Best Online History Programs of 2021
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Students can become scholars of the past by earning an online bachelor's in history degree. The broad curriculum prepares graduates to work in government, museums, and schools. With a bachelor's in history, students can grow in their careers or meet the prerequisites to apply to graduate school.
Learn more about an online bachelor's in history degree, including common courses, financial aid opportunities, admissions requirements, and the careers that await graduates.
Graduates with a history degree work in many sectors. Graduates may find jobs as museum technicians. Jobs as archivists, curators, historians, or conservators require students to earn at least a master's degree in history.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for archivists, curators, and museum workers will likely grow 19% between 2020 and 2030. In 2020, these professionals made a median annual salary of $52,1400.
What Are the Best Online Bachelor's in History Programs of 2021? Here Are Our Top 10:
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| #1 | Florida International University Miami, FL |
| #2 | University of Central Florida Orlando, FL |
| #3 | Pennsylvania State University-World Campus University Park, PA |
| #4 | University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, LA |
| #5 | University of Illinois at Springfield Springfield, IL |
| #6 | Eastern New Mexico University Portales, NM |
| #7 | University of North Alabama Florence, AL |
| #8 | Arizona State University Scottsdale, AZ |
| #9 | Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX |
| #10 | Oregon State University Corvallis, OR |
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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2021 Best Accredited Online Bachelor's in History Programs
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FIU, located in Miami, offers an online bachelor's in history. The program provides students with a broad foundation from which to understand today's complex global issues. Students learn about the scientific breakthroughs, wars, family dynamics, mass migrations, and other events that helped shape history, from ancient civilizations through today.
Courses focus on five main regions: Europe, Asia, Africa, the United States, and Latin America and the Caribbean. From the Black Death to 1960s America, classes cover a variety of historical periods. Graduates can pursue careers in a variety of areas, including education, library science, and law.
FIU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in History
School Status: Public
Tuition: $229 per credit (in-state); $346 per credit (out-of-state)
Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Degree Completion Program: No
Program Length: 4 years
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum requirement
Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT required
Contact the School
Located in Orlando, UCF offers an online bachelor's in history. In addition to a full complement of general liberal arts courses, students take upper-level history classes where they focus on specific geographic regions, such as North America; Europe; Latin America; or Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Students have the option to add a related minor, choosing from areas like Africana studies, women's and gender studies, and pre-law in the humanities. All students must complete a final history portfolio, which they submit during their final semester as a capstone requirement. Most students take 13-16 credits per semester.
UCF is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in History
School Status: Public
Tuition: $179 per credit (in-state); $716 per credit (out-of-state)
Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Degree Completion Program: No
Program Length: 4 years
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum requirement
Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT required
Contact the School
Located in University Park, Penn State World Campus offers an online bachelor's in history. Designed to prepare students for education, law, or government careers, the program provides a strong foundation in research, writing, and analysis, as well as a broad overview of historical events.
In addition to a complete slate of liberal arts courses, students take two core classes covering American civilization. The focus then narrows in scope, from regional explorations to specific topics such as the Holocaust or American environmental history. Qualified students may join the Phi Alpha Theta national honor society in history.
Penn State World Campus is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in History
School Status: Public
Tuition: $576 per credit (lower-division credits); $617 per credit (upper-division credits)
Credit Requirements: 123 credits
Degree Completion Program: No
Program Length: 4 years
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: Not minimum requirement
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
ULM, located in northern Louisiana, offers an online bachelor's in history. All students must complete courses in world civilization, American history, regional geography, and American government. The program also requires classes in public speaking and historical research methods. Students choose from electives like Eastern civilization, contemporary history, and the American frontier.
