Online History Degree
Many schools offer online history degree programs. Historians often work to understand the past as a way to shed light on current issues and trends. If you enjoy digging into research and pivotal events, you might want to think about earning a history degree online.
An online history degree programs typically studies events, objects, peoples and ideas of the past. Then applies the meaning from this research to make sense of modern society and issues. One may find online history degrees at all levels. Bachelors, masters and PhDs. At each level, you might dig into historical eras and regions to research and may be able to write about the past and its impact.
At the bachelors level, this degree is intro level. You tend to explore US history and Western civilization in a very broad way. As a grad, you may know how to find and analyze primary and secondary historical sources.
Masters in history programs dive deeper. You tend to explore a certain period or aspect of history to learn the cause and effect it had. With this advanced insight, some students pursue a career and others, a PhD.
PhD in history programs are research based. You tend to study the tools of research such as new media, oral history and foreign language. Apart from quality research skills, grads may add to the field in their own way.
Bachelor’s Degree in History
An online bachelor of arts in this field (BA) is an entry level degree. It tends to entail 120 credits and an average of four years.
Many schools use a BA in history to provide a broad foundation. So, you may tend to study primary sources of US history along with Western civilization. You may also work with an advisor to design your history degree around a theme. Popular options typically include religious, African American, political, social or economic topics. Through your course work, you may have the opportunity strengthen your research and writing skills. Many programs aim to foster a critical mindset. So, while you study pivotal events, you may also learn to analyze how people interpret them.
To gain admission into a BA in history program, you likely need a high school diploma or GED. Schools may also set standards for GPA and some want to see your ACT or SAT scores too. Through your course work, you may strengthen your research and writing skills. Most programs aim to foster a critical mind set. So, while you study key events, you may also learn to analyze how people interpret them. To gain admission into a BA in history program, you need a high school diploma or GED.
Schools may also set standards for GPA and some want to see your ACT or SAT scores too. Another factor is tuition, as per DataUSA. They report the average cost in 2018 of a history degree at a public school is $6,698. It’s higher ($31,437) at private schools.
Master’s Degree in History
Many programs may take a deep look at how pivotal events, periods and cultures impacted the world as we know it. Along the way, you may build skills as a writer, researcher, communicator and analytic thinker.
Many MA students may also select a focal point which drives their plan of study. European history, women’s history, or teaching college history are a few. As a general rule, you may have the option to pursue a thesis at the end of your program. Students who want to continue to a PhD may opt in as the independent research may be perfect practice.
To qualify for admission into an MA history program, you typically need an accredited bachelors degree or higher. Schools may also look at transcripts, GPA and the types of history classes you took. Things like a writing sample and references are likely common.Some schools may also want to see that your research interests line up with the faculty and goals of the program.
PhD in History
An online PhD in history is a research degree and the highest level of award. It typically tends to entail upwards of 30 credits and three years post MA. Many programs ground you in historical theory and research methods. So, while studying in depth, you may master the tools of research. Like a foreign language or understanding of oral history.
That said, you could often work with a mentor to design a program of study that lines up with your goals. You are likely to tap into these goals when you research for your final dissertation. Many students may pursue a PhD in History to prepare for a career as an educator, researcher, analyst, and writer. So some programs may include brief visits to campus for hands on experiences.
To gain entry to an online PhD in history program, you likely need a MA degree and thesis. Many schools may also ask for a personal essay, letters of reference and writing sample. Some might also ask for GRE scores.
How much might it cost to earn a master’s in history or PhD online? The average cost of a graduate degree from a public college from 2015 to 2016 was $11,303. So, some online history MA and PhD programs may be more affordable or more expensive than this amount.
What could I do with an Online History Degree?
A history degree may be a entry point to diverse career options. Historians typically know how to write, perform analytical research and think critically about issues. And these skills may translate well to jobs in gov’t, science, education and business.
As history often sets the context for decisions, there may be jobs for all levels of education. In many social science fields, one typically needs a bachelors degree for entry level roles. Aside from a bachelors degree, many historians have a masters or PhD. It may be common to have a knowledge base in a specific historical era or group.
