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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Degrees

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%
Whether you are new to the field, or looking to advance in your current career, you should weigh the costs and time of getting a new degree against its benefits. There is no one-size-fits-all degree. The best choice for you will depend on your current educational background, financial standing, employment history, and area of interest. For instance, those with no experience may want to consider an associate degree, due to its shorter time commitment and lower cost. If finances are tight for you, then you should prioritize the student loan debt and default categories, as you will want to choose a degree that offers you the best chance of improving your financial standing with minimal risk. If your employer or someone else is paying for your education, then you might want to consider the degree that will offer you the highest salary. All salary information is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and/or PayScale

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

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Online Associate’s Degree in History

Associate history degrees are not especially applicable to most jobs in the field, as employers typically want higher levels of education for history-related jobs. While history degrees at the associate level are more affordable and require less time to complete, the job prospects are equivalently low. Students who pursue online history programs at the associate level may be able to find office or administrative work, but typically go on to pursue more advanced degrees.

  • SAMPLE COURSES

    History I, World History I, Western Civilization I

  • COMMON MAJORS

    Associate of Arts in History

  • POTENTIAL JOBS

    Paralegal, Administrative Assistant, Office Manager

  • AVERAGE INCOME

    $36,500

  • EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS

    3% growth between 2014-2024

Online Bachelor’s Degree in History

The field of history teaches us much more than simply what happened in the past; history can open our eyes to the events and movements that shape our behavior, beliefs, and customs today. An online history degree develops students’ critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, all of which play a significant role in 21st-century careers.

Working in hundreds of career fields, history graduates make a valuable and considerable impact in the economy. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for postsecondary teachers — one of the many possible fields for history majors — to grow by 16% through 2026. This rate outpaces the projected median growth for all other professions.

The first step toward advancing your education and career involves selecting the right online history degree. Online programs offer numerous benefits over traditional, on-campus programs: flexible curricula, fewer set meeting times in most cases, and the ability to study from home. To give you an idea of what to look for in an excellent accredited online history degree, the following ranking reviews the best online bachelor’s degree in history programs.

  • SAMPLE COURSES

    World Civilizations I, U.S. History I, Middle Eastern History

  • COMMON MAJORS

    History

  • POTENTIAL JOBS

    Journalist, Teacher, Museum Technician, Writer

  • AVERAGE INCOME

    $46,710

  • EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS

    7% growth rate projected from 2014 to 2024

History
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For the 2016 rankings, OnlineColleges.net has greatly refined its approach to evaluating schools and their respective programs. Our innovative method of assessing schools is what makes our rankings so distinctly authoritative. On the surface, every ranking we produce employs a basic formula: Academic Quality + Online Offerings + Cost and Student Aid = Final Score. This final score determines where a school ends up in our rankings. Of course, there's a lot more than meets the eye. Visit our methodology page to discover the data points that shape our formula and to learn more about our process.

History Bachelor’s Degree Rankings

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Rank School Name School Logo City Cost Address & Contact Info School Links Acclaim for Online Programs School Description
1University of Central FloridaOrlando$$$$$4000 Central Florida Blvd
Orlando, FL 32816
(407) 823-2000

UCF's College of Arts and Humanities offers a history, BA degree entirely online. Full-time students who enter the program with an associate degree typically graduate in two years, while an available accelerated program can lessen the time it takes to complete a degree. Graduates go on to careers as information analysts and purchasing agents, among other related jobs.

The 120-credit curriculum includes a 24-credit history major that emphasizes coursework in different geographical regions. Students can also personalize their education by selecting from numerous electives. The program concludes with a capstone experience: a history portfolio where students curate their best work and write a reflective essay.

Prospective students can apply for the fall, spring, or summer semester. Transfer credit must reflect a minimum 2.0 GPA, and freshman applicants submit either ACT or SAT scores. Florida residents save approximately 50% on tuition compared to their out-of-state peers.

2Liberty UniversityLynchburg$$$$$1971 University Blvd
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(800) 434-9595

The bachelor of science in history program at Liberty stresses coursework in U.S., European, and Western history. This entirely online bachelor's degree in history offers free textbooks to students. Full-time students can earn their degrees in just 3.5 years and prepare for a variety of careers, including data and intelligence analysts.

