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SAMPLE COURSES
History I, World History I, Western Civilization I
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COMMON MAJORS
Associate of Arts in History
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POTENTIAL JOBS
Paralegal, Administrative Assistant, Office Manager
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AVERAGE INCOME
$36,500
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EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
3% growth between 2014-2024
Online History Degrees
If you have a thirst for knowledge and a knack for memorizing, analyzing, and researching historical events, an online history program may be your ideal academic path. History majors study the course of humanity’s past to interpret patterns and determine the causes and effects of major historical events and movements. By analyzing the past, historians also offer insights into the present; historians influence our current government, cultural trends, and ways of thinking.
History students gain valuable skills that are applicable to a range of jobs, including writing, critical thinking, intensive research, and the ability to understand events in historical context. Many graduates holding history degrees go on to work in academia, journalism, and politics, among other careers.
An increasing number of students now opt to earn their history degree online as an affordable and flexible alternative to on-campus learning. Read on to learn more about the layout of the history field, the different levels of degrees available through online history programs, and the varying types of careers you can pursue with a history degree.
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Online History Degree Overview
Degree | Avg Degree Cost | Avg Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Associate | $8,833 | 17.4% | 2 years | N/A | $43,000 | 8.4% |
Bachelor's | $15,054 | 9.7% | 4 years | $32,000 | $57,000 | 5.8% |
Master's | $15,647 | 8.7% | 1.5+ years | $52,000 | $73,000 | 3.6% |
An online bachelor’s in history is enough for some entry-level positions in the field, but many jobs require a master’s degree or higher. Advanced history degrees open the door to a greater range of career options in a wider variety of settings, including libraries, museums, schools, research centers, and government offices. Advanced degree-holders, specifically, may also have an easier time finding jobs in less traditional paths outside of the field of history. An associate degree provides students with a foundation of skills, but is typically not enough education for the majority of history careers; students should continue on to earn at least their bachelor’s in history online for more opportunities.
Online History Degrees
Online Associate’s Degree in History
Online Bachelor’s Degree in History
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SAMPLE COURSES
World Civilizations I, U.S. History I, Middle Eastern History
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COMMON MAJORS
History
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POTENTIAL JOBS
Journalist, Teacher, Museum Technician, Writer
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AVERAGE INCOME
$46,710
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EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
7% growth rate projected from 2014 to 2024
Online Master’s Degree in History
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SAMPLE COURSES
Graduate Seminar, Research Seminar, American Revolution
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COMMON MAJORS
Medieval History, American History, European History
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POTENTIAL JOBS
Historian, History Professor, Archivist, Librarian
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AVERAGE INCOME
$55,800
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EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
3.3% growth rate projected from 2014 to 2024
Online Doctorate Degree in History
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SAMPLE COURSES
Historiography, Research Seminar, Independent Study
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COMMON MAJORS
American History, Middle Eastern History, European History
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POTENTIAL JOBS
Historian, History Professor, Museum Curator
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AVERAGE INCOME
$69,400
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EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
2.2% growth rate from 2014 to 2024
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Average History Salaries
Journalist
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
---|---|---|---|
-9% | 54,400 | Bachelor's | N/A |
Journalists help inform the public about current events, whether through newspapers, TV, radio, magazines, or websites. Much of their time is spent conducting interviews and investigating news stories. Journalists need to have excellent written and verbal communication, along with skills in research and the ability to work quickly under pressure. Journalists also know how to situate news events in a wider context to help the public better understand them, which makes the job ideally suited for history students. Additionally, to become a journalist, only a bachelor’s in history online is required.
Librarian
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
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2% | 143,100 | Masters | N/A |
Librarians focus on the curation of knowledge, assisting others in research, and working to organize and improve channels of information for public and professional use. Librarians may be employed at various institutions, including schools, universities, companies, and government organizations, and the specific type of work they perform typically depends on the setting in which they work. A good librarian must be highly organized, highly knowledgeable in their subject area, and should possess advanced skills in research.
Museum Curator
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
---|---|---|---|
7% | 31,300 | Masters | N/A |
Curators oversee museum collections and work to preserve historically significant items. They may be responsible for acquiring museum artifacts and conceptualizing different displays and exhibits. Curators may also be responsible for communicating with the public and conducting outreach activities for their organizations. A good curator must have a deep knowledge of their chosen historical field, and should be able to communicate effectively with the public and other museum staff. Students will need both a bachelor’s in history online and a master’s level degree to become curators.
History Professor
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
---|---|---|---|
2% | 23,680 | Masters | N/A |
History professors teach the study of history and historiography at the university level, typically working at conventional four-year colleges or community colleges. In addition to teaching students, most history professors also perform their own research, publishing academic articles and books on their area of historical specialty. Professors must have all the skills of historians, including analytical thinking and writing ability. They must also be strong communicators in order to effectively teach classes, assist students, and engage with other faculty members in a university setting.
Historian
Growth Rate 2014-2024 | Number of Jobs: 2014 | Degree | Certifications |
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2% | 3,500 | Masters | N/A |
Historians study the past through the analysis and interpretation of historical documents, data, and other sources. They often focus on a specific historical era or explore a certain concept throughout different time periods. Historians may work for a variety of organizations and institutions, including libraries, museums, research organizations, government agencies, historical societies, nonprofits, and consulting firms. This job requires significant research, analytical skills, critical thinking, and the ability to present findings orally and in writing. These skills can all be developed through online history programs at the master’s level.