Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in History

Find the best online bachelor's degrees in history to advance your career in the field of historical research and analysis.

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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.

  1. Harvard University
    Location

    Cambridge, MA

    Tuition

    $17030

    Overview

    A private university founded in 1636, Harvard University is not only one of the countrys oldest universities, but its also one of the most elite. This school, located in Cambridge, MA, is comprised of 13 schools and institutes along with a vibrant online campus. The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with a concentration in History at Harvard is offered both on-campus as well as online through the dynamic Extension School. This program allows learners to concentrate in an area of choice while also taking interdisciplinary courses in other fields.

    Program Features

    This program helps students gain an acute knowledge of the world today through studying our planets diverse history. Learners gain advanced skills in critical thinking, historical analysis, communications, and more as they take 128 credit hours. Undergraduate students have the unique opportunity to take selected graduate courses in history as well, allowing them to advance their understanding of the discipline with key classes such as:

    Early Modern Europe, 1450-1789 Power and Civilization: China Japan in Asia and the World Racial Capitalism and the Coming of the Civil War

    Notables

    In addition to the Liberal Arts degree in History at Harvard, the university also offers a unique pathway in which students who wish to pursue graduate study may receive an additional masters degree for less money and time four courses are counted twice toward each degree. To be eligible for this program, students must have earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts at Harvard and possess at least five years of full-time professional work experience. This program is not only convenient but also highly affordable, with undergraduate tuition just $1,840 per course.

  2. Oregon State University
    Location

    Corvallis, OR

    Tuition

    $19205

    Overview

    Oregon State University is located in Corvallis, OR, just 90 minutes south of Portland. With over 200 different academic programs, this school prides itself on advancing research, promoting innovation, and teaching through real-world learning opportunities. The online degree in History at Oregon State University is incredibly hands-on, featuring a unique Public History Internship Program. This degree is taught by world-class faculty who are renowned for their research and innovation. This program requires 180 credit hours of study, and all classes are available entirely online.

    Program Features

    Students will become immersed in an intensive program of study as they seek to understand modern global issues by analyzing trends and relationships from the past. Students interact closely with their faculty in this research-oriented degree, preparing themselves for successful careers in academia and research. The degree includes a research seminar that allows students to engage with historical sources as they compose their own original research project. Other required courses include:

    Why War: A Historical Perspective Western Civilization Women in United States History 1620-1890 Religion in the United States History of Medicine since 1800

    Notables

    Taught by high-quality, full-time Oregon State instructors in the College of Liberal Arts, these courses are delivered online by the OSU ECampus. The College of Liberal Arts is ranked as the best in the nation among online liberal arts colleges by College Choice. Tuition for this program starts at just $309 per credit hour, and with four convenient start terms per year, this degree is not only affordable, but its convenient, too. Additional scholarships and financial aid opportunities are available just for history majors, who also have the ability to join the broad network of history majors in the History Students Association.

  3. University of Central Florida
    Location

    Orlando, FL

    Tuition

    $15341

    Overview

    With the main campus in Orlando and a total undergraduate enrollment of nearly 57,000 students, the University of Central Florida has plenty to offer students both on-campus and off. There are over 80 undergraduate, certificate, and graduate programs offered completely online through the University of Central Florida online. The school employs 200 full-time, tenure-track faculty, making this school one of the largest online campuses around. The online Bachelors in History is offered through the well-respected College of Arts and Humanities.

    Program Features

    This program requires 120 credit hours of study. It allows students to expand their understanding of the cultural, historical, and societal forces that shape the future of the world. It allows students to concentrate on specific geographic regions, such as Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, or Latin America. An accelerated program is also available, allowing students to graduate with both a BA and an MA in just five years. Required courses for either pathway include:

    Cultural Historical Foundations U.S. History: 1492-1877 Western Civilization History and Historians

    Notables

    Tuition is incredibly affordable in this program, starting at just $179.19 per credit hour for in-state students. Ranked one of the best online programs by U.S. News World Report, this degree prepares learners for careers in public policy, law, international affairs, and more. Undergraduate students who wish to further accelerate their careers may pursue related minors in addition to the history major. Options are varied and include unique fields like Florida Studies, Judaic Studies, Pre-Law in the Humanities, Womens and Gender Studies, and more.

  4. Arizona State University
    Location

    Phoenix, AZ

    Tuition

    $12947

    Overview

    Arizona State University is a large public institution that was founded in 1885. With an undergraduate enrollment of nearly 43,000 students, this school has one of the largest undergraduate populations in the country. Nevertheless, the school offers students over 300 different majors to choose from and maintains small class sizes even in the online classroom. The online Bachelor of Arts in History is offered within the School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University.

