Does learning about ancient societies and cultures make you tick? Do you enjoy research or have a knack for telling others about the ways of the past? If so, you might want to consider a degree in History.
As a historian, you will have the hefty task of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting historical data from a variety of sources. You may spend hours poring over books, archives, and artifacts to determine the authenticity and value of a work. You might even be able to interact with the public to tell them about your findings.
To be qualified to interpret the stories of the past, you need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in History. After obtaining one of these interesting, colorful degrees, you will be equipped with the skills necessary to work in a variety of rewarding settings.
What kind of history degree should you get?
A good bachelor's degree can come in many forms. Just about every college offers an undergraduate degree in history, but not all programs are built alike. While it can be a challenge to narrow down the many available bachelor's programs in history that are available to you, it's important that you consider the factors that are most important to you before you make your final decision.
For instance, how affordable should your chosen program be? Some degrees offer financial aid opportunities, like scholarships and grants, to certain populations of students. You should also look for a program that is taught by the most attentive, prestigious faculty you can find – after all, you want to learn from the people who know best.
Finally, how important is the flexibility of your degree program? There's no doubt about it – earning a college degree can be time-consuming. If you're already working or can't afford to travel to a new city to attend school, you should consider an online program. There are thousands of accredited online programs in history, and these often offer small class sizes and the same rigorous curriculum you'll find in an on-campus program of study.
To learn more about all the online options available to you, be sure to check out our inclusive ranking of the Best Online Colleges and Universities.
How much money do people make with a degree in history?
Your exact salary after obtaining a degree in history will vary depending on the setting and industry in which you work. While historians who work for the federal government tend to earn the highest average salaries – most earning in excess of $97,000 each year – the average wage across the board for individuals with history degrees is about $61,140.
These jobs are expected to grow about as fast as average – roughly 6% by 2026. Many organizations that commonly hire historians, like historical societies or other nonprofit organizations, rely largely on public funding. Therefore, the state of the economy can play a major role in how likely you are to find a job.
What are the requirements for a degree in history?
To earn a degree in history, you will need to be at the top of your class. Historians can sometimes face tough competition for their jobs, so it's important that you look for a degree that will provide you with plenty of practical skills and the opportunity for hands-on work. While enrolled, you will engage in foundational and practical classes to hone your skills in communication, research, and critical analysis.
Before applying, you will likely need a high school diploma with relevant coursework in areas such as history, English, and mathematics. You may also be required to take an entrance examination like the SAT, which will evince your mastery of key academic skills.
What are the best degrees in history?
If you're ready to make your potential degree in history not just a thing of the future – but of the present – it's time to start filling out those college applications. But wait – where do you start? If you're feeling lost or simply overwhelmed by all the options, don't fret. You've come to the right place.Here at College Choice, we value personal fit above any other quality in finding the perfect college. We understand that no two students are built alike – and neither are two colleges. The best college for you might vary depending on your needs and goals.
That's why our ranking includes a wide variety of the best schools across the country. These programs are not only convenient and flexible, as they are offered in an online format, but they're also designed to allow you maximum customization as you create your degree.
The best degrees in history are those that are taught by attentive, experienced faculty, host extensive support services, and offer the best training to get you to where you want to be in your career in history. If you want to learn more about the process we use to find the best schools, you should take the time to look at our methodology page.
Ready to get started? If you're ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career, consider enrolling in one of these 45 best online bachelor's degrees in history.
