Interested in the past? Wonder how history affects the future?
If so, a history degree might be for you. It can also open the door to a career in education, law, or politics.
History majors do more than memorize dates or destroy opponents at trivia games. They look at world events and try making sense of them.
But finding online history degrees takes research.
Learn more about the 30 best online history degrees, including admission requirements, common courses, and possible careers for graduates.
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30 Best Online History Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) Methodology
First, we looked at 88 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered bachelor’s in history online degree programs.
We then narrowed the pool of schools by looking at:
- accreditation (regional and/or national)
- school or program rankings with U.S. News and World Report
- tuition cost
Lastly, we chose the most affordable online programs and ranked them by raw affordability.
Below are our top choices for the 30 best online history degrees (bachelor’s).
#30 – Franciscan University of Steubenville
Online Bachelor in History
Steubenville, Ohio
Undergraduate Tuition: $30,180
Franciscan University of Steubenville is an accredited school for online history degrees. It offers an online bachelor’s in history program.
This program looks at history through teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. It also teaches students about Catholic tradition.
Through online courses, you’ll learn about things like:
- how history affects the present
- how history impacts the future
- past events
In addition to courses, the program offers study abroad programs in Austria and Poland. But above all, students get the same program online as their on-campus peers.
Lastly, the school ranks 15th in best regional college in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.
#29 – Liberty University
Online Bachelor’s in History
Lynchburg, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $21,587
Liberty University is an affordable school for a history degree online. It offers a bachelor’s in history degree that takes less than four years to complete.
This program helps students understand how history affects our current lives. It also prepares students for careers as a historian or history specialist.
The program offers online classes that run for eight weeks. In addition, students take only one class at a time.
Graduates of the online history program have landed jobs as:
- history instructor
- library assistant
- museum professional
Lastly, Liberty is an accredited Christian school. It also ranks with U.S. News and World Report. It’s most recent rankings include:
- #298-#389 in best national schools
- #242 in best online bachelor’s degree programs
#28 – University of Virginia
Online Bachelor’s in History and Politics
Charlottesville, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $18,960
University of Virginia (UVA) is a top ranked school for a history degree. In fact, the school offers a bachelor’s in history and politics.
This liberal arts program helps you learn how history and politics work. It also helps you understand how the two work together.
You’ll take courses like:
- History of Early America
- History of Genocide
- Russian politics
You’ll also learn how history and politics affect society. In addition, you’ll write papers and take part in class discussions.
UVA is accredited. It also ranks with U.S. News and World Report. For example, UVA ranks #26 in best national schools and #10 in best colleges for veterans.
#27 – Regent University
Online Bachelor in History
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $18,720
Regent University is a Christian school that offers history degrees. In fact, it offers an online bachelor’s in history degree program.
This program helps you understand how history works in leadership. For example, classes focus on leadership in a global environment.
In this program, you’ll take online courses and complete projects. You’ll also write forum posts and papers.
Courses you’ll take cover topics like:
- U.S. history
- Western civilization
- World history
You’ll also complete a senior seminar and project.
Lastly, Regent ranks with U.S. News and World Report. It’s rankings include #298-#389 in best national schools and #53 in best online bachelor’s programs.
#26 – University of Massachusetts
Online Bachelor’s in History
Boston, Massachusetts
Undergraduate Tuition: $14,677
University of Massachusetts Boston is an affordable school for a history degree. It offers an online bachelor’s in history degree program with liberal arts focus.
This program helps you make sense of the past. It also shows you how history impacts the world in which we live.
In this program, you’ll take many liberal arts courses. You’ll also take history courses like:
- ancient Egypt
- Berlin and crossroads of history
- modern Europe
- modern world history
- World War II
You won’t take large seminars at UMASS Boston. Instead, your classes are kept small. You’ll also have access to mentoring by professors.
Lastly, UMASS ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 227th best national school and 113th top public school.
