One of the best bachelor’s in history can prepare you for numerous opportunities, including many varied careers, post-secondary teaching, and further study at the graduate level.
A bachelor’s degree in history can be a smart move for anybody looking for a secure career with great earning potential. Thanks to the well-rounded skills you’ll acquire as a history major, you’ll be poised to take careers in communications, business, marketing, law, and many more.
You’ll gain a broad understanding of history across the world, including the Americas, Europe, Russia, and more. You’ll develop strong critical thinking and research skills, which are highly transferable skills for any career and desirable to any employer.
What Are the Best History Degrees?
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
University of Maryland Global Campus
Previously known as University of Maryland University College, UMGC (University of Maryland Global Campus) has history dating back to 1947. Established to make a college education more attainable for working professionals, there are now more than 170 classroom and service locations available to choose from, and students have a selection of over 90 programs including degrees and certificates.
Comprising 120 credits, this bachelor’s degree is offered as a fully online, on-campus, or hybrid program, which combines both online and in-person instruction. You may transfer in up to 90 credits from a prior institution too. You’ll develop a solid foundation in critical thinking, preparing for your career or graduate study.
This was one of the first schools to offer a bachelor’s degree in history that could be completed online. After nearly two decades of running the program, UMGC are expertly positioned to understand what makes an attractive and well-rounded curriculum. What’s more, the program can be taken as a minor instead.
UMGC charges separate tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. Residents pay around $300 per credit for standard undergraduate programs, while non-residents pay an increased rate of $499. Should you choose to pursue a master’s degree later, these increase to around $480-694 and $659-694 per credit, respectively.
University of Arizona
Home of the Arizona Wildcats, The University of Arizona is a top 40 public university according to U.S. News & World Report. It has also ranked in 11th place for having the best online bachelor’s programs, in addition to other accolades from U.S. News & World Report and Forbes.
On this program, you’ll take courses in a broad spectrum of areas, including military, political, and environmental history. You’ll study texts and images, artifacts, and other items of historical significance, learning how to analyze, dissect, and report on these people, places, and objects, completing solo and group projects.
To enroll in this bachelor’s degree, you must select a second major or a minor. It’s advisable to pair the program with a major or minor that complements history well, including humanities programs, or those in science, law, or business. This will benefit your studies, in addition to potentially improving your competitiveness in the job market. First year students at the University of Arizona will pay around $12,600 in tuition and fees, provided that you are a state resident. Non-residents pay around $36,600 instead. There may also be other special course fees and related fees that aren’t included in these totals; details of these will be on the bursar’s website.
Oregon State University
Based in Corvallis, Oregon, this institution provides access to over 200 programs at the undergraduate level. Around 32,000 students attend annually, which makes Oregon State University the largest higher education university in the state. Students come from all 50 states across the nation, in addition to over 100 countries globally.
Undergraduate history is offered as a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or honors Bachelor of Arts. Your curriculum will look at a wide range of subdisciplines, including the history of western civilization, world history, middle and early modern ages, and the history of the United States.
It’s a four-year degree that can be taken either entirely online or as a traditional, campus-based degree program. Students enrolled in the program will be expected to achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all history classes to complete the degree, with course HST 310 and 407 requiring a ‘C’ or better.
The estimated cost of attendance for undergraduates who are residents of Oregon is around $9,769 per term, which is $29,307 for 3 terms (one academic year). This includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous costs. For non-residents, this rises to around $16,499 for one term, or $49,497 for the year.
Texas State University
Situated in San Marcos, Texas, Texas State University is a public institution that welcomes a student body of around 38,000 learners. Students choose from a catalogue of more than 200 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. TSU is also the only university in the entire state to have graduated a U.S. President.
Comprising 120 credit hours, this Bachelor of Arts in history offers enrolled students a wide selection of courses to tailor their degree. These include Militarism in Latin America, The Colonial History of Brazil, U.S. – Cuban Relations, and Britain and the World, to name but a few. Few students will share an identical curriculum.
