Top Online History Degree Programs and Industry Salary 2023/2024

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An Online History Degree program teaches and prepares students to learn about and critically examine accounts of the past using a wide variety of techniques. Techniques range from archival research and interview procedures to the use of complex data and statistical methods. History is a very wide field with many specializations, thus the different types of history majors. One can specialize in a specific period of time, a certain historical figure, or even the history of various disciplines like natural science or art.

Getting your Online History Degree is easier than ever before, and there are a number of online options available.

Online History Degree

When you get your Bachelor of History, you may find that there are a diverse amount of career opportunities right at your fingertips.

1. American History

2. Asian History

3. European History

4. Middle Eastern History

You may be able to work in museums or libraries, teach, or even travel the world, learning about ancient civilizations and piecing together clues that illuminate how our world came to be shaped. There are also tremendous opportunities for growth in many history disciplines.

American History

American history is a vibrant and complicated mixture of governmental arms, land expansion, various conflicts, and the rise of the United States to the status of a superpower over the 20th century. This particular concentration also deals with the founding of the original colonies, and what sets the United States apart from other nations.

American history is a fascinating concentration that can be applied to a number of different schools, museums, or national parks. The best candidates for this career path have a natural curiosity about history and can piece together clues and unravel the mysteries of the past.

It also helps to be fascinated with the evolution of American history.

Asian History

Asia is a vast region of the world divided into sub-regions that each have their own individual culture, language, and past. Many Asian history concentrations deal with all of the moving parts that make this region unique and break up the area into South, East, and Southeast Asia.

You will likely learn about the Mughal period: a time that shaped the region, as well as other epic empires that rose in places like Thailand and Cambodia. The more recent atrocities of the last century, like the Khmer Rouge, will most likely fall into the equation as well. The best candidates will need to have an open mind, and being bilingual is a significant plus.

European History

European history might seem a lot like American history on the face, but the two are quite different. Europe originated in a far more historically conventional way: with early monarchs and serfdoms, whereas the United States is a much more modern country.

Your focus on European history will probably look at the continent from the medieval times to modernity, and talk about why some countries gained a lot of power while others were left by the wayside. The best candidate for this course of study will be able to memorize dates and figures and understand concepts on micro and macro scales.

Middle Eastern History

The Middle East was one of the most important regions of the ancient world, so anyone who wants to study the formation of old civilizations or work as an archaeologist might consider concentrating on this area of the world.

Middle Eastern history combines the rich history and culture of the land and ancient people, and also has a religious slant in modernity. By studying this realm of history, you can become familiar with the old powerhouses of the day and learn how they factor into the modern world. Being bilingual is a huge plus if you want to pursue this particular direction.

If you decide to continue on with your schooling, you could potentially make a fairly decent income with your history degree. Although there are many self-proclaimed history enthusiasts in the world, very few of them have the formal education to back up their passions.

Bachelor’s in History Curriculum & Courses

Although every college will vary, there are a few typical courses that you can expect to take as part of your Bachelor of History.

History of Western Civilization: This foundational course can give you a good understanding of the rise and fall of certain influential empires and why they impacted the course of history. It’s an excellent base for a concentration in European history.
Archaeological Overview: Archaeology is an exact science, and the methods used to collect and analyze ancient artifacts are time-honored traditions and skills.
Geography and Anthropology: If you’ve always wondered why some humans settled where they did, this course is for you. It details the history of humanity through their movements and is a good foundational course for an archaeology concentration.
Women’s History: In every country around the world, women have struggled to obtain and keep fundamental rights. The unique history of women is one of the critical elements of a Bachelor of History.
Subjective History: It’s often said that the winners write history, and this class tackles that exact presumption by looking at how much of what we know is subjective.
A Comprehensive Overview of The Crusades: The Crusades was a series of essential wars that drew the map of what is much of Europe and the Middle East today.
Twentieth-Century History: The twentieth century was full of significant historical events and power shifts across the globe. This area of history includes the two World Wars, the Cold War, and the rise of the United States.
Viking History: Medieval History: Vikings were the first sea-faring conquerors, and many people think that they were the first to discover North America, other than the indigenous people who lived there.
American Government and Politics: The American system of government is balanced precariously on the notion of checks and balances. It’s a remarkable system to comprehend if you want to appreciate American democracy.
Understanding the Ancient World: The ancient world set the stage for many alliances and conflicts today. Understanding how it operated is vital for any history major.