#25 – National University
Online Bachelor’s in History
La Jolla, California
Undergraduate Tuition: $13,320
National University is an affordable choice for online history degrees. It offers a bachelor’s in history program for busy and working students.
This program helps you learn about different timelines and important dates in history. It also helps you learn how to research and write like a historian.
In this program, courses cover topics like:
- California history
- the global economy
- world religions
- World War II
Lastly, National University accredited. It also ranks with U.S. News and World Report. For instance, the college ranks #95-#124 in best regional schools in the West.
#24 – University of Arizona
Online Bachelor’s in History
Tucson, Arizona
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,716
The University of Arizona is a top choice for a history degree. This is because of the school’s low tuition costs.
The school offers a bachelor’s in history online degree program.
This program requires students complete courses and a senior project. For the capstone project, you must complete a:
- class presentation
- research essay
- research proposal
- final draft
But before your senior year, you’ll take courses like the intro to the study of history and Medieval Europe.
Lastly, U of A is accredited. It’s also ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 97th best national school.
#23 – Washington State University
Online Bachelor’s in History
Pullman, Washington
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,170
Washington State University (WSU) is an affordable school for an online history degree. It offers an online bachelor’s degree in history through its global campus.
This interdisciplinary degree program lets you focus your humanities studies on an area of interest. For example, you can choose one of three concentrations.
Concentrations include:
- Atlantic
- Europe
- United States
You’ll also take classes that cover topics like:
- American history to 1877
- classical and Christian Europe
- history of women in the American West
- modern Britain
- modern Europe
- writing about history
Lastly, WSU ranks #176 in best national schools and #93 in best value schools by U.S. News and World Report.
#22 – University of Illinois
Online Bachelor in History
Springfield, Illinois
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,911
University of Illinois is an affordable school for a history degree. It offers an online bachelor’s degree in history program.
This program prepares you for graduate school. In fact, students who earn the degree go on to get a master’s degree in history.
In this program, you’ll learn about history and how it affects places around the world. You’ll also take courses like:
- history of modern Asia
- history of pre-modern East Asia
- intro to modern Middle East
- peoples of the past
Finally, the school ranks with U.S. News and World Report. For example, the college ranks #31 in best regional schools in the Midwest and #37 in best value schools.
#21 – Oregon State University
Online Bachelor’s in History
Corvallis, Oregon
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,858
Oregon State University (OSU) is a best value school for an online history degree. It offers a bachelor’s in history program with a research focus.
This programs helps you understand global problems and how they relate to history. This program also show you different cultures and how history affects them.
You’ll take history classes like:
- Jewish history
- Middle and early modern ages
- slavery in the Americas
- World War II
The classes you take are also taught by OSU faculty. In fact, the online program is the same as the on-campus program.
Lastly, OSU ranks with U.S. News and World Report. For instance, school rankings include #153 in best national and #133 in best value schools.
#20 – Arizona State University
Online Bachelor’s in History
Tempe, Arizona
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,338
Arizona State University (ASU) is an affordable school for a best history degree online. It offers an online history program (bachelor’s) that’s accredited and ranked.
This program teaches you how human society develops over time. It also shows you how people change throughout history.
In this online history program, you’ll learn about:
- Economic history
- Latin American history
- U.S. politics
- Western civilization
- World history
In addition to taking 39 classes, you’ll research and write papers. But your classes are kept short. In fact, each class runs for just 7.5 weeks.
Lastly, ASU ranks with U.S. News and World Report. For instance, it ranks #103 in best national schools and #6 in best online bachelor’s programs.
#19 – Westfield State University
Online Bachelor’s in History
Westfield, Massachusetts
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,139
Westfield State University is an affordable school for a history degree. It offers an online bachelor’s in history with studies in Latin American culture and Asian history.
This online history program also covers topics like:
- Government and history
- Modern world history
- Politics and history
In this program, you’ll take general history courses. But you’ll also take six history electives (18 credit hours).