1. Academic Librarian
An academic librarian helps students, faculty and staff in post secondary schools. If you’ve ever researched a term paper, an academic librarian may have shown you how to access info. These pros tend to need a masters degree in library science. But many schools have more than one library and look for focused skills. As a result, many also have a PhD.
2. Archeologist
An archeologist typically examines, recovers and preserves evidence of the past. The evidence may be human remains, pottery, tools, ruins of buildings or artwork. In taking a close look at what was left behind, these pros may make useful links with current info. So, they could add to what we know about history, customs and life styles of people in earlier eras. To move beyond an assistant role, many of these pros earn a masters or PhD. With an advanced degree, one may have the skills to manage an archeological dig and give advice on cultural policies.
3. Broadcast Journalist
As a broadcast journalist you may research topics and stories, ideate and write articles. In your creative process, you may conduct interviews with sources too. Some people with this back ground lead news shows on TV or radio. Apart from an outgoing nature, many employers may prefer those with a bachelors degree.
4. Editorial Assistant
An editorial assistant may be responsible for one subject. For instance, political events, sports, entertainment, local or global news. In doing their job, they may need to plan, review and revise content. Besides creativity and sound judgement, many employers hire assistants with a bachelors degree.
5. High School History Teacher
As a high school history teacher, your role may be to educate students about historical periods. You are likely to plan lessons, test students, grade papers and chart progress. In all states, public school teachers may need at least a bachelors degree and license. Many states also mandate that teachers hold a masters degree in a content area.
6. Archivist
An archivist often checks that historical documents are both authentic and preserved. As record keepers, a key duty is to safe guard important documents. To do this, they may create film and digital copies. Then also, they may create and manage systems that classify records. Apart from being detail oriented, many archivists have a masters degree. Some may also focus on a certain historical era or type of documentation (movies, manuscripts, etc.)
7. Historian
A historian is often a professional researcher. Someone who studies the past to analyze, interpret and write about it. In doing this research, you may look at manuscripts, diaries, news articles, books and artifacts. The conclusions you make may help to inform, educate and guide policy. Many of these pros today work for gov’ts, people, nonprofits and other agencies. As their skill sets often involve very deep knowledge, they tend to have a masters or PhD.
8. Museum Curator
As a museum curator, you may lead the task to find, store and exhibit collections. To do this, you may have to negotiate, authorize purchases, sales and loans of artwork. Other than admin tasks, you may manage a museum’s research projects. Many of these pros may also serve as the face of the museum at fundraising and PR events. As there are large and small museums, there may be jobs for different levels of education. If the museum is small, a bachelors degree may suffice. But in larger museums, one tends to need a masters.
Is an Online History Degree worth it?
Expertise in historical research may be useful for a wide range of jobs that yield above average earnings. Jobs in social science are growing faster than average and many new jobs are forecast. Per the U.S. BLS in 2019, if you have a masters or PhD, it may be more in your favor. Jobs in this field are competitive but still expect 5% growth to 2029.
People who can appraise, process, catalog and preserve records face favorable prospects too. Archivists should see a 11% growth in the number of open jobs by 2029 as well. Salaries in all these fields vary. But historians reported a median annual wage of $63,680 in 2019.
History Degree Jobs & Salary
| Occupation | Average Salary | Jobs |
| Academic Librarian | $59,050 | 134,800 |
| Archeologist | $63,670 | 6,500 |
| Broadcast Journalist | $43,490 | 49,700 |
| Childcare Workers | $61,370 | 118,300 |
Top States for Jobs as an Archaeologist
| State | Jobs | Annual Mean Wage |
| CA | 1,610 | $69,890 |
| OR | 420 | $63,970 |
| AZ | 410 | $64,150 |
| NV | 320 | $64,820 |
| TX | 320 | $70,410 |
What classes could I take with an Online History Degree?
As a history major you are likely to study key eras, regions, events and cultures. These areas help you to interpret the past to make sense of the present. Many course plans draw from the humanities. So, you may study political science, religion, economics and anthropology. You may also expect to study texts, practices and contexts.