    Program Features

    Requiring just seven and a half weeks per class for a total of 120 total credit hours and 39 classes, the Bachelor of Arts in History at Arizona State University is a highly interdisciplinary degree. This program is one of the largest and most profound history programs in the country, with a curriculum firmly rooted in the humanities. This program allows students to explore the historical, critical, and comparative study of practices, texts, and contexts as they take hands-on classes such as:

    The Historians Craft Studies in European History Cultural Diversity in the U.S. Studies in Asian History

    Notables

    Arizona State is unique in that it offers online students the opportunity to study abroad. Candidates can choose from over 250 different academic programs in 65 countries, with study abroad available during the summer, fall, and spring semesters. In addition to this unique option, history majors will be able to engage in extensive research opportunities. Arizona State is ranked the most innovative university in the country by U.S. News World Report, and faculty make it a point of getting undergraduate students involved in hands-on original research. This transfer-friendly program is ranked within the top 20 for humanities research by the National Science Foundation as a result.

  5. University of Illinois at Springfield
    Location

    Springfield, IL

    Tuition

    $12054

    Overview

    Located in Springfield, IL, the University of Illinois at Springfield was founded in 1969. This school is comparatively small as a public university, enrolling only around 3,000 undergraduate students, yet still offers nearly 25 different undergraduate programs many available entirely online. The Department of History at the University of Illinois at Springfield offers both an on-campus and online undergraduate major, minor, and graduate program in History. Concentrations are available in European and World History, American History, and Public History.

    Program Features

    The online Bachelor of Arts in History is exactly the same as the on-campus program. Offering students a diverse, interactive, and dynamic online learning environment, this program allows learners to complete classes using the latest educational technologies. Students have access to a range of resources including academic materials, advisors, and career services. Applicants who live more than 50 miles from campus may apply, with students taking classes such as:

    Peoples of the Past Globalization and Power Making of the West Gods Heroes of Early Europe The Historical Jesus

    Notables

    This program is not only highly flexible and convenient for distance learners to complete, but its also easy to apply to. With a rolling admissions policy, the University of Illinois admits students frequently so that they can start at practically any time. Students can easily get involved with their studies once they are enrolled. Not only are multiple history-specific scholarships available, but students can also participate in internships, an honors program, the History Club, or even Phi Alpha Theta, the National Honor Society in History. This program also offers a pathway to teacher certification.

  6. Regent University
    Location

    Virginia Beach, VA

    Tuition

    $17820

    Overview

    A private university located in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University was founded in 1978. This school is small, with a total undergraduate enrollment of fewer than 5,000 students. The fast-growing university is ranked as providing some of the best online bachelors programs in Virginia and is also in the top 5% for the most affordable private Christian universities. Regent Universitys Bachelor of Arts in History is offered entirely online and mentored by faculty who teach in Virginia Beach.

    Program Features

    The faculty who teach the online version of the Bachelor of Arts in History at Regent all hold the highest degrees in their field. With courses offered in eight-week blocks, this program is one of the most convenient and flexible to complete. 120 total credit hours are required, encouraging students to explore a broad view of the most important and interesting events, cultures, people, and timelines in American and global history. Required classes include:

    Old Testament Studies Western Civilization Jeffersonian and Jacksonian America, 1800-1845 Revolutionary and Constitutional History 1763-1800 History of the British Empire

    Notables

    Not sure that a Bachelor of Arts in History at Regent is the right choice for you? The school offers many other history degrees as well. The most popular programs and concentrations include majors in Politics and History; History and Social Science Secondary Education; English History (U.S. History); Professional Studies Historic; and English History (World). All liberal arts classes at Regent University are presented with a Christian worldview, giving students a unique perspective on the events of history.

  7. University of Memphis
    Location

    Memphis, TN

    Tuition

    $13663

    Overview

    With the main campus in Memphis, TN, the University of Memphis is a public university that was founded in 1912. This urban university offers over 50 majors, giving students exclusive access to some of the best online learning opportunities in the country. The University of Memphis offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in History within the College of Arts and Sciences. The Department of History was one of the first in the country to offer an online BA in History. While most classes are taught locally, classes may also be taken online.

