The Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in History Degree Programs

The Advantages of a History Education

Professionals with a bachelor’s in history typically earn more than those with only an associate. Professionals with an associate in history earn an average of $54,000 a year, while professionals who hold a bachelor’s in history earn an average salary of $63,000.

By earning an online bachelor’s degree in history, students strengthen their critical thinking, persuasive writing, and research skills. Through analyzing historical documents and building source-based arguments, history majors build transferable skills that many employers seek in employees. Many of these positions require a bachelor’s. For instance, history majors who become high school teachers must hold a bachelor’s to earn a state teaching license. Similarly, a bachelor’s degree is the entry-level educational requirement for writers, museum curators, and journalists.

While some career paths, such as lawyer or historian, require additional education, a bachelor’s in history leads to above-average salaries in many fields.

Source: PayScale

History Degree Salary Information

A versatile degree, a bachelor’s in history prepares graduates for careers in business, education, the nonprofit sector, and government. Many history graduates pursue advanced degrees, including in history and law, to become historians or lawyers. The degree also leads to entry-level roles in public history, writing, and museums. The critical thinking, research, and persuasive writing skills gained during a history degree help graduates pursue multiple career paths.

High School Teacher

High school teachers create lesson plans, instruct students, and assess student learning in several different subject areas. With a bachelor’s in history, educators can teach U.S. history, world history, European history, civics, and U.S. government. To earn a state teaching license, candidates may need additional teacher preparation training.

Museum Curator

Museum curators direct the acquisition, storage, and exhibition of museum collections. They research historical items, categorize material in the collection, and manage educational programs. Many museum curators design exhibits and programs to educate the public on the collection. They also oversee museum technicians.

Historian

Historians conduct research to understand the past based on historical documents and sources. They analyze and interpret sources to reach conclusions about the past, and many historians write on their findings. A bachelor’s meets the entry-level requirement for some historian positions, though other roles require a master’s or higher.

Writer

Writers create content for books, magazines, scripts, advertisements, and other media. They write fictional and nonfictional material, including biographies, often working with editors to improve and shape drafts for publication. Some writers create advertising copy, while others write speeches, scripts, or web content. A bachelor’s in history prepares writers with research, critical thinking, and writing skills.

Journalist

Journalists inform the public about current events and news and work for newspapers, magazines, broadcast, and websites. They conduct research and interview people to craft news stories, which they prepare for print, online, or broadcast sources. Journalists typically work closely with editors to identify, develop, and improve stories.

Source: PayScale

Choosing an Online History Degree Program

Prospective history students face many choices when considering an online bachelor’s degree in history. Students can feel overwhelmed when narrowing down the options. Considering several factors can help students choose the best program for their career goals and interests.

For instance, prospective students can consider degrees with the lowest program costs. In general, in-state, public colleges and universities charge the lowest tuition rates, while private institutions charge the highest rates. However, some public institutions offer flat tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students, and many private institutions provide financial aid to lower the cost.

• Program Cost: The price of an online history degree varies depending on the institution, with public schools often charging the lowest tuition rates. In addition to tuition costs, prospective students should research online fees, technology fees, and the estimated cost of books. Financial aid, including scholarships and grants, can help cover program costs.
• Transfer Policies: Prospective students with extensive transfer credits should look for a history program with a generous transfer credit policy. Applying transfer credits to cover general education and elective requirements can significantly shorten the length when obtaining a history bachelor degree online. Applicants can contact an admissions advisor to learn more about transfer policies.
• School Size and Type: Some students prefer the small class sizes and lower student-to-faculty ratio at small schools, while others prefer a larger cohort of history majors and the more extensive alumni network of large institutions. In addition to school size, students may prefer either a public or private institution.
• Program Length: While most bachelor’s programs take four years, the total length of an online bachelor’s degree in history varies depending on program requirements. Students may look for programs with part-time or accelerated options, which shape program length. Many programs offer transcript evaluations to determine how many semesters students must complete to earn their degree.
• On-Campus Requirements: Online history programs may include on-campus requirements, such as an on-campus orientation or residency weekends. Local students may prefer programs with on-campus requirements, while those considering programs out of state might want a 100% online program.

Accreditation for Online History Degrees

Prospective history students should always check a school’s accreditation status before applying. Accredited institutions meet the highest standards for conferring degrees, which communicates to potential employers the value of a candidate’s degree.

Accreditation benefits undergraduates in several ways. Accredited degrees meet the qualifications for many professional certifications and licenses. For instance, states typically require an accredited degree to earn a teaching license. History majors considering graduate programs often need an accredited bachelor’s degree to gain admission. Also, accredited institutions meet the qualifications to offer federal financial aid.

To earn accreditation, colleges and universities agree to a voluntary review from an independent accrediting agency. These agencies evaluate an institution's graduation requirements, student learning outcomes, and faculty qualifications. Accredited institutions must renew their status on a regular basis through additional evaluations. Both regional and national accrediting agencies grant institutional accreditation; for liberal arts and research institutions, regional accreditation remains the highest standard.