Westfield is accredited. It also ranks with U.S. News and World Report. For example, its rankings include 90th best regional school in the North and 26th top public school.
#18 – University of North Alabama
Online Bachelor’s in History
Florence, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,620
University of North Alabama (UNA) is a cost-effective school for a history online degree. It offers online BA or BS in history degrees.
The history program helps you understand how history works in current times. It also shows you how past events have impacted the way we think and believe.
The program is also offered online. Likewise, it requires no campus visits.
Some of the classes you’ll take cover topics like:
- History and historical research
- United States history
- World history
In addition to classes, you’ll take electives. You’ll also complete a senior thesis in an area of history you’re interested.
Lastly, UNA is accredited. It also ranks with U.S. News and World Report. For instance, these rankings include:
- #40 in best regional schools in the South
- #40 in best value schools
- #152 in best online bachelor’s programs
#17 – University of Memphis
Online Bachelor’s in History
Memphis, Tennessee
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,912
University of Memphis is a budget-friendly school for a history degree. It offers an online bachelor’s degree in history program for less than 10k per year.
This program teaches students how to think critically. It also shows them how to understand historical issues and events.
Major courses you’ll take cover topics like:
- Ancient world
- Greek experience
- Tennessee history
- World civilization
Lastly, the school ranks with U.S. News and World Report. For example, these rankings include #53 in best online bachelor’s programs.
#16 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Bachelor’s in History
Manchester, New Hampshire
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,650
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a good school for a history degree online. It offers a bachelor’s in history program with four concentrations.
The program’s concentrations include:
- American history
- European history
- Middle Eastern history
- Military history
Once you’ve chosen a concentration, you’ll take courses that line up with your interests. You’ll also take many electives.
Courses you can take include:
- United States history 1607-1865
- World civilizations from 1500 to present
You can even take public speaking or politics courses.
The school also offers a generous transfer credit policy. For example, you can transfer up to 90 credits.
Finally, SNHU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the #1 most innovative school.
#15 – University of Wisconsin
Online Bachelor’s in History
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,254
University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee is an affordable school for an online bachelor’s in history degree. The history program is the same as the one found on campus.
This program covers history topics like:
- American history 1607-1877
- Multicultural America
- World history since 1500
It also offers many unique classes you won’t find at most schools. For example, you can take electives like:
- football and American society
- history of capitalism
- the era of crusades
In addition, the school is accredited. It also ranks with U.S. News and World Report.
#14 – University of Louisiana
Online Bachelor’s in History
Monroe, Louisiana
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,070
University of Louisiana is a cost-effective school for online history degrees. It offers an online history degree accredited regionally.
This program is for busy and working students who want to land a job in education, journalism, publishing, and more. It is also for student who want to work as historical analysts and researchers.
In addition, the program prepares students for graduate school in history or other study areas.
In this program, online courses include:
- Historian’s craft
- United States history
- World civilization
Lastly, the school ranks with U.S. News and World Report. For example, current rankings include #246 in best online bachelor’s programs.
#13 – Mississippi State University
Online Bachelor’s in History
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,910
Mississippi State University is an affordable school for online degree in American history. It offers a bachelor’s in history program that requires no campus visits.
In fact, you’ll earn your history degree fully online.
This program offers courses like:
- Mississippi history
- Modern US history
- The Old South
- Women in American history
You can also take classes in environmental history.
To be admitted to the program, you’ll need a high school diploma or its equivalent. You’ll also need letters of recommendation from your teachers.
Finally, MSU is accredited. It also ranks #206 in best national schools and #105 in top public schools with U.S. News and World Report.
#12 – Utah State University
Online Bachelor’s in History
Logan, Utah
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,764
Utah State University is a budget-friendly school for a history degree. It offers a bachelor’s in history program with a history teaching emphasis.