All history majors must also complete an academic minor based on their interests. They may choose a topic after receiving input from their academic advisor. ULM is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in History
School Status: Public
Tuition: $400 per credit
Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Degree Completion Program: No
Program Length: 4 years
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.35 minimum required
Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT required
Contact the School
UIS offers an online bachelor's in history. Designed to prepare students for careers in politics, law, government, or administration, the program allows students to complete courses largely at their own pace and provides support through interactive virtual learning communities. All students complete two courses in broad historical themes, such as comparative religion, women in the Middle East, or gods and heroes of early Europe.
Students then choose a total of 27 credits of upper-level history courses covering topics such as ancient sports, the history of Christmas, Egyptology, and warfare. At least eight credits must be in non-United States history. Before graduation, all students must also complete a senior seminar capstone course. To enroll in this online program, students must have completed at least 30 credits of lower-division coursework.
UIS is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in History
School Status: Public
Tuition: $308 per credit
Credit Requirements: 120 credits (including at least 30 transfer credits)
Degree Completion Program: Yes
Program Length: 4 years
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.5 minimum required
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
ENMU, located in the city of Portales, offers an online BA or BS in history. The two pathways are largely identical, but the BA curriculum requires foreign language coursework.
This history program mixes asynchronous classes, in which students view recorded lectures at their convenience, with synchronous courses, which require real-time participation with professors and peers.
All students must complete a first-year seminar and an upper-level diversity course, as well as classes in American history, Western civilization, a non-Western world overview, and an introduction to historical methods. Students must also complete a capstone portfolio project. History majors must also complete an academic minor.
ENMU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in History
School Status: Public
Tuition: $289 per credit (in-state); $374 per credit (out-of-state)
Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Degree Completion Program: No
Program Length: 4 years
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum requirement
Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT required for some students
Contact the School
A public university in Florence, UNA offers an online BA or BS in history. All students take courses in world civilization, United States history, and one class in historical research. The BA pathway also requires six credits in a foreign language.
Participants craft a personal degree pathway by selecting two U.S. history electives and two non-U.S. history electives, along with three additional upper-level electives. History majors must select an academic minor or second major in partnership with their academic advisor. The program also requires a senior thesis consisting of an advanced research project. Students must also pass the Praxis II exam.
UNA is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in History
School Status: Public
Tuition: $300 per credit (part-time); $4,500 per semester (full-time)
Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Degree Completion Program: No
Program Length: 4 years
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.25 minimum required
Standardized Tests: Test optional through fall 2021
Contact the School
Located in Scottsdale, ASU offers a fully online bachelor's in history. The interdisciplinary program gives students a strong foundational understanding of the political, social, cultural, and economic factors affecting the modern world. The research-oriented program also teaches practical analytical and documentation skills. Many graduates go on to work as intelligence officers or museum curators.
In addition to liberal arts requirements, all history students take broad history courses (e.g., global history to 1500), comparative history classes (e.g., witchcraft and Christianity in the Atlantic world), and classes covering other related topics (e.g., the history of fashion). Students receive wide latitude to select the courses that best meet their personal interests and career goals.
Online students may also participate in research placement and study-abroad opportunities. The program also offers a 4+1 accelerated bachelor's to master's path.
ASU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in History
School Status: Public
Tuition: Sliding scale based on number of credits per semester, starting at $608 for one credit
Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Degree Completion Program: No
Program Length: 4 years
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 minimum in competency courses required
Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT required for students who do not meet GPA requirements
Contact the School
A public university located in Huntsville, Texas, SHSU offers an online bachelor's in history. In addition to history coursework, students must complete a foreign language requirement and an academic minor. They can also earn a teaching certificate.
The flexible program allows students to focus on areas of personal interest. Some potential specialties include military history, European history, and African American history. All students must take overview courses in U.S. and world history, and choose several more narrowly focused classes covering American, European, and world history.
SHSU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in History
School Status: Public
Tuition: Sliding scale based on number of credits per semester, starting at $525 for one credit
Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Degree Completion Program: No
Program Length: 4 years
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: Minimum 2.25 required
Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT optional
Contact the School
A public research university in Corvallis, OSU offers a fully online bachelor's in history. Students must complete the school's baccalaureate and College of Liberal Arts core requirements, in addition to the history major series.