In addition to institutional accreditation, degree-granting programs can hold programmatic accreditation in a particular field. For instance, business schools, teacher preparation programs, and counseling programs often hold programmatic accreditation. History departments undergo review during the regional accreditation process rather than through separate programmatic accreditation, so prospective history majors should look for regionally accredited colleges or universities.

History Concentrations

History majors often choose a concentration to specialize their degree. These concentrations train students for advanced study in a particular topic, including through a graduate program in history. A concentration can also prepare graduates for specific career paths. A public history concentration, for example, helps graduates work in museums or archives.

• U.S. History:
  One of the most common history concentrations, U.S. history studies America from the colonial era to today. Within the concentration, students can focus on early American history, 19th century U.S. history, or 20th century U.S. history. Most bachelor’s programs offer multiple U.S. history courses and electives.
  • Careers this concentration prepares for: High school teacher, museum curator, historian
• European History:
  A European history concentration explores the history of Europe from the ancient period through the medieval, early modern, and modern eras. The concentration examines social, political, military, and cultural change over Europe’s history. Students often choose a period within European history, such as 19th and 20th century Europe, Renaissance Europe, or medieval Europe.
  • Careers this concentration prepares for: Historian, high school teacher, foreign service officer
• Military History:
  A military history concentration examines military conflicts, changes to military technology and tactics, and the role of the military in statecraft. Students study historical conflicts, including the Civil War, the Napoleonic Wars, and the Hundred Years’ War to explore the causes and resolutions of historical wars.
  • Careers this concentration prepares for: Intelligence officer, foreign service officer, high school teacher
• Women and Gender Studies:
  Many history departments offer a concentration in women and gender studies, through which students explore changing notions of gender roles, the evolving place of women in the public sphere, and notions of masculinity and femininity. The concentration may include the impact of gender theories on policy-making, medicine, and the economy.
  • Careers this concentration prepares for: High school teacher, museum curator, social activist
• Public History:
  A public history concentration trains students to convey historical information to the public, with an emphasis on museum studies and historic preservation. Students learn how to design history exhibits, use methodologies in the field, and conduct research for public history projects. The concentration prepares graduates for positions in museums, archives, historical societies, and libraries.
  • Careers this concentration prepares for: Museum curator, archivist, museum worker, librarian

How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in History?

Earning a bachelor of history online typically takes four years for full-time students. Most bachelor’s degrees require 120 credits of coursework, which includes general education requirements, major coursework, and electives. Several program characteristics shape the length of a bachelor’s in history, including graduation requirements and enrollment options. Some programs, for instance, require a senior thesis or internship, which can add time to the degree.

Online programs often design their curriculum for working professionals balancing school with their career. However, students may prefer a part-time option, which can add time to the degree. Students interested in earning their bachelor’s in less time can choose an accelerated enrollment option, which includes higher course loads or accelerated classes.

Similarly, undergraduates with transfer credits can finish their degree faster by choosing a school with a generous transfer credit policy. Many bachelor’s programs accept up to 90 credits toward a 120-credit degree, meaning students can earn their bachelor’s in history in as little as one year.

Courses in an Online Bachelor's in History Program

Paying for Your Online Bachelor's in History Degree Program

Degree-seekers should not let education costs keep them from earning an online bachelor's degree in history. By applying for grants, scholarships, and work studies, learners can significantly reduce their expenses. In addition, federal grants can help students pay for the rest of their degree, and these loans may qualify for loan forgiveness. To apply for federal grants and scholarships, complete the FAFSA.

Scholarships for Accounting Students

Enid Hall Griswold Memorial Scholarship

Who Can Apply: The Daughters of the American Revolution awards this scholarship to college juniors or seniors studying history, political science, government, or economics. Each year, the organization chooses two individuals to earn this scholarship. For specific requirements, email [email protected].

Amount: $5,000

The Lucinda Beneventi Findley History Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Each year, The Daughters of the American Revolution selects two outstanding high school students for this award. Applicants need least a 2.5 GPA, demonstrate an interest in history, and plan to pursue a history major at a full-time accredited university in the United States.

Amount: $2,000

Annual Constitution Essay Student Scholarship Contest

Who Can Apply: The National Rifle Association and the National Foundation for Women Legislators team up every year to select six winners in their scholarship essay contest for women. Applicants must write an essay about the Constitution.

Amount: $3,000

Dr. Aura-Lee A. and James Hobbs Pittenger American History Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Students who plan to take at least 24 credits in American history and American government may apply. This scholarship offers $2,000 per year, and it is renewable for students who continue to study in this field and maintain at least a 3.25 GPA.

Amount: Up to $8,000

Catherine W. Pierce Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Students studying art or an art history discipline may apply for this scholarship. Recipients must maintain a 2.5 GPA. Learners can apply by completing an online application and submitting transcripts. They must also write a one-page essay explaining their inspiration for choosing their career and describing their future career goals.

Amount: Up to $4,350