The 120-credit asynchronous program includes a robust general education curriculum that features coursework in Christian life and biblical worldviews. The 42-credit major emphasizes higher-division courses, and students can further customize their education with 36-39 elective credits.

Prospective students should possess a 2.0 minimum high school GPA. The university accepts up to 90 transfer credits, and active military personnel and veterans save over 40% on tuition.

3Excelsior CollegeAlbany$$$$$7 Columbia Cir
Albany, NY 12203-5159
(518) 464-8500

The bachelor of science in history at Excelsior appeals to both first-time and transfer students. This fully online bachelor's degree in history stresses critical thinking and writing — two in-demand skills applicable to hundreds of careers. Transfer students can earn their degrees in just two years.

The 120-credit program features 30 credits in the history major, where students analyze U.S. history, world history, and European history. The curriculum requires students to apply history's lessons to modern life, and learners complete the degree with a capstone course in which they perform original historical research and write an extended essay. Finally, the general education curriculum provides students the opportunity to double major or minor in another subject.

The average transfer student applies 68 credits to their Excelsior bachelor's degree. A private university, Excelsior charges the same per-credit tuition to all students. Active military personnel and veterans receive an automatic 50% tuition discount.

4Regent UniversityVirginia Beach$$$$$1000 Regent University Dr
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
(757) 352-4127

Regent's BA in history program attracts students who want a world-class history education from a Christian perspective. All courses last eight weeks, and students can learn in an accelerated format. Students who enter as freshmen typically graduate in four years, and many pursue careers such as museum curators, history educators, and political writers.

The 120-credit asynchronous program features a general education curriculum that includes coursework in the New and Old Testaments. In the history major, students analyze U.S., Western, and world history topics, completing their degree with an internship in their home community.

Prospective students can apply for the spring, summer, or fall semester. Application requirements include unofficial high school or GED transcripts. Full-time students — those who take 12-18 credits each semester — pay a lower per-credit tuition rate than part-time students.

5Oregon State UniversityCorvallis$$$$$1500 S.W. Jefferson
Corvallis, OR 97331
(541) 737-0123

OSU's bachelor of science and bachelor of arts in history program offers students numerous opportunities outside the classroom. OSU online undergraduates can participate in campus organizations and produce original historical research. Full-time students who begin the program as freshmen typically earn their degrees in four years.

These 180-credit online history degrees features five core areas: general education, liberal arts, BA/BS requirements, the history major, and electives. In the major curriculum, students take asynchronous coursework in history surveys and electives, among other areas. The program concludes with a capstone where students select between a course in the historian's craft or an independent study seminar.

Prospective students can begin at one of four annual start dates and can possess either a high school diploma or GED. Although a public university, OSU charges all online students the same per-credit tuition regardless of residency.

6University of Illinois at SpringfieldSpringfield$$$$$One University Plaza
Springfield, IL 62703-5407
(217) 206-6600

The online bachelor of arts in history at UIS accepts applications from prospective students who live more than 50 miles from the university's campus. Online students complete the same curriculum as their on-campus peers with the added benefit of no set meeting times.

The curriculum requires both lower- and upper-division history courses in areas such as the history of Russia, topics in Middle Eastern history, and topics in comparative religion. The program boasts nearly 30 history electives, such as courses in Alexander the Great and the rise of Rome. Students must earn a minimum C grade in all courses to remain in good academic standing.

Application requirements for this online degree completion program include at least 30 transferable credits and a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. All online students pay the in-state tuition rate. History majors may qualify for the department's Chapin Award for Student Research; this and other scholarship opportunities require separate applications.

7Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester$$$$$2500 North River Road
Manchester, NH 03106-1045
(603) 668-2211

The fully online BA in history program at SNHU prepares students for careers as analysts, journalists, and researchers, and many other related professions. In this online history degree program, students benefit from affordable tuition, knowledgeable instructors, and valuable networking opportunities. Full-time students who enter the program as freshmen can earn their degrees in four years, and transfer students can graduate in just two years.