Learners complete history surveys and global historical literacy courses. They then choose 12 credits of history electives (e.g., military history, the global history of sports, and lesbian and gay rights in the modern U.S.) to design a more focused degree path. All students also take a capstone course and a senior seminar. Participants have the option of completing a minor.
OSU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in History
School Status: Public
Tuition: $318 per quarter credit
Credit Requirements: 180 quarter credits
Degree Completion Program: No
Program Length: 4 years
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 3.0 or higher preferred
Standardized Tests: Test optional
Contact the School
A Christian university in Graceville, BCF offers an online bachelor of science inhistory and social studies secondary education. Designed for Christian educators, the program prepares students to teach social studies in middle or high school. The core curriculum includes 12 theological foundation credits. The program covers topics like teaching diverse populations, history of economic thought, and philosophy of the Christian school movement.
When applying, individuals must include a recommendation letter from their pastor attesting to their commitment to strong personal judgment, financial responsibility, Christian service, and other character traits.
BCF is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Science in History and Social Studies Secondary Education
School Status: Private
Tuition: $360 per credit
Credit Requirements: 123 credits
Degree Completion Program: No
Program Length: 4 years
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum requirement
Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT required
Contact the School
A public research university in Pullman, WSU offers a fully online bachelor's in history. Graduates often go on to pursue careers in education, politics, or law.
In addition to the general education classes required of all undergraduates, history majors must complete two courses each in U.S. and European history, as well as three courses in non-Western history. They then choose a concentration focusing on the history of the United States, Europe, or the Atlantic. All students must also take a senior seminar in history.
WSU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in History
School Status: Public
Tuition: $531 per credit (in-state, part-time); $591 per credit (out-of-state, part-time); $5,309 per semester (in-state, full-time); $5,915 per semester (out-of-state, full-time)
Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Degree Completion Program: No
Program Length: 4 years
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum requirement
Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT requirement waived through spring 2022
Contact the School
A Presbyterian school in Bristol, Tennessee, King offers a fully online bachelor's in history. This Christianity-centered program requires participants to complete courses in citizenship and Christian thought, as well as history topics such as the Civil War, Cold War, and the Middle Ages.
All students must also complete a capstone history seminar consisting where they finish an in-depth research project. Many graduates of this program go on to teach history at the 6-12 grade levels. Faculty deliver online classes in five-week terms.
King is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Science in History
School Status: Private
Tuition: $305 per credit
Credit Requirements: 124 credits
Degree Completion Program: No
Program Length: 4 years
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.2 minimum required
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
A public research university based in Tucson, UofA offers a fully online bachelor's in history. In addition to history major requirements, students must also complete an academic minor or a double major.
History students must take classes from at least four of five designated history areas: European history, Asian/African/Middle Eastern history, United States history, Latin American history, and/or thematic history (covering broad topics such as epidemics or the philosophy of history). The program also includes a capstone project where students conduct original research and write a 20-page paper.
UofA is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in History
School Status: Public
Tuition: $500-$610 per credit
Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Degree Completion Program: No
Program Length: 4 years
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: No minimum requirement
Standardized Tests: Not required
Contact the School
Located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, Nicholls offers an online bachelor's in history. Pacing an emphasis in modern, military, and Louisiana history, the highly flexible program offers five eight-week terms per year.
Students take three foundational courses plus classes covering U.S. history, European history, and non-Western history. Students then tailor their degree path by selecting at least 18 credits of history electives. All students must also pursue a minor in another field and complete a final capstone project.
Nicholls is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Snapshot
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in History
School Status: Public
Tuition: $302 per credit for 1-12 credits in a semester; $275 per credit for each additional credit beyond 12 credits in a semester (up to 18 credits)
Credit Requirements: 120 credits
Degree Completion Program: No
Program Length: 4 years
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.35 minimum required
Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT required for students who do not meet GPA requirements
Contact the School
What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor's in History Program?