The core requirements for this course ensure a broad spectrum of study, with students being expected to complete three hours of English literature, math, science, and computer science. What’s more, you’ll be expected to take a minor, in addition to six hours of modern languages.
The average cost of attendance for a Texas resident is between $22,190 and $27,000, depending on your living arrangements during the academic year. This is inclusive of around $11,860 in tuition and fees. For non-residents, the figures are between $34,850 and $39,660, with $24,520 in tuition and fees.
Sam Houston State University
Founded in 1879, Sam Houston State University is one of the oldest institutions in Texas. The university serves around 21,500 students annually, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. In total, there are more than 90 bachelor’s degree programs, 55 master’s programs, and 10 doctoral degrees to choose from.
Sam Houston State University’s history department is among the most rapidly expanding colleges on the campus. This is largely thanks to the excellent faculty and researchers who work here. Today, the department offers a BA in history via on-campus or online learning, and a BS in history through the traditional route only.
While the BS is reserved for pre-medical students, the BA is open to all prospective students. As part of your program, you will be expected to also study one foreign language and a complementary minor. And for those interested in a career in education, teaching certification can be earned concurrently too.
For undergraduate students taking 12 credit hours per semester, the approximate cost of attendance is around $9,544.00 per semester. This includes tuition and fees of around $4,268.00. Non-residents pay a different rate, with the approximate cost of tuition and fees being $9,332.00, for a total cost of attendance of around $14,608.00.
Fort Hays State University
With an enrollment of around 15,000 students annually, Fort Hays State University is a public institution based in Hays, Kansas. The university was founded in 1902 and has a job placement rate of around 96%. Students benefit from a range of specialist resources and clubs and organizations, which you can read about here.
At Fort Hays State University, students can pursue a BA in history, pair a history minor with another major, or obtain a certificate in public history, comprising 9 hours. There is an additional bachelor of arts degree program that’s paired with teacher education too.
The bachelor’s degree focuses on U.S. history, world history, and the history of certain specialized areas, including the American West, Russia, and Latin America. You will gain a strong grounding in historical research methods throughout the program. If you opt for the minor in history, it’s recommended that you pair these 21 courses with a relevant major in humanities. For residents of the state, tuition and fees come to around $5,449.20. For non-residents, this figure is higher at around $15,895.80. Courses charged at a per-credit rate cost $181.64 for residents and $529.86 for non-residents. For more information and a more accurate estimation of your cost of attendance, you can use the net price calculator.
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Situated in Monroe, Louisiana, the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) was founded in 1931 and has since awarded more than 70,000 academic degrees. More than 9,000 students are enrolled annually, studying degrees that range from accounting and the sciences, to those in education, healthcare, and world languages.
This bachelor’s degree in history is a four-year program, comprising 120 credits that are evenly divided throughout the program. As a history major, you will be expected to select a minor when enrolling in the program; the minor comprises 21 core credit hours, in addition to 9 hours of electives.
Your freshman year will focus on courses that provide a key foundation to history majors, including English composition, mathematics, and natural and physical sciences. You’ll also select a fine arts elective and split your time between your minor. There is a greater focus on history courses as your program progresses. At ULM, undergraduate students who are state residents pay an average cost of attendance of around $19,341 if living with their parents, or between $23,873 – $25,654 in university or off-campus accommodation. More information on tuition and fees for non-residents can be found via the Office of Financial Aid’s website.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University comprises five campuses throughout Phoenix. In terms of its student body, the institution is one of the biggest public universities in the nation. It has also been ranked in the top 10 within the U.S. for the freshman experience, in addition to being number one in the nation for innovation.
Arizona State University offers one of the biggest selections of history related studies at the higher education level. In total, there are 12 undergraduate degrees, 13 certificate programs, and 13 graduate programs to choose from. Collectively, it is, according to their website, one of the biggest undergraduate history programs in the country.
