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.
Online History Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $8,833 | 17.4% | 2 years | Not reported | $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 History Find Accredited Degrees
Online History Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historian | $55,800 | 2% | 3500 |
| History Professor | $69,400 | 2% | 23680 |
| Museum Curator | $55,800 | 7% | 31300 |
| Librarian | $55,800 | 2% | 143100 |
| Journalist | $37,720 | -9% | 54400 |