The 120-credit curriculum boasts four concentrations: American, European, Middle Eastern, and military history. Unique courses include the appreciation and history of music, introduction to cultural anthropology, and making history. All students perform original historical research and write a persuasive essay.

Prospective students need either a GED or high school diploma. SNHU does not require test scores or recommendation letters. Service members and their spouses receive a 33% tuition discount. The university does not award any other scholarships or grants to online students at this time.

8University of ArizonaTucson$$$$$1401 E University
Tucson, AZ 85721-0066
(520) 621-2211

Students in UA's online bachelor of arts in history program benefit from a broad curriculum that prepares them for careers or graduate-level study. This online college degree in history emphasizes how the human experience, family life, and religion play a role in historical events. Full-time students can graduate in four years.

Students begin the program by taking a course in the introduction to the study of history, which hones students' research and analytical skills. The program concludes with a senior capstone where students research a historical topic of their choice and present an essay to professors and peers.

Prospective students submit official high school and college transcripts. All students pay the same tuition rate, and active-duty personnel and veterans receive automatic tuition assistance. Incoming freshmen and transfer students may qualify for university-funded scholarships or grants.

9Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville$$$$$1806 Ave J
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 294-1111

SHSU boasts both a bachelor of arts and bachelor of science in history program; however, the university only offers the bachelor of arts in history program to online students. The program boasts a well-rounded curriculum that features major coursework, general education courses, and foreign language instruction. Full-time students can graduate in four years and pursue careers as educators, archivists, and corporate historians.

The 120-credit online history degree gives students many options to customize their educations. As part of the required minor, students can earn a Texas teacher certification or study applied ethics and critical thinking; many students planning for careers in law select the latter. Students who live near SHSU's Huntsville, Texas, campus may qualify to complete an on-campus internship.

Prospective students can apply for the fall or spring semester. SHSU charges a per-semester tuition rate, and Texas residents save approximately 50% on tuition compared to out-of-state students.

10Harvard UniversityCambridge$$$$$Massachusetts Hall
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 495-1000

Through the Harvard Extension School, students from all over the country can further their educations. The bachelor of liberals degree with a major in history attracts working professionals, many of whom already possess some college experience or an associate degree. Students typically earn their bachelor's degrees in two years or less.

The Harvard Extension School's online bachelor's degree in history includes general education coursework in quantitative and moral reasoning, expository writing, and mathematics. Students also benefit from the program's hybrid component, which requires them to take at least 16 credits on campus. This allows degree-seekers to learn from the country's best historians while fostering professional relationships with their peers. Students can earn their degree in a full-time or accelerated format.

Before applying to the program, prospective students must first pass three Harvard Extension School history courses with a minimum B grade. All Harvard students pay the same per-credit tuition rate.

11University of Massachusetts - LowellLowell$$$$$1 University Ave
Lowell, MA 01854-5104
(978) 934-4000

Students in UMass Lowell's bachelor's degree in liberal arts program select two concentrations from eight options, including history. The degree features a generous credit transfer policy, financial aid, and rolling admissions. First-time college students can earn their degrees in four years, while some transfer students can graduate in just one year.

All concentrations in this 120- to 122-credit program use the same core curriculum that emphasizes STEM, the humanities, and the social sciences. History courses hone students' analytical, research, and critical-thinking skills, and coursework includes Stalin's Russia, civil war and reconstruction, and the holocaust.

UMass Lowell uses rolling admissions, and new students can start their educations in the spring, summer, or fall semester. Application requirements do not include test scores or recommendation letters. All students earning this online college degree in history pay the same low tuition and fees.

12University of Nebraska at KearneyKearney$$$$$905 W 25th St
Kearney, NE 68849-1212
(308) 865-8441

The e-campus at UNK brings the university's academic offerings to students living all over the world. In the fully online bachelor of arts in history program, students who already possess an associate degree or adequate transfer credit can earn their bachelor's degrees in just two years.

The 120-credit curriculum features 45 credits of general studies courses, unrestricted electives, a foreign language requirement, and major courses. In the history major, students complete lower and upper-division coursework in U.S., European, and non-Western history. Transfer students complete approximately 60 credits.