This program is for students interested in teaching history in secondary education. It’s also for students who don’t want to teach, but want to learn more about history.
This program also teaches you to understand the impact history has on the past, present, and future.
Utah State is accredited. It’s also ranked with U.S. News and World Report. The rankings, for example, include #241 in best national and #117 in top public schools.
Lastly, Utah’s affordable tuition and financial aid awards allow even out-of-state students to attend.
#11 – Sam Houston State University
Online Bachelor’s in History
Huntsville, Texas
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,736
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is a good school for online history degree programs. It offers a bachelor’s in history program with unique classes.
For example, you can take classes that cover topics like:
- African American history
- African history
- Military history
- Latin American history
You can also take classes from award-winning instructors and researchers.
This program is also designed for students who want to learn online. Working students, for example, benefit from the program since classes are flexible.
Lastly, SHSU is accredited. It also ranks #272 in best national schools and #136 in top public schools by U.S. News and World Report.
#10 – University of Idaho
Online Bachelor’s in History
Moscow, Idaho
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,304
University of Idaho is an affordable school for an online bachelor’s in history. It offers a history program that is online.
This program helps you learn about human experiences in the past, present, and future. It also covers information about different cultures.
The history program also covers topics like:
- Historian’s craft
- United States history
- World history
- Writing and rhetoric
Lastly, the school ranks with U.S. News and World Report. Its rankings include 170th best national college and 37th best value school.
#9 – University of Nebraska
Online Bachelor’s in History
Kearney, Nebraska
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,962
University of Nebraska at Kearney is a cost-effective college for a history degree. It offers an accredited online bachelor’s in history program.
This program mirrors the on-campus program. In fact, the same professors who teach on the Kearney campus also instruct online courses.
As a history student, you’ll take courses like:
- African American history
- American history
- Latin America history
- non-western world history
You’ll also take history electives, such as advanced European history and U.S. history.
There are many reasons to attend UNK. Above all, it ranks with U.S. News and World Report. Rankings include #33 in best regional schools in the Midwest and #11 in best value schools.
#8 – Nicholls State University
Online Bachelor’s in History
Thibodaux, Louisiana
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,946
Nicholls State University offers flexible online history programs. In fact, it has an online bachelor’s in history that’s great for working students.
This online history program helps you understand history in America, Asia, and Europe. You’ll also learn how to research and write history papers.
Courses help you with your critical thinking skills. Courses also cover topics like:
- History in Europe
- Non-Western history
- United States history
Above all, you’ll graduate prepared to go to work. In fact, graduates have landed jobs as legal assistants, lobbyists, and PR staffers.
Lastly, NSU ranks U.S. News and World Report as the 80th best regional college in the South. It also ranks 35th in top public schools.
#7 – Granite State College
Online Bachelor’s in History
Concord, New Hampshire
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,791
Granite State College (GSC) is an affordable place for a history degree. It offers an online bachelor’s in history for those wanting careers as:
- educators
- historians
- law professions
The program prepares you for life after graduation through classes and projects. You’ll also write history papers that improve critical thinking.
Your courses will include:
- American government
- Historical methods
- World history
In addition to classes, you’ll complete a senior project.
Lastly, GSC ranks with U.S. News and World Report. These rankings, for example, include:
- #136-#176 in best regional schools in the North
- #50-#62 in top public schools
#6 – Arkansas Tech University
Online Bachelor’s in History
Russellville, Arkansas
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,668
Arkansas Tech University is one of the best history degrees online colleges for affordability. It offers a bachelor’s in history program for those interested in law school.
This program covers a wide range of topics. It also covers many different subjects.
Some classes might be in history, while others include political science topics.
Courses you will see in the history program include:
- Historical reasoning
- Government and politics
- Political theory
In conclusion, ATU ranks with U.S. News and World Report. Its current rankings include:
- #80 in best regional schools in the South
- #35 in top public schools
- #91 in top performers on social mobility
#5 – University of Maryland Global Campus
Online Bachelor’s in History
Adelphi, Maryland
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,560
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a good school for cheapest online history degree programs. It offers a bachelor’s in history online degree with two focus areas.