Along the way, you may learn to use and create digital media, analyze and present findings in compelling ways. That said, each level of degree may to do this in its own way. Below are some of the classes you may find at the bachelors, masters and PhD levels.
Bachelor’s Degree Courses
Classes in a BA in history program lay the base. You tend gain a broad base of knowledge in American history and the growth of Western civ. Some of the material you cover might teach you about civil rights, slavery and American art forms. Although many programs are flexible, and you may tailor them to your interests. Besides a key look at historical periods, you may build key history skills. Using primary and secondary sources to research a topic is one of them. Some types of classes might be:
World History I
This courseoften takes a look at global civilization. It often begins around the 1500s. The course aims to discuss geographical aspects and to learn how human contacts occurred. It also may focus on migrations that helped to make cultures grow and develop. Students may learn how each culture differs in areas of social, familial, and culture influences. Religion and culture are also included in some cases.
History of the U. S. to 1865
This course often looks at the early history of the United States. It may include areas of colonial times through the end of the Civil War. Students may learn how national institutions came to be. They may also learn to locate and evaluate various insights into this time period. Students may also gain insight into historical context in the current modern world.
Historical Methods
This is an intro level course that often talks about historical methods and approaches. It may include insight into the value of history and its applications today. It may also include identifying historical paradigms. Students may learn about moral and ethical standards in the historical profession. This class often focuses on practical skills for historians.
Historical Writing
This course often focuses on the historical research as well as the writing process. Students in this course often will learn to construction a framework for a historical research project. In addition to this, they may learn how to local the source materials and then show they can research properly. This is usually done from a historical context.
Graduate Degree Courses
Classes in a MS in history program dig deeper into a period or theme. You tend to also explore how key events, periods, and cultures impacted the world today. Your choice of focus may drive most of your courses. China, the Middle East, wartime Europe, are a few of many options. Along with classes, you may develop as a writer, communicator and researcher. So many programs highlight both creative story telling and analytical skills.
Classes in a PhD in history program typically focus research tools and methods. A foreign language, new media and oral history are some of these tools. In many PhD programs, you find very broad and deep course plans. You may study areas like gender history, politics and foreign relations. This may depend on what you focus on for your original research.
At the same time, you may hone investigative skills while also learning to fuse info. In doing so, one may become adept at detecting patterns and ideas. Some types of classes might be:
Historiography
This course is a high level course many historians could take. The course aims to explore the study of history. It may include a focus on the craft and the profession itself. Key concepts may include how history plays a role in society. Students may learn how changing nature of historical interpretations and arguments occurs. They may also learn to position and evaluate their own thinking.
Historical Methods II
In this course, students may learn how to study, analyze, and evaluate historical accounts in various ways. They may have the ability to investigate various approaches in method and theory. Students may learn how to conduct higher level research. In some schools, students may begin initial research projects in this course that may be related to various aspects of their career goals.
Historical Lenses and Scholarship
This type of course often looks at the economic aspects of history. It may also consider other aspects, such as race, class, and gender. It could look at how historical accounts change when viewed by a different person. Students may learn to use these lenses to conduct historical research and analysis. They may focus on topics such as transatlantic slavery or future topics.
Comparative History and Research
This is a skill building course that may be necessary for many historians. Students may learn how to discuss historical and social connections as they are linked through a separate historical setting. They may learn things like best practices and challenges of comparative history. Students may also learn how to identify proper research sources and to understand the context of them.
How long does it take to earn an Online History Degree?
The time it takes to earn a history degree online depends on the level and your course load. As a rule of thumb, it typically takes an average of four years to earn an online BA in history. Some programs may allow you to transfer up to 90 credits which cuts program length. Once you graduate, it may take two years to earn a MA in history online. If you have a MA, it may take at least three more to earn a PhD in history online. A PhD involves research and possible teaching practicum which could stretch time to completion.
| University | Level of Degree | # of Credits Required | Starts Per Year | Minimum Months to Complete |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelors | 120 | 6 | 24 |
| Regent University | Bachelors | 120 | 6 | 24 |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Bachelors | 120 | 6 | 24 |
| American Public University System | Masters | 36 | Monthly | 12 |
| Sam Houston State University | Masters | 30 – 36 | 3 | 12 |
| Norwich University | Masters | 36 | 3 | 18 |
| American University – Washington, DC | PhD | 30 – 42 | 1 | 3 |
| University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee | PhD | 54 | 4 | 3 |
| Liberty University | PhD | 72 | 6 | 4 |
15 Schools with Online History Degrees
We have ranked our top 15 schools based on the number of graduates from the program in 2019. Our process looks at 2019 data from the NCES. And, it may help you narrow your search down.
