Best Online History Programs 2023
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.
Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s in History Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
- In-State$15,417
- Out-of-state$15,417
- In-State$7,980
- Out-of-state$7,980
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled85,586
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Ottawa University
- Ottawa, KS
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$11,976
- Out-of-state$11,976
- In-State$11,430
- Out-of-state$11,430
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled261
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$3,996
- Out-of-state$5,994
- In-State$7,044
- Out-of-state$9,342
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled5,685
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$9,846
- Out-of-state$29,445
- In-State$12,933
- Out-of-state$24,975
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled31,719
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$26,070
- Out-of-state$26,070
- In-State$14,346
- Out-of-state$14,346
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled10,013
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$4,922
- Out-of-state$6,015
- In-State$5,686
- Out-of-state$6,779
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled6,491
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$970
- Out-of-state$7,050
- In-State$1,890
- Out-of-state$1,890
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled5,795
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,788
- Out-of-state$17,888
- In-State$6,490
- Out-of-state$18,590
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled8,673
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
University of Illinois at Springfield
- Springfield, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,520
- Out-of-state$15,948
- In-State$8,270
- Out-of-state$15,240
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled4,275
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$26,000
- Out-of-state$26,000
- In-State$13,860
- Out-of-state$13,860
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate40%
- Students Enrolled653
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
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
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor’s in History Program?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.