Best Online History Programs

Want to understand the past? Start today with an online degree from one of our top-ranked history degree programs.
Nalea Ko
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Edited by
Updated April 16, 2024
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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 grow 11% between 2023 and 2033. In 2023, these professionals made a median annual salary of $57,120.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in History Programs

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in history?

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.

Is a history degree a BA or BS?

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.

How much do history majors make?

History majors earn different salaries depending on their experience and skills. Archivists made a median annual salary of $59,910 in 2023, according to the BLS.

Where do historians work?

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.

What classes do you take in a bachelor’s in history program?

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.

Featured Programs in History

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s in History Programs

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

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#1

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$15,417

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,417

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

51%

Acceptance Rate

92%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,980

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,980

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

85,586

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,417

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,417

Lynchburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,417

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,417

Acceptance Rate

51%

Online Enrollment

92%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,980

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,980

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

85,586

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#2

Ottawa University

Ottawa, KS4 yearOnline

$11,976

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,976

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,430

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,430

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

261

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,976

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,976

Ottawa University

Ottawa, KS4 yearOnline

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,976

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,976

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,430

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,430

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

261

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#3

Eastern New Mexico University

Portales, NM4 yearCampus + Online

$3,996

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,994

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

58%

Acceptance Rate

69%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,044

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,342

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

5,685

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,996

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,994

Portales, NM4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,996

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,994

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment

69%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,044

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,342

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

5,685

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR4 yearCampus + Online

$9,846

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$29,445

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

82%

Acceptance Rate

47%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,933

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,975

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

31,719

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,846

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,445

Corvallis, OR4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,846

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,445

Acceptance Rate

82%

Online Enrollment

47%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,933

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,975

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

31,719

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#5

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$26,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

83%

Acceptance Rate

76%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,346

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,346

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

10,013

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,070

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,070

Acceptance Rate

83%

Online Enrollment

76%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,346

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,346

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

10,013

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#6

Nicholls State University

Thibodaux, LA4 yearCampus + Online

$4,922

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,015

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

88%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,686

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,779

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

6,491

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,922

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,015

Thibodaux, LA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,922

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,015

Acceptance Rate

88%

Online Enrollment

52%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,686

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,779

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

6,491

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#7

Westfield State University

Westfield, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$970

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,050

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

87%

Acceptance Rate

41%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$1,890

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$1,890

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

5,795

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$970

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,050

Westfield, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$970

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,050

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

41%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$1,890

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$1,890

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

5,795

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#8

University of Louisiana at Monroe

Monroe, LA4 yearCampus + Online

$5,788

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,888

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

80%

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,490

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,590

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

8,673

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,788

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,888

Monroe, LA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,788

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,888

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

43%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,490

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,590

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

8,673

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#9

University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$9,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,948

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

70%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,270

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,240

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

4,275

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,948

Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,948

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

70%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,270

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,240

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

4,275

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Sterling College

Sterling, KS4 yearCampus + Online

$26,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

40%

Acceptance Rate

14%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,860

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,860

Retention Rate

59%

Students Enrolled

653

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,000

Sterling, KS4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,000

Acceptance Rate

40%

Online Enrollment

14%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,860

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,860

Retention Rate

59%

Students Enrolled

653

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

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?

History of Western Civilization

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.

Political Parties

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.

Human Geography

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.

20th-Century Global History

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.

American Women’s History

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.

Featured Programs in History

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What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor’s in History Program?

  • check

    Online Application

    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.

  • check

    Transcripts

    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.

  • check

    Essay

    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.

  • check

    Letters of Reference

    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.

  • check

    FAFSA

    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.


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