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Regent University
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- Ashford University
- Indiana University
- American Public University
- Sam Houston State University
- Norwich University
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Memphis
- American University – Washington, DC
- University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
- Liberty University
- Loyola University Chicago
- Arizona State University
Here’s a closer look at the 15 schools where you might earn a history degree online.
1
SNHU’s online B.A. often entails 120 credits and gives you some freedom to customize your studies. The core program features a broad base in US history and Western civ. Then, with the help of your advisor, you may design your own history degree that weaves in course work from throughout the school. Choose a general track based in US, European or world studies. Or you may tailor your program a certain theme. Religious, African America, political, social, intellectual or economic topics, to name a few. Some topics are:
- Medieval world
- Early modern world
- Modern world
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $31,136
Grad $18,810
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$3,913
Average Net Price:
$39,743
2
Regent’s online B.A. often entails 120+ credits and presents from a Christian world view. The program studies different cultures, peoples and places. And, touches on US history, Western civ and world history. Along with your classes, you might improve your critical thinking, writing and research skills. Some topics are:
- Intro to history
- US history to 1877
- History of the Cold War
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $18,620
Grad $16,952
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$7,801
Average Net Price:
$15,062
3
UMGC’s online B.A. often entails 120 credits and explores a range of historical eras and geographical areas. Like China, the Middle East, wartime Europe, and the US. You may also dig into research and writing. As a result, you might learn how to lay the ground work for and work towards a more complex research project. The program may also allows you to group classes around a theme or mix and match ones that line up with career goals and interests. Some topics are:
- World history
- History of the US
- Historical writing
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $12,336
Grad $12,132
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$3,659
Average Net Price:
$14,635
4
Ashford’s online B.A. often entails 120 credits and each course lasts 5 weeks. The program studies the past and how it and evolving forces shape the modern world. Part of the broad program balances American and World history. Your courses may also include social studies and explore many regions and cultures. To cap the program, you may work on a research project. You may also add a focus to further narrow your studies. Some topics are:
- Gender in history
- World civilizations
- 20th century Europe
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $12,400
Grad $12,810
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$6,217
Average Net Price:
$20,415
5
Indiana U’s online B.A. often entails 120 credits and aims to foster solid research and key skills. Another feature of the program is that it is likely to explore geographic regions of the world in both modern and pre modern time periods. As such, you may learn to identify major thinkers, events and historical patterns. The program may also includes work that may help you learn to search and find both primary and secondary historical sources. Then, also may be able to use them to craft a solid narrative or argument. Some topics are:
- Issues in US history
- History of Western Civilization
- Issues in Latin America
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $36,512
Grad $33,304
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$11,541
Average Net Price:
$13,036
6
APU’s online M.A. often entails 36 credits and there may be monthly start dates. The program takes an advanced look at how key events, periods and culture impacted the world today. As you study these things, you may also hone skills as a writer, researcher, and analytic thinker. Along with core topics, the focus area you choose may drive much of your course work. There are five to choose from. American history, ancient and classical history, European history, global history and public history. If you choose public history, there is a practicum. Some topics are:
- Greek Civilization
- The Civil War
- Russia and the Soviet Union
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $7,324
Grad $7,005
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$1,639
Average Net Price:
$10,995
7
SHSU’s online M.A. often entails 30 to 36 credits. This depends on whether you choose to complete a thesis or not. The program aims to meet the needs of aspiring civil servants, secondary and college teachers as well as those who plan to go onto a PhD in history program. As a student, you may select one of three tracks that invites you to ask thematic questions, research, analyze and think. These are rights and identity, war and violence, encounters and exchanges. Some topics are:
- Methods in history
- Intellectual history
- Pre modern world history
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $18,664
Grad $15,612
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$7,323
Average Net Price:
$13,055
8