There are personalized transfer paths available into this program, depending on your previous courses of study. Visiting this link can help you to work out the transfer requirements. You also have the option of completing your program online, with multiple start dates available throughout the year. For the most accurate information on tuition and fees, and your overall cost of attendance, you can use the tuition calculator. These figures are largely influenced by your residency, campus, and college, so we haven’t highlighted them here.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota has been around longer than the state of North Dakota itself. Situated on a sprawling 521-acre campus in Grand Forks, the student body is nearly 14,000-strong. Students can participate in more than 250 clubs and organizations, with more than 17 NCAA Division I athletic teams.
This is a traditional, campus-based bachelor’s degree in history, which will take four years to complete. Comprising 120 credits, plus 21 credits minor study, you will cover fields that could prepare you for careers in history, law, business, and teaching, among others. There is also a minor available in history, which can be paired with other majors.
Applications must be received by one of four dates throughout the year, in February and April for fall admission, or in December for spring admission and May for summer admission. You’ll explore broad questions such as where did humanity come from, and who we are today. The average annual in-state cost of attendance for the University of North Dakota is around $23,604. If you check out the university website, you can use the tuition calculator to get a more accurate estimate, in addition to finding information on the types of student aid that could be available to you.
University of Memphis
Each year, over 21,000 students pass through the doors of The University of Memphis, which has been around since 1912. Student athletes are known as Tigers, participating in a range of sports and known across the country for their success. Diversity is important here too, with students and professors coming from around the world to join the community.
The Bachelor of Arts in history at the University of Memphis is offered by the College of Arts and Sciences. While students can study on-campus, you can also choose to complete the degree remotely, online. While you may study at your own pace, the college encourages all students to “finish in four”, completing the course within four years.
If you’re successful in being admitted to the program, it’s worth keeping an eye on this list of courses for upcoming semesters. These can be subject to change, so monitoring the list will ensure that you don’t miss out on opportunities. On the University of Memphis website, you can see tuition and fee information going back several years. Undergraduate residents can expect to pay approximately $342.00 per credit in tuition, or $413.00 including fees. Non-residents will pay around $502.00 per credit, or $573.00 including fees. These estimates don’t include accommodation, board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Nicholls State University
Situated in Thibodaux, LA, Nicholls State University attracts around 6,500 students annually. Founded in 1948, it’s the only university currently accessible to those in the Bayou Region, and it has been since it first opened. Over 100 degree programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
This Bachelor of Arts in history is available from a school that has been named one of the most affordable online colleges and best value schools in the nation. Taught by the Department of History and Geography, the curriculum has been designed for those who want to find out more about American, Asian, and European history.
This flexible program can lead to graduate studies, teacher licensure, and numerous career paths. You’ll be geared to think critically, communicate effectively in writing, and identify issues that impact on our world today.
Mandatory tuition fees at Nicholls State University come in at around $1,045.58 per credit hour for undergraduate students who are state residents. At the graduate level, this doesn’t rise a great deal, with credits costing $1,124.93. What’s more, there’s no additional charge for non-residents, with out-of-state students paying the same rates.
West Texas A&M University
West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) was founded in late 1910 and is located in Canyon, Texas. All incoming freshmen benefit from an orientation program run by The Office of First Year Experience, which provides excellent academic and personal support. With two schools and six colleges, there’s a huge selection of degree programs to choose from.
This bachelor’s degree in history, available as a BA or BS, comprises around 120 credit hours. It covers the usual courses you’d expect from a history degree, including Western civilization, modern East Asia, and historical research methods for example. Additional courses branch into Greco-Roman history and the Byzantium era.
You may be able to transfer credits toward the completion of your degree, including those from a university or community college within the state. You can view the full list of transfer requirements on this page, where you’ll also find more information on the core curriculum for the degree.
At WTAMU, tuition costs follow statutory rates that are detailed in the state legislature. So, residents pay around $50 per semester credit hour, and non-residents pay around $80. However, non-residents that hold lower than a 2.0 GPA will pay $465.00 per credit hour. Additionally, the one exception is international students, who will also pay $465.00 per credit hour.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) provides access to more than 200 programs, ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees. Campus is home to over 3,000 students, but where SNHU really shines is in its online program offerings; more than 135,000 students complete their programs online, in areas such as business, education, STEM, and the liberal arts.