An online bachelor's in history degree provides a comprehensive survey of the past. The curriculum gives students the context to analyze contemporary social, political, and economic issues. Specific curriculum varies depending on the school. However, all classes teach students the foundational skills needed for graduate school or careers in history-related fields.
Bachelor's in history degrees teach students how to build their analytical, oral communication, persuasive writing, and research skills. Students can also tailor their education by deciding on a concentration.
Programs include courses like world civilizations and prehistory. After finishing the program, graduates may pursue careers as museum technicians, high school teachers, and researchers. Careers like librarians, professors, and historians require a minimum of a master's degree.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor's in History Program?
This course provides a survey of Western civilizations, including wars and the rise and fall of empires. Materials in this course examine major movements throughout history in North America and Europe. The curriculum also examines the political, religious, and cultural movements within Western civilizations.
Students enrolled in this class embark on a comprehensive study of government and politics. Every school differs, and curriculum may focus on a different political movement within history.
This course incorporates history, geography, and anthropology. Human geography introduces students to the settlement of humans around the globe over time. Students look at patterns to better understand historical, cultural, and land use issues. This course also considers the historical human impact on the environment and natural resources.
Students enrolled in a 20th-century global history class learn about major events and cultural movements that have shaped history from 1900 to 2000. Common topics include World War I and World War II, the Great Depression, and the Cold War. The literature in this course may touch on the spread of capitalism or the emergence of the United States.
By the end of this course, students have a firm grasp of how women have shaped American history. Students study the shifts in women's roles, legal status, and rights. The class provides a deeper understanding of the feminist movement in America and major court cases and laws that impacted women's rights.
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor's in History Program?
Students must submit online applications through the college's website or using Common App, a program that allows students to submit one application for several colleges. The average college application requires students to submit personal, professional, and financial information.
During the application process, students need to submit hardcopy or digital transcripts. Students most likely need to pay a transcript request fee. In some instances, colleges will accept unofficial transcripts with the application. Admissions may handle acquiring transcripts for students in some cases.
Colleges often ask students to submit supplement materials with their applications, such as a personal or professional essay. The personal essay outlines a student's background and goals. A professional essay focuses on a student's work background and choice of major. Essays are generally 1-2 pages.
Students must include 1-3 letters of reference with their applications. The letters typically come from professional contacts, such as professors, mentors, or supervisors from work or internships.
After completing a college application, students who need federal financial assistance must also fill out a FAFSA form. Students must complete their FAFSA by June 30 and renew it every year. The financial aid office determines how much aid to give each student based on their FAFSA.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's in History?
A bachelor's in history prepares graduates for numerous potential pathways. Students can either continue their education or enter the workforce after earning their degree. During their senior year, students can begin applying for graduate school to get a master's in history.
Students can pursue careers in high schools, colleges, libraries, or museums. Any positions higher than entry-level — such as professor, curator, or historian — generally require a master's.
Related Careers
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor's in History Programs
Students can enter graduate school immediately after earning an online bachelor's degree in history. These undergraduate credits satisfy the requirements to apply for a master's degree in history or a related field. Graduates can also pursue work as a researcher or museum technician.
Colleges may offer both an online bachelor of arts in history and an online bachelor of science in history. A bachelor of arts degree gives students a foundation in the humanities, whereas a bachelor of science degree provides more of a concentration in the sciences.
History majors earn different salaries depending on their experience and skills. Archivists, curators, and museum workers made a median annual salary of $52,140 in 2020, according to the BLS.
Historians work in museums, schools, and government agencies. Museum technicians may work in cultural centers or museums. Graduates may also find jobs in high schools as history teachers or at colleges as researchers and teaching assistants.
Students enrolled in a bachelor's in history program strengthen their research, communication, and critical-thinking skills. They take classes in topics like East Asian civilization, American history, and modern world history, and often finish off their program with a senior capstone.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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