Norwich’s online M.A. often entails 36 credits and leads you through a complete analysis of major developments, events and figures. Apart from the core, you may choose one of four focal points. Public history, world history, American history or legal and constitutional history. If you choose American or world history, there may be an optional thesis. The thesis is an original research project and may suit your goals if this includes a next step PhD. That said, a final academic part of the program often includes a residency. Some topics are:
- Archival studies
- Hunter gatherer era
- Global military history
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $41,496
Grad $19,554
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$32,756
Average Net Price:
$26,343
9
U Pittsburgh’s online M.A. often entails 36 and only accepts students who aim for a PhD, regardless of whether they enter the program with a BA or an MA. After a successful completion of the MA students may advance to the PhD program, based on departmental approval. The core program may look at the academic study of history and also at the craft of research and writing. Apart from this, you may build expertise in a regional field. Like Europe, US, Asia, Latin America. At the same time, you explore a trans national or thematic history. Some topics are:
- Trans national labor
- Writing seminar
- International social movements
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $25,626
Grad N/A
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$9,948
Average Net Price:
$18,355
10
U Memphis’ online M.A. often entails 33 credits if you regard the MA as a terminal degree without writing a thesis. Or, you might look at the MA as a prep for a PhD and choose the thesis option. Apart from advanced history classes, there may be research seminars. These focus on using primary materials to write and produce original papers. Some topics are:
- Independent readings
- Historiography
- Directed readings
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $13,752
Grad $14,202
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$7,575
Average Net Price:
$13,481
11
AU’s online PhD often entails at least 30 to 42 credits and is ideal for those whose interests like in American and modern European history, including Russian history. The departments at AU also have strengths in many sub fields. These may include public history, African American history, women’s/gender history, politics and foreign relations, and Jewish history. While in the program, you may receive mentorship and work to complete a final research dissertation. Some topics are:
- Historian’s craft
- Modern European history
- US History to 1865
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $49,889
Grad $31,113
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$27,386
Average Net Price:
$40,469
12
U Wisconsin’s online PhD often entails at least 54 credits at least 30 of them taken at the post masters level. In mandatory classes you may study the theory of history along with research methods. You may also opt into a class that discusses issues in teaching history. The program may also ask students to be proficient in one or more foreign languages and write a dissertation. Some topics are
- History of Greek civilization
- Historiography
- Research methods in local history
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $21,168
Grad $25,282
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$6,256
Average Net Price:
$14,822
13
Liberty’s online PhD often entails 72 credits and features 8 week classes taught from a Christ centered lens. One of the goals of the program may be for you to conduct original research based on your knowledge of historical lit. And, to be able to apply a Christian world view to the study of history. Some topics are:
- Historiography
- Historical professions
- American entrepreneurship
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $22,747
Grad $8,400
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$7,550
Average Net Price:
$28,181
14
Loyola U’s PhD in history may have some online parts. It often entails at least 30 credits beyond the MA. A goal of the program is to foster an ability to use history to solve problems that relate to class, race, gender etc. You may also consult with an advisor to develop a broad major within either US history or non US history. As a student, you may also expect to perform research in archives, libraries and other sources. Then, apply these skills to produce an original paper on a chosen historical theme. Some topics are:
- Public history media
- Medieval history
- Modern Europe
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $45,543
Grad $19,498
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$21,218
Average Net Price:
$36,388
15
ASU’s PhD in history may blend online study and on campus visits. It often entails at least 84 credits and includes course work, research, an exam, dissertation and internship for some students. The program focus may nurture advanced skills in research, critical analysis, writing and teaching. As a student, you may select three committee members to guide your studies. One field must be geographic, one thematic and a third either geographic or thematic. Some topics are:
- Global history
- Public history methods
- Advanced research
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $19,398
Grad $6,592
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$5,907
Average Net Price:
$14,568
*Unemployment Earnings. Sources for school stats and data include the NCES and IPEDS.