If you have an interest in the past and want to know how it shapes the world today, consider a bachelor's degree in history. Earning a history degree equips you with research, communication, and writing skills. It can also prepare you to work in fields like business, education, and the arts.
Pursuing your bachelor's degree online is a flexible way to take your courses while maintaining your current schedule. Best College Reviews considers affordability, academic quality, program offerings, reputation, and online enrollments when ranking the top history online programs.
Featured Online History Degrees
Best Online Bachelor's in History Degrees
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy.
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Why Get an Online Bachelor's in History?
An online program may allow you to graduate in less time than enrolling in traditional classes.
A bachelor's in history focuses on honing your critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural and global awareness.
Earning an online bachelor's degree in history may help you save money.
You can find many meaningful history degree jobs in various industries.
Online bachelor's degree in history can help you develop a strong skill set for a variety of careers if you're not sure what your career goals are.
Depending on the occupation, a history bachelor's can provide promising earning potential.
What Can You Do With a Degree in History?
With a bachelor's in history program, you can work in education, law, journalism, or the arts. But keep in mind that some positions, such as archivist and lawyer, require a graduate degree.
Earning potential varies significantly by field and position. However, many common careers for history majors offer high median salaries.
History Teacher
Many history teachers work in middle or high schools and sometimes postsecondary educational settings. They help learners understand the influence of history on current events and how people view the world they live in. Most history teachers give classroom lectures, facilitate discussions, generate lesson plans, and lead out-of-class learning experiences.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021)$61,820
Job Outlook5% increase from 2021-2031
Fundraising Manager
Fundraising managers oversee organizational campaigns that bring in money. A typical day for these professionals includes developing fundraising strategies, locating and contacting potential donors, and applying for grants. A bachelor's in history provides the communication, writing, and critical thinking skills you'll need to speak to stakeholders and potential donors.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021)$119,860
Job Outlook8% increase from 2021-2031
Archivist
An archivist preserves historical documents, objects, and records of significance. Typical duties include preserving objects or manuscripts, authenticating historical materials, creating digital and film copies of records, and finding new materials for archives. A bachelor's degree can provide the necessary historical background, but many archivist jobs require at least a master's.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021)$50,120
Job Outlook12% increase from 2021-2031
Journalist
Journalists typically talk to experts and witnesses, research topics, and inform general audiences about their findings. Many professionals work for news, television, radio, or online media organizations. Journalists with an online bachelor's degree in history possess the analytical and research skills needed to investigate stories and conduct in-depth interviews.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021)$48,370
Job Outlook9% decrease from 2021-2031
How Much Does an Online History Degree Cost?
The cost of a history degree varies by school. Public institutions typically charge the lowest tuition rates. In-state students at public schools paid an average of $9,375 in tuition and fees for the 2020-21 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Out-of-state students paid an average of $27,091, and students at private institutions paid an average of $32,825 in tuition and fees.
While on-campus students typically pay for room and board, activity fees, and other expenses, enrolling online could eliminate or reduce many of those costs. If a college education still seems out of reach financially, you can take advantage of scholarships and other forms of financial aid as an online student.
Frequently Asked Questions About History Degrees
What are the highest-paying jobs with a degree in history?
The highest-paying jobs you can get with a history degree are in the legal and management fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), legal professionals earned a median salary of $82,430 in 2021. The BLS also reports that management professionals made a median salary of $102,450 the same year.
Is a history degree worth it?
An online bachelor's degree in history can be worthwhile if you want to pursue a history-related career path or teach. Even if you're unclear about your academic interests, declaring a major in history can allow you to learn the skills you need to succeed in many fields.
How do you become a historian?
Most historians hold at least a master's degree. Some positions, including history professor jobs, require a doctorate. However, some employers may hire historians with a bachelor's degree.
Should you get a BA or a BS in history?
Choosing between a BA and a BS depends on your academic interests and career goals. If you plan to pursue a graduate degree in history, a BA is more likely to give you the necessary foundation. Otherwise, a BS can prepare you for jobs requiring scientific analysis, teaching skills, or historical research.
What is the career outlook for history majors?
The BLS projects that jobs for historians will grow by 4% between 2021-2031. To expand your employment prospects, consider continuing your education and getting a graduate degree in history.
All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the BCR Rankings Team.