Application requirements to this history degree online include a high school diploma or GED and SAT or ACT scores. Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas residents all pay in-state tuition rates, while other out-of-state students pay approximately double the in-state tuition rate. Incoming students submit FAFSA results to apply for university-funded financial aid.

13University of North DakotaGrand Forks$$$$$264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193
Grand Forks, ND 58202-8193
(800) 225-5863

The social science (BA) program at UND allows students to create a customized degree. Academic advisors work closely with students to select courses that meet students' academic interests and career goals, and full-time students can graduate in four years.

The 120-curriculum offers students significant flexibility. Unique course options include the European witch trials, families in a changing society, and psychology and law. Ambitious students can earn a double major or further their studies with a master's degree in social science. The program does not require a capstone or final project.

Prospective students can apply for the summer, fall, or spring semester. Application requirements include either a minimum 2.75 high school GPA or a passing score on the GED. North Dakota residents save approximately 40% on tuition compared to out-of-state students. Incoming students can use UND's Scholarship Central online service to search for financial aid opportunities.

14The Baptist College of FloridaGraceville$$$$$5400 College Dr
Graceville, FL 32440
(850) 263-3261

Aspiring middle and high school history teachers can pursue the history and social studies secondary education major at BCF. This online history degree qualifies graduates for initial teacher licensure in Florida and states with licensure reciprocity. The college's emphasis on Christian education also makes the program a perfect fit for students who plan to teach in private Christian schools. Full-time students can earn their degrees in just four years.

The 123-credit asynchronous curriculum features coursework in the psychology of teaching and learning, concepts and methods for teaching social studies, and introduction to sociology. To meet Florida requirements for teacher licensure, the program includes a 10-credit educational internship. Florida and out-of-state students complete the internship at public schools in their local communities.

Prospective students can apply for the fall or spring semester and submit a recommendation letter from a pastor. Other application requirements include ACT or SAT scores and high school transcripts.

15Arizona State University - SkysongScottsdale$$$$$1475 N Scottsdale Road - Ste 200
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
(480) 884-1860

The online bachelor of arts in history program at ASU boasts an interdisciplinary curriculum that prepares learners for careers or graduate school. ASU encourages transfer students to apply and accepts up to 90 transfer credits. Full-time transfer students typically earn their degrees in two years, while students without prior college experience can graduate in four years.

Students in this 120-credit program benefit from world-class professors and a structured, synchronous curriculum. Unique history courses include studies in European history, history in the wild, and an internship option. Students who complete an internship work closely with their mentor professors to find suitable placements.

ASU does not accept the GED and requires that applicants possess a minimum 2.75 high school GPA. Out-of-state students pay only 20% more in tuition than in-state students, much less than the average tuition difference for other public schools.

16Texas State UniversitySan Marcos$$$$$601 University Dr
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 245-2111

Prospective students planning for careers teaching social studies in Texas public schools can complete Texas State's bachelor of arts in history program. Students choose from five graduation pathways, four of which confer Texas teacher certification. The university encourages both first-time and transfer students to apply.

Each graduation pathway in this history education degree online program uses a 120-credit curriculum that features 43 credits of general education core requirements. In the history major, students take required coursework in world and European history before selecting electives. In addition, all students complete a minor. The licensure-track pathways differ in that they include a student teaching component in the final semester.

Prospective students can apply for the spring, summer, or fall semester. Incoming students may qualify for one of eight departmental scholarships. Students interested in departmental scholarships submit only one scholarship application.

17Thomas Edison State UniversityTrenton$$$$$111 W State St
Trenton, NJ 08608
(888) 442-8372

A perfect choice for first-time college students and working professionals planning to switch careers, TESU's BA in history program provides students with a strong liberal arts foundation. Among other learning outcomes, students hone their research and analytical skills, both of which apply to nearly all career paths. Full-time students can earn their degrees in four years.

The 120-credit asynchronous curriculum includes general education requirements, history courses, and free electives. In class, students take introductory coursework in U.S. and Western history before moving on to electives in the history of Britain, France, the Renaissance, among other topics.