    Program Features

    The BA in History equips students with the skills necessary to analyze and evaluate historical events, sources, and topics. It allows them to research topics of interest in a thorough, methodical manner, incorporating both primary and scholarly secondary sources. This degree can be completed independently at a students chosen pace, but all students will work closely with academic advisors to find ways to organize their program of study to graduate in fewer than four years. Required courses include:

    World History to 1500 Tennessee History Black Memphis Introduction to Ancient Nubia The Arab-Israeli Conflict

    Notables

    This unique program offers exemplary study abroad programs, allowing students to complete many of their course requirements in other countries. Most online courses are taught with the learning-management software known as Desire2Learn, also called eCourseware. This program allows students to complete their courses on their own time, making degree completion easier and more convenient. An honors program is also available for students who wish to take special honors classes.

  8. University of Massachusetts, Lowell
    Location

    Lowell, MA

    Tuition

    $18375

    Overview

    A private university founded in 1894, the University of Massachusetts Lowell has a large undergraduate enrollment of over 14,000 students. This nationally-ranked research university offers 115 different bachelors programs, all of which are known for their personalized attention and vigorous hands-on learning and many of which are offered completely online. The Bachelors degree in Liberal Arts at the University of Massachusetts Lowell is offered entirely online and allows students to explore a concentration in History. This affordable degree has tuition rates starting at just $380 per credit hour.

    Program Features

    This multidisciplinary program is identical to the one offered on-campus. Students receive the same degree and are taught by the same instructors as they develop their skills in oral and written communication, critical thinking, creative problem solving, and more. The degree is affordable and flexible, available entirely online or in a hybrid format. It is ranked as one of the best online bachelors degrees in the nation by U.S. News World Report and includes core classes such as:

    World Civilizations I Western Civilization I African-American History World War II The Holocaust

    Notables

    In addition to the History concentration, the Liberal Arts major requires students to choose one additional concentration as they pursue their degrees. Available options include Art History, English, Economics, Gender Studies, Legal Studies, Political Science, Philosophy, and Psychology. This well-rounded degree is highly customizable, allowing students to transfer in up to 90 previously earned college credits. Candidates can apply at any time, and a variety of scholarships and other financial aid opportunities are available.

  9. University of Arizona
    Location

    Tucson, AZ

    Tuition

    $15758

    Overview

    The University of Arizona is located in Tucson, AZ, and has a large undergraduate enrolment of over 35,000 students. Founded in 1885, this public university offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. It also has a robust online community. The Bachelor of Arts in History prepares students with the fundamental knowledge necessary to understand the challenges and opportunities faced historically by the United States as well as countries around the world.

    Program Features

    The curriculum of this degree covers every aspect of the historical human experience, ranging from workplace dynamics to global climate change to acts of scientific discovery. Offered within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, this program is highly interdisciplinary. Students engage in hands-on computer research and learn how to write well-documented papers as they learn what makes humanity tick. Required classes include:

    Introduction to Political History World History to 1600 The Making of American Cultures History of Africa History of Christianity

    Notables

    In addition to the stand-alone undergraduate major in History, the school also offers an accelerated MA program. This option allows students to earn both a bachelors and a masters degree in just five years of study. The school also offers numerous history-specific scholarship and financial aid opportunities. Extensive study-abroad programs are also available, any of which are backed by financial awards of over $5,000 per student. Available study abroad programs include classes in Italy, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Israel, and more.

  10. Liberty University
    Location

    Lynchburg, VA

    Tuition

    $26954

    Overview

    Liberty University is a large private university located in Lynchburg, VA. The school has a large enrollment of 45,754 undergraduate students and sits on a massive campus of over 7,000 acres. This Christian school offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs within 16 schools and colleges. There are over 280 online degrees available, including the well-respected Bachelor of Science in History.

    Program Features

    Requiring 120 total credit hours of study, the online Bachelor of Science in History takes most students an average of just three and a half years to complete. Classes are offered entirely online in eight-week segments. Students with prior learning experience may transfer in up to 75% of the degrees total requirements. Students will explore trends in American, Western, and European history as they explore the political, public, and economic backgrounds of these regions. Required classes include:

    Geography History of Western Civilization Historical Methodology Survey of American History

    Notables

    This entirely-online degree provides students with the flexibility they need to fit earning a degree into their lives. It allows learners to explore the foundational analysis and research skills necessary to develop a historical perspective. Students receive a well-rounded training in the liberal arts as well. In addition, all of Libertys online programs offer military-friendly benefits and transfer policies. This nonprofit university is consistently ranked within the top 1% of over 2,100 online colleges for its affordability, academic quality, and accessibility.

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