The Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in History Degree Programs

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 Through analyzing historical documents and building source-based arguments, history majors build transferable skills that many employers seek in employees.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

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.

Source: PayScale

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.

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 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.

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.

• World History
  Many history programs include survey courses on world history, which cover the ancient world through the modern world. Topics in world history courses include the development of civilizations, empires, and different forms of government; changing social and economic systems; and the role of trade, disease, and technology in history.
• U.S. History
  American history survey courses examine the development of U.S. history from the colonial era to today. The course explores the causes of the American Revolution and the Civil War, political and economic history, and social movements. The class prepares history majors for advanced courses in U.S. history.
• 20th Century Military History
  Courses on 20th century military history examine the diplomacy and military conflicts of the era, including World War I and World War II. Students learn about military technology, evolving military strategy, and theories of military history. The course may also examine the Cold War, the Suez crisis, and the Gulf War.

• Renaissance and Reformation
  Renaissance and Reformation courses examine European history from the 15th through 17th centuries, exploring cultural and religious movements that impacted people’s lives. The course may address Luther’s reasons for breaking with the Catholic Church, the impact of the Black Plague on the Renaissance, and the emergence of modern states.
• History of Science
  Courses on the history of science explore changing explanations for the natural world, from ancient Greek Aristotelian physics through Copernicus and the modern era. The course may examine the Scientific Revolution, the rise of Darwinism and theories of evolution, and modern technology.

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.

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 EnidHallMemorialScholarship@NSDAR.org.

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