TESU only accepts students ages 21 and older. Prospective students submit high school transcripts or GED scores, and transfer students may apply up to 80 credits toward their TESU online history degrees.

18Ottawa University - OnlineOttawa$$$$$1001 South Cedar
Ottawa, KS 66067
(785) 242-5200

OU's bachelor of arts in history program offers working professionals a flexible program designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working students. The university's affiliation with the Baptist Church makes it an excellent choice for students who prefer faith-based instruction. Graduates of OU's accredited online history degree work as teachers, information specialists, and museum curators.

Incoming students who already possess associate degrees complete a 34-credit history curriculum — along with other courses — to reach OU's 124-credit requirement for a bachelor's degree. The major includes both required and elective courses, and the latter includes courses such as the United States Constitution, religion in American culture, and ethnicity in American history.

Prospective students submit official high school or undergraduate transcripts. Applicants do not submit standardized test scores or recommendation letters. OU accepts up to 80 transfer credits.

19University of IdahoMoscow$$$$$875 Perimeter Drive
Moscow, ID 83844-2282
(888) 884-3246

The University of Idaho offers either a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in history. Both degrees boast asynchronous curricula, and full-time students who follow the university's suggested course sequence can graduate in four years. U of I online history degree graduates work as archivists and curators, among other professions.

Both programs require 120 credits and include courses in the historian's craft and rhetoric. The BA and BS curricula differ in that BA students take more general education courses. Outside of the virtual classroom, students can gain hands-on experience in their local communities by completing an internship or performing original historical research.

Prospective students can apply for the fall, spring, or summer semester. The university grants in-state tuition to out-of-state students who study full time and considers transfer credit on a case-by-case basis.

20University of Maryland - University CollegeAdelphi$$$$$3501 University Blvd East
Adelphi, MD 20783-8010
(301) 985-7000

The history bachelor's degree at UMUC boasts nearly 20 years of experience educating students online. Students hone their research, ethical, and critical-thinking skills, and they can earn this online history degree with either a U.S. or world history focus. Full-time students who enter the program as freshmen can graduate in four years.

The 120-credit asynchronous program includes a rigorous core curriculum in the humanities, mathematics, and sciences. The history major features a senior thesis where students write a substantial essay based on their original research. Students who live near UMUC's Largo, Maryland, campus can also complete the program in a hybrid format. The university helps students in the Washington, D.C., area find internship and career opportunities.

Prospective students with high school diplomas or GEDs qualify for admission, and UMUC accepts up to 90 transfer credits. Maryland residents save approximately 45% on tuition compared to out-of-state students.

21King UniversityBristol$$$$$1350 King College Rd
Bristol, TN 37620-2699
(423) 968-1187

Aspiring Tennessee history teachers can complete a fully online bachelor of science in history program at King University. This degree completion program emphasizes both content knowledge and teaching best practices. Typical full-time students can earn their online college degree in history in just 16 months, and many go on to careers as lay ministers, educators, and museum curators.

The 48-credit history curriculum features electives in the Holocaust and colonialism in Africa. Some students take additional courses to reach King's 124-credit requirement for a bachelor's degree. A Christian university, King imbues each course with a Christian worldview. New students can begin their educations in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.

Application requirements include at least 45 transferable credits. All students pay the same affordable per-credit tuition rate regardless of residency or full- or part-time status.

22Northwestern State University of LouisianaNatchitoches$$$$$University Parkway
Natchitoches, LA 71497-0002
(318) 357-6011

Students can earn a bachelor of arts in history at NSU's Global Campus entirely online. Most full-time students can complete this flexible online history degree in four years.

Students choose either a U.S. or European history concentration, with the former stressing Louisiana history. In the fall and spring semesters, accelerated students can take fast-track courses that last only eight weeks. Students who maintain high GPAs receive membership in Phi Alpha Theta, a nationally recognized history honor society.

Application requirements include a high school diploma and ACT or SAT scores. Prospective students ages 25 and older may submit GED scores. NSU both accepts transfer credit and grants credit for life experience, military training, and challenge exams. Out-of-state online students benefit from paying in-state tuition rates, while full-time students pay a lower tuition rate than their part-time peers.