Depending on your concentration, you’ll also take additional classes that coincide with your ultimate career goals.

Bachelor’s in History Concentrations & Specialties

We previously reviewed some of the primary specialties that you can focus on with your Bachelor of History, but there are a few others that you might be suited for. Here is a more comprehensive list of your options.

American History: American history deals with the formation of the country, the importance of the original colonies, conflicts at home and abroad, and the rise of American power in the twentieth century. If you want to work in a museum, school, or historical site in the United States, consider this concentration.
Asian History: Asia has a long history of global dominance and significant civilizations. From the famous Khmer Empire to the rise of Genghis Khan, there was a ton of power in ancient Asia. Today, Asia continues to be on the cutting edge of science and technology, and concentrating in Asian history can give you an overview of the importance of this region today and in the future.
European History: This concentration can teach you about Europe’s foundation, the wars fought on the continent, and how vital institutions like the European Union were formed. You can also learn how Europe is important in the modern age.
Middle Eastern History: The Middle East was one of the most critical places for commerce and trade in the ancient world. Learning about the principal cities and ports of the old Middle East is a great way to launch yourself into a career as an archaeologist or scholar.
Military History: Military history has its own specialization because there is an art to a conflict that doesn’t exist in times of peace. In this concentration, you can learn about all of the various techniques that were used during the major wars, as well as current hot spots and conflict zones.
Roman History: The Roman Empire was one of the most important empires that ever existed. The vast influence of Rome made it an ancient-day powerhouse. Roman history is long and complicated enough to merit its own specialization.

Many colleges let you study any of the specializations above, or create your own based upon your career goals.

History Careers & Salaries

With your Bachelor of Online History Degree, you can work in a number of different industries. Many graduates find themselves gravitating towards the academic field, becoming teachers or researchers, and helping new students grow to love history.

Others prefer to tackle more practical challenges by working out in the field, digging up archaeological treasures, and analyzing them. You can work as an archaeologist yourself, or as an assistant or researcher. The best candidates in this field often find themselves making quite a bit of money, and living rewarding and exciting lives.

Others work by translating old texts and giving context to the relics located in other parts of the world. Many times, being bilingual and working in the historical field go hand-in-hand, so if you really want to get a leg-up, it’s good to brush up on another language.

Ultimately, you can do quite a bit with your Bachelor of History, although some jobs are competitive, and candidates with additional schooling might be given preference. According to theU.S Bureau of labor statistics these are some of the most popular jobs for those who have their Bachelor of History degree.

Of course, salaries will vary depending on your experience and how competitive the market is. These are merely ballpark numbers to give you an idea of what to expect.

Careers	Annual Median Salary
Postsecondary History Teacher	$76,890
History Writer	$67,120
Archeologist	$66,130
Park Ranger	$65,540
Historian	$63,100
High School History Teacher	$62,870
Librarian	$60,820
Curator	$56,990
Museum Archivist	$56,760
Research Assistant	$49,210

Many of these jobs offer ample room for growth, so if you get your foot in the door, most people can rise up fairly quickly. If you have a love of history, a need to investigate mysteries, and a talent for putting data together, you should be able to excel in any of these highly coveted fields.

What kind of job can I get with an Online History Degree?

In addition to the jobs that we already listed above, there are plenty of opportunities to use your Bachelor of History degree in creative and lucrative ways.

Many employers see a history degree as a sign of a very curious mind and someone who is willing to study hard and put together a lot of different clues. It shows that you have a good work ethic and aren’t afraid of putting in the time to get to the bottom of things.

