Best Online Bachelor’s in History Programs

Professionals with a bachelor’s degree in history enjoy diverse career options. Graduates can work in roles such as museum curator, archivist, writer, and teacher.

Additionally, many history graduates go on to earn a graduate degree to prepare for roles such as lawyer, historian, and librarian. History graduates enjoy above-average earning potentials. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors make a median salary of over $73,000 per year, while high school teachers typically earn over $62,000.

The flexibility of an online history degree program allows students to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations. This format also lets students attend programs throughout the country without relocating.

Prospective students researching bachelor’s in history programs should consider several factors to find the best program for their needs, such as available courses and concentrations, cost, and delivery format. For example, students should think about their career goals before choosing a school to ensure that their program offers courses and concentrations aligned with their target career.

Additionally, prospective learners should research a program’s costs beyond tuition, such as technology and book fees. Students should also learn whether a program offers tuition discounts for in-state learners or charges all online students the same tuition rate, regardless of residency.

A program’s delivery format also impacts a student’s experience in a program. Some programs offer courses in an asynchronous format, which means classes do not require set meeting times. This format may appeal to busy students who prioritize flexibility. Synchronous programs offer more opportunities to connect with professors and fellow students, but do not offer as much scheduling flexibility.

Students pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in history typically take classes in areas like premodern and modern history and Western and non-Western history. Students can often tailor an online history degree to match their interests by pursuing concentrations in areas like American history, Asian history, or ancient history.

An Asian history concentration focuses on Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian history. Students may take classes on topics like ancient history, the political development of different Asian regions, and the culture of Asian countries. Students may also study Asia’s military, economic, and environmental history. In addition to covering Asian history, this concentration connects Asian history with the broader world, exploring topics like the Silk Road, the Opium Wars, and World War II. Students may specialize in a particular era or region.

A European history concentration covers medieval, early modern, and modern European history. Students may take classes on the Renaissance, European colonialism, and the political history of Europe. Courses may also cover the impact of the Crusades, the development of modern states like Germany, and conflicts between European powers. Many programs also incorporate classes on the history of science, women’s history, and/or military history. Students may specialize in a particular country (e.g., France or Britain) or time period (e.g., the medieval era).

A concentration in American history focuses on the development of the U.S. from the colonial period to the modern era. Learners study the wars that defined American history, including the American Revolution, the Civil War, and World War II. Courses also cover the creation of the Constitution, the diplomatic history of the U.S., and the growth of the U.S. as a world power. Many programs include coursework on urban history, environmental history, and military history. Students may specialize in a particular era.

A Roman history concentration focuses on the growth and decline of the Roman empire, from Rome’s foundation (traditionally dated to 753 BCE) to Rome’s fall in the fifth century CE. Learners study the transition from a republic to rule by an emperor, the expansion of Rome’s territorial boundaries, and conflicts with rivals like Carthage. The concentration also covers the decline of the western Roman empire and the continuation of the Byzantine empire. Additionally, students learn about the ancient world, including Sumeria, ancient Greece, ancient India, and ancient China.

Prospective students considering an online history degree should always check a school’s accreditation status. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high academic standards. Liberal arts and research institutions generally hold regional accreditation — considered the best type of accreditation for a history major — while technical and vocational schools often hold national accreditation.

Accreditation benefits history majors in several ways. For example, only students at accredited schools can receive federal financial aid, and many employers prefer candidates with an accredited degree. Credits earned at an accredited institution are also more likely to transfer to other schools. Additionally, many graduate schools only accept students who hold an accredited undergraduate degree.

Prospective students can check a school’s accreditation status through the websites of the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Earning an online history degree prepares graduates for roles such as archivist, museum curator, high school teacher, and writer. The following section covers several common careers and potential salaries for history graduates.

We selected the following degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

A bachelor’s degree in history examines different historical periods, including medieval history, U.S. history, and world history. These programs build strong critical thinking, research, and writing skills.

Generally, an online history degree takes four years of full-time study to complete. However, students with prior college credits can complete the degree in less time.

Most history programs offer this degree as a BA, which includes foreign language requirements. However, some online programs offer a BS in history.

History graduates can work in fields like education, business, and law. With a bachelor’s degree, graduates can pursue roles such as museum curator, writer, archivist, and teacher.