23National UniversityLa Jolla$$$$$11255 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037-1011
(800) 628-8648

Prospective students looking to study in an accelerated format can pursue the bachelor of arts in history program at NU. Each of the program's four-week courses convey essential U.S. and world history knowledge; promote critical-thinking skills; and prepare students for future careers such as archivists, librarians, or teachers.

Unlike other online bachelor's degrees in history, NU features major-preparation courses; these lower-level courses introduce students to U.S. and world history topics. Other curriculum requirements include coursework in the ancient world and the U.S. since World War I. Students personalize their education by selecting six upper-division electives in areas such as California history and African studies.

Prospective students can apply for one of 12 annual start dates. Applicants submit high school transcripts or GED scores. Transfer credit must reflect a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA.

24Westfield State UniversityWestfield$$$$$577 Western Ave
Westfield, MA 01086-1630
(413) 572-5300

Students who enroll in Westfield's history online program benefit from an optional accelerated program and a generous credit transfer policy. The program appeals mainly to prospective students who already possess associate degrees. However, first-time college students can also enroll. Students who enter the program with an associate degree and take accelerated courses can earn their bachelor's degrees in just 12 months.

The history curriculum at Westfield boasts some unique courses, such as comedy and social change, Dracula and vampire myths, and zombies and pop culture.

Prospective students can apply for the fall or spring semester. Westfield recommends, but does not require, applicants to submit standardized test scores and recommendation letters. Massachusetts residents save approximately 85% on tuition compared to out-of-state online history degree students.

25University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeMilwaukee$$$$$2200 E Kenwood Blvd
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0413
(414) 229-1122

UWM designed its online programs with working professionals in mind; however, students from all backgrounds can earn a bachelor of arts in history entirely online. Online students take courses at the same pace as their on-campus peers and complete identical graduation requirements. First-time college students who study full time can earn their degrees in four years.

UWM requires 120 credits to earn a bachelor's degree, 36 of which relate to the history major. Potential electives include the history of medicine, the era of the Crusades, and the history of Japan from 1600. As UWM does not offer all general education requirements online, some students may need to take these courses at local community colleges and transfer the credits to UWM.

Prospective students submit the Common Application to the University of Wisconsin System. Wisconsin residents save approximately 50% on tuition, and all full-time students save money compared to their part-time peers.

Online Master’s Degree in History

A master’s degree is the minimum requirement for many jobs in the field of history, and the degree requires an additional one to two years of education after completing a bachelor’s in history online. In addition to a heavier workload, a master’s is typically about the same cost for half the length of an online bachelor’s in history program. A master’s degree opens up more advanced job opportunities for historians.

  • SAMPLE COURSES

    Graduate Seminar, Research Seminar, American Revolution

  • COMMON MAJORS

    Medieval History, American History, European History

  • POTENTIAL JOBS

    Historian, History Professor, Archivist, Librarian

  • AVERAGE INCOME

    $55,800

  • EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS

    3.3% growth rate projected from 2014 to 2024

Online Doctorate Degree in History

Doctoral history degrees require four to five additional years of school after a bachelor’s degree. Many students earn a master’s before moving on to their doctorate history degrees. Online history programs at the doctorate level cost anywhere from $40,000 to $50,000 at a public school to twice that at a private school. Doctoral degrees open the door to more job opportunities in academia, and they are required for nearly all full-time professorships.

  • SAMPLE COURSES

    Historiography, Research Seminar, Independent Study

  • COMMON MAJORS

    American History, Middle Eastern History, European History

  • POTENTIAL JOBS

    Historian, History Professor, Museum Curator

  • AVERAGE INCOME

    $69,400

  • EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS

    2.2% growth rate from 2014 to 2024

Online History Choose Your Career

Average History Salaries

$37,720
$55,800
$55,800
$69,400
$55,800

Journalist

Salary: $37,720
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

Salary: $55,800
Growth Rate 2014-2024 Number of Jobs: 2014 Degree Certifications
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

Salary: $55,800
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

Salary: $69,400
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

Salary: $55,800
Growth Rate 2014-2024 Number of Jobs: 2014 Degree Certifications
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.