Teacher’s Assistant
Journalist
Civil Service Administrator
Ghostwriter
Editorial Assistant
Marketing Executive
Consultant
Facility Planner
Television Advisor

You can leverage your Bachelor of History to excel in any of the positions listed here. Knowing about how the past correlates to the present is a vital skill that will take you far in your chosen career path, even if you get a more advanced degree in a different area of study.

Accreditation

When choosing a college, it’s important to consider regional accreditation. Essentially, regional accreditation is a way for colleges and universities to show that they have credibility.

Regional accreditation is only given to colleges and universities that pass specific criteria, and whose curriculum is shown to be on-par, or above, the standard of excellence set by experts in the field. By choosing an educational institution that has regional accreditation, you are putting yourself in a better position to get a job after graduation.

Companies look for regionally accredited schools when hiring their candidates. Although regional accreditation is essential, schools can also be federally accredited. It’s best to look for a school that has a mixture of both, to make sure that you’re on the right track with your academic goals.

You can find this information online, or simply call the school and ask them.

History Professional Organizations

It’s no secret that professional organizations can be instrumental in helping you get ahead in your career, and the fields associated with history are certainly no exception.

There are national, statewide, and regional organizations that you can join, and some are even geared towards concentrations within the field. Here are a few organizations that can offer you a big bang for your buck and be worth joining.

American Association for State and Local History: This organization is one of the oldest in the country, and it focuses on uniting history professionals and aficionados from all over the map. If you join it, you can benefit from a tremendous amount of networking and maybe even open up professional doors for yourself.

Organization of American Historians: If you only join one organization after graduation, consider this one. The Organization of American Historians is a tremendous resource for those just starting out, specifically in terms of finding that dream job.

National Council on Public History: Ever since 1979, the National Council on Public History has been one of the best tools for those who want to start off on the right foot in a career in history. This organization links up people in all levels of their job and can open up doors and resources for those who want to develop resource materials and further their careers.

It’s always a good idea to start networking right away. Join these organizations and start your career on the right foot!

Bachelor’s in History Admissions Requirements

Although all schools are different, there are a few requirements that you should expect the Admissions Department to ask you for.

Although some schools will ask you for your standardized test scores, they are not a blanket requirement any longer. It’s always good to have them on-hand, just in case they are needed, but you probably won’t be asked to provide them.

There are a few documents that you will be expected to have. Make sure that you are prepared, and getting into the school of your choice will be smooth sailing.

Online Application: In most cases, you will be required to fill out your application online. Many people find that it takes at least half an hour to complete, and you should be prepared to offer your financial, personal, and professional information on the application.

Personal Essay: Colleges like to get an idea of who you are, so many of them will ask you to submit a personal essay. Keep it professional, but make sure the highlight what makes you unique and a good candidate.

References: It’s standard for colleges and universities to ask for reference letters. Avoid getting them from peers, and instead ask trusted teachers, advisors, or mentors for the letters.

Transcripts: your transcripts are records of your grades and let the college or university of your choice know if you’ve taken any A.P., or Advanced Placement, classes that might qualify for college credit.

The school will review all of these documents and determine if you make an excellent candidate.

Financial Aid & Scholarships for Online History Degree

No matter if you decide to go to a brick-and-mortar university, or attend an online one, you have plenty of options when it comes to financial aid.

These days, many people find it very difficult to pay for college, so there are state, federal, and even university-based programs that can ease the burden of college debt and let you study worry-free.

Scholarships are just one of the opportunities at your fingertips. Typically there are two types of scholarships: merit-based scholarships that reward excellent students and prospects with money for school, and income-based scholarships for those who qualify as in need of financial assistance.

You can get multiple scholarships, and it’s worth applying for all of the ones that you think you might qualify for. You might get turned down for one or two, but you won’t know unless you try.

Grants are similar to scholarships in that you don’t have to pay them back. If you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may have plenty of grant options. You might also qualify for merit-based federal grants. There’s a list of grants online, so make sure you check it out before applying.