- U.S. history
- World history
This program helps you prepare for law school. It also shows you what it’s like to be a historian.
In this program, you’ll learn how to research. You’ll also learn how to write history papers.
In addition, you will complete a senior thesis.
Required classes cover topics like:
- Historical methods
- Historical research
- History of the United States
- World history
Lastly, UMGC offers financial aid packages for students in need. It also ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 136th-176th best regional school in the North.
#4 – Southern Utah University
Online Bachelor’s in History
Cedar City, Utah
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,770
Southern Utah University (SUU) is an affordable school for a history degree. It offers an accredited online bachelor’s in history program.
This program helps you improve critical thinking skills. It also shows you how to write and problem solve.
You’ll learn how to write history papers. You’ll also give presentations.
Courses will cover topics like:
- American Indian history
- U.S. history
- Women in ancient and modern Europe
When you earn your history degree, you’ll can work as a researcher or teacher. You can also go to graduate school if you want.
The history program takes three years and requires 120 credit hours.
Lastly, SUU ranks with U.S. News and World Report. Current rankings include #62 in best regional school in the West.
#3 – Florida International University
Online Bachelor’s in History
Miami, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,565
FIU is a great school for online history programs. It offers an online bachelor’s in history degree for busy, working students.
This program helps you with your critical thinking skills. It helps you improve research and writing skills.
In this program, you’ll take online courses like:
- Greek history
- Latin American history
- The Black Death
FIU is accredited. It also ranks with U.S. News and World Report. These rankings, for example, include #187 in best national schools and #117 in best value schools.
#2 – University of Central Florida
Online Bachelor’s in History
Orlando, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,368
University of Central Florida (UCF) is a good school for online history degrees. It offers an online bachelor’s in history degree program.
This program covers topics in history like:
- U.S. history
- World history
It also offers many electives in gender and women’s studies and politics.
In this program, you’ll write papers, complete a project, and put together a portfolio. The portfolio will include 8-12 grades papers. It also includes graded projects.
UCF ranks with U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include:
- #160 in best national schools
- #141 in best value schools
- #14 in best online bachelor’s programs
#1 – Fort Hays State University
Online Bachelor’s in History
Hays, Kansas
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,430
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is the most affordable school on our list for a history degree. It offers a bachelor’s in history online degree program with three focus areas.
This program offers focus areas like:
- American West
- Latin American history
- Russian history
In the program, you’ll get to research the past as it relates to the present. You’ll also improve your research skills through writing papers.
In addition to the research you do, you’ll take many history courses. However, your electives will be up to you. For example, if you want to study U.S. history, there are plenty of courses to take.
Lastly, FHSU ranks #112 in best regional schools in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. It also ranks #35 in top public schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions – Best Online History Degrees
What can you do after completing a history degree online program?
A high school diploma and bachelor’s in history degree can help you land a job.
Many entry-level jobs in museums and historical organizations require a bachelor’s degree. However, you can also qualify for just about any career.
If you’ve completed a history degree online program, look for careers in business, education, or law.
But if you want to work in history-related jobs, these might interest you.
Archivist or curator:
In this role, you’ll oversee historical items placed in a museum. You’ll also preserve important records.
The job requires a degree in history. To qualify for entry-level jobs, you’ll also need some experience working in a museum or archive.
As a curator, you’ll need to show experience working with collections. You’ll also need to understand how to add pieces to a collection.
But if this is your first role, you won’t be totally on your own. Instead, you’ll work with a museum’s director or another mentor.
History school teacher:
History teachers work in middle and high schools. They teach lessons in history to students.
Some history teachers work in private schools, while others work in public schools.
