the fall, spring, and summer. Many courses are offered in an asynchronous learning format.

UIS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a BA in History that can be earned fully online, with the option to take some courses in a hybrid format. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours, and up to 90 qualifying transfer credits may be accepted. There are two emphases to choose from: U.S. History or World History.

UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

A BA in History can be earned through the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth. The program is fully online. Most courses are conducted in an asynchronous format, with set due dates. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours, including a senior seminar, and up to 75 qualifying transfer credits may be accepted. Access to online tutors is available.

The University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Getting Your Bachelor’s in History Degree Online

Online degrees in history can be beneficial if you’re passionate about studying history and enjoy conducting research. An online history program may be ideal if you’re looking for a more flexible and convenient way to earn your degree.

You may choose a concentration or minor to supplement your program of study and personalize the curriculum based on your interests and career goals. Earning a history degree can be useful for a variety of careers in education, government, media and communications, and other relevant industries.

You can take the first steps toward earning your history degree by researching accredited institutions and programs.