Loans are the most common type of financial aid, and many students find themselves taking out loans to cover their classes or books. You do have to pay them back, so don’t take out more than you can reasonably afford.

Some schools also offer grants and scholarships through their universities. You can check out your options online and apply for what you think you have a good shot of getting. These grants and scholarships tend to be highly competitive, so make sure you follow the requirements right down to the letter.

No matter what your financial situation is, there are many ways for you to fund your college education.

What Is A Bachelor’s Degree In History?

A Bachelor of History is a degree that allows you to do many different jobs in sectors all across the board. This degree can give you a foundational understanding of history, and how it provides context to the modern age. You can apply your degree in several different disciplines, including academia and the practical field of archaeology.

A Bachelor of History can also be a good jumping-off point for additional schooling, like a traditional or online Master’s in history or PhD.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Bachelors In History?

Although it generally takes four years to get your degree, some people can take a little bit longer or shorter depending on their schedule. Online classes can give you the benefit of flexibility, making them an excellent choice for adult learners.

You can customize your schedule and take as many credits as make sense to you. How long it takes for you to get your degree will largely depend on how many course hours you take each semester. If you have the time and urge to receive your degree quicker, you may want to consider getting an online accelerated history degree.

Is A Degree In History A BA or BA?

A degree in history is considered a B.A. or a Bachelor of Arts. These types of degrees tend to focus on social science, history, literature, and humanities. They are concerned with how societies were built, and what kind of cultures are in them.

B.A. degrees are very valuable because they are flexible enough to act as a basis for other types of majors. For example, you can build on your B.A. with a Master’s Degree in a more concrete discipline, or you can continue your education in history with a sharpened focus.

How Much Do History Majors Make?

Your salary will depend on many different factors, including how much education and experience you have. Generally speaking, the more knowledge or experience you have under your belt, the more you will make.

Those just starting off tend to make a lot less than experts in the field, but even novices generally start around $30,000 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and can expect to make well over six-figures if they work their way up.

Of course, there are no hard and fast rules here. Depending on where you are in the country, what your concentration is, and how experienced you are, you will make a different amount of money. We can only give you ballpark figures and estimates.

Where Do Historians Work?

Some historians work in schools or libraries, writing research papers or teaching. Others work out in the field, or in historically renowned places of interest as curators.

Where you will work depends mostly on what type of concentration you opt for. If you decide to go into academia, you will most likely work in a college or school, and the bulk of your time will be spent in the classroom or your office. If you opt to be a curator, you probably be interacting with the public at all times and likely have to give tours.

Think about your personal work preferences when choosing a concentration. Do you prefer to be alone with your books, or does it energize you to be out in public? Do you have an aptitude for deciphering pieces of the past, or do you yearn to teach?

What Can I Do With A History Degree?

There are so many jobs that you can get with a Bachelor of History degree. You can work in academia as a professor, teacher, or aide. You can also find yourself on the research side of things, and come up with new, exciting discoveries that change the way we look at society and culture.

You can even use your history degree as a backdrop for another profession, like Political Science. It’s always good to have a fundamental understanding of the way the world works, and a history degree can give you that insight.

Is A History Degree Easy?

Some people think that getting their degree in history is easy, and others find it difficult. It depends on the person and what they expect out of the coursework.

History is not the same as some of the more technical courses of study because there are no labs, which is why some people think it’s a lot easier. On the other hand, you will need to read ancient texts and give your thoughts on historical events.

To be successful, you will need to be articulate, open-minded, and able to see the bigger picture.

Can You Name Some Of The Jobs You Can Get With A History Degree?

People who have their degrees in history can pursue work as museum curators or archivists, making sure that the information being presented is accurate. You can also pursue work as a teacher or even as a lawyer, mainly if your concentration is Constitutional Law.

Many people with history degrees work as researchers or ghostwriters. They can be interviewed as resident experts, or consulted on projects for which historical accuracy is needed. Many historians lend their services to Hollywood when historical movies are being made.

A Online History Degree can be a great degree to get, and it can give you plenty of options for your future. There’s no reason not to take the plunge today!