High school history teachers need a bachelor’s degree. You’ll also need a state license. In some cases, you’ll also need certification in the subject you teach.
Museum coordinator or technician:
In this history role, you’ll prepare and restore objects for display in a museum or exhibit. You’ll also prepare collections that are sent to other locations.
To work in this job, you’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in history. However, you may also need a graduate degree.
But above all, you’ll need:
- research experience
- volunteer work
- work experience
What classes will you take in a history degree online program?
Online classes in history programs vary by school. However, prospective students should plan to learn how history affects the present and future. They should also expect to learn how history impacts different cultures.
Most online history degrees offer some of the same courses.
They teach you how to read, write, and research. They also help you understand important dates and timelines.
In most online bachelor’s in history degree programs, plan on taking:
- American history
- American government or politics
- Studies in European history
- World history
These classes will cover world events. They will also give you a foundation that other history classes will build upon.
After taking general history courses, you’ll take interesting electives like:
- Making of the West
- Slavery in the Americas
- Women’s history
- World government
You’ll also get the chance dig into an area of interest. For instance, you can earn a concentration in an area like:
- African history
- African American history
- European history
Other popular concentrations include:
- Middle Eastern history
- Military history
- Women’s history
Near the end of your program, you complete a senior seminar and a capstone. A capstone might require a research paper, but also requires a final project.
Will you get a job with a history degree online?
How easy will it be to get a job after finishing your online history bachelor degrees?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for historians will grow 5% through 2030. This rate is slightly faster than the rate of other jobs.
However, other related jobs will see faster growth. Jobs that will see a projected 19% growth between 2020 and 2030 are:
- archivist
- curator
- museum tech
The BLS also projects about 6,600 new jobs each year for archivists, curators, and museum workers.
Job openings will result from the need to hire new workers. Jobs will come from people who retire or transfer to another job.
To land one of these jobs, you’ll need to stand out above your competition. You’ll also need to have a degree, such as a bachelor’s or master’s in history.
But to be competitive, you should earn your degree, complete an internship, and work as a volunteer. Above all, your degree and experience will help you land a job.
Are there professional organizations you can join while earning a history degree online?
While you’re still in college, you can join a professional history association. In fact, several organizations offer membership to students. But you’ll need to be earning a bachelor’s in history degree when you join.
Here are some places open to fellow and future historians.
American Association for State and Local History (AASLH):
The AASLH is a national association. It supports members at the state and local level.
It also connects you with funding and grants. You will also get access to:
- events and meetings
- funding initiatives
- online conferences
- subscriptions to publications
American Historical Association (AHA):
AHA is a large professional association for historians. It is also a place for history students to meet others in the field.
As a member of AHA, you’ll get access to yearly conferences. You’ll also get to meet fellow history students and historians through an online community.
Lastly, you’ll get access to benefits like:
- awards
- grant funding
- mentorship
- ongoing education
American Society for Environmental History (ASEH):
As a member of the ASEH, you’ll gain access to:
- conference discounts
- networking
- online member directory
You’ll also get scholarship support in different areas of research. Specifically, research areas include interactions between people and the environment.
How long does it take to earn online history degrees?
The best online history degree programs aren’t always the fastest. However, online history programs can take less time to complete than on-campus programs.
Time varies by school and program.
Most history degrees require you complete 120 credit hours.
Most on-campus students take four years to earn a bachelor’s degree. But online students may have a shorter timeline.
An online bachelor’s in history, for example, takes about three years.
So how do you shorten the time it takes to earn a history degree online?
- Enroll full-time
- Take a heavier course load
- Go to school in the summer
When you enroll full-time, you take a heavier class load. But the downside is less free time.
If you need extra time for work and family, you should enroll as a part-time student. But if your goal is to earn your degree fast, you should enroll as a full-time student.
Lastly, if you want to earn an online history degree fast, plan on going to school in the summer.
Year-long history programs are out there if you know where to look.
BDP Staff
September 2021
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