This BA in history at SNHU provides a broad foundation in areas such as western civilization and U.S. history. You’ll be supported by an advisor, who will aid you in designing your own curriculum that brings together coursework from throughout the university.
Thanks to this unique customization, you can tailor your studies toward a specific subdiscipline. For example, you might choose political, intellectual, economic, or religious topics. By structuring your studies in this way, you can best prepare for the career that you’re pursuing after graduation. Tuition rates at SNHU have been frozen since 2012, making the cost of attendance highly competitive and affordable. For online undergraduate programs, you’ll pay around $320 per credit hour regardless of your residency. This reflects a cost of around $9,600 annually for 30 credits.
University of Illinois at Springfield
The University of Illinois at Springfield is one of only three institutions making up the University of Illinois System. With a total enrollment of around 5,000 students, the university was founded in 1969 and has since managed to rack up a number of impressive accolades. U.S. News & World Report has named UIS as one of the top 15 public regional universities in the Midwest for more than a decade.
History is offered as a degree at both the bachelor’s and master’s level. Programs can be taken on-campus or online, with undergraduates being able to choose this subject as a major or minor. Concentrations include European and world history, American history, and public history.
The Department of History encourages cross-cultural studies, comparing how world civilizations differ. As part of these programs, you’ll combine classroom study and independent study with internships at facilities throughout the nation. These include archives, libraries, and other historical sites of significance. Assuming that you study on-campus rather than online, you’ll pay tuition of around $289.00 as a resident of Illinois studying an undergraduate program. As a non-resident, this rises to $604.25.
Westfield State University
Westfield State University was founded in 1838 as a public university. Located in Westfield, Massachusetts, the campus is situated on 256 acres of university grounds, with a total enrollment exceeding 6,000. Speaking of campus, it comprises 24 buildings in total, with 10 modern, purpose-built residence halls.
To successfully graduate from this degree program, you’ll need to earn a minimum of 21 credits in history from Westfield State University. You’ll take 25 credits in required major core courses, 18 credits in history electives, and 43 requirements as part of the history major.
What’s more, students have the opportunity to join the History Club, which is run by students too. The intent behind this club is to afford the wider university community with the chance to both view and gather historical information, and to share the learnings, publications, and presentations of the history cohort. Undergraduate tuition costs just $970 annually for residents, though for out-of-state students, this rises significantly to $7,050—though it’s still a highly affordable rate for non-residents. What’s more, students aged 60 or older enjoy completely free tuition.
Liberty University
Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University was founded in 1971 as a private evangelical Christian institution. The campus comprises 15 different schools and colleges, with more than 700 programs of study available to choose from. To date, more than a quarter of a million alumni exist, and students are supported by more than 2,500 professors.
At Liberty University, you can choose from a BA or BS in history. You’ll gain critical and contextual thinking skills, developing the skills and knowledge needed in areas like U.S., world, and European history to work in a range of fields. There are minor differences between each of these two programs.
The BA in history includes study of ancient languages, with some students studying Hebrew for example. Alternatively, you can opt to study a more modern language instead. With a second language under your belt, you’ll be better prepared for graduate studies and potentially more competitive in the job market.
Liberty University regularly freezes tuition costs, and currently, undergraduate students pay around $23,800 in tuition annually. Part-time programs attract a per-credit tuition rate of around $815. The exception is for online programs, where tuition is charged at $390 for full-time programs and $455 for part-time programs.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Established in 1884 on the site of a historical property, Northwestern State University is conveniently located close to a bustling urban environment. It’s also one of the oldest sites of higher education in the state. Students enjoy access to more than 100 student organizations, in addition to a range of guest lectures and performances.
Northwestern State University provides a Bachelor of Arts in history, with students having the choice of traditional or online-only distance learning formats. The curriculum focuses largely on European and United States history, with an emphasis on American history from the colonial era to the modern era.
There are other courses available too, for those who want to broaden their range of study. NSU is also home to one of the oldest chapters of Phi Alpha in the nation. Admissions require you to have a minimum GPA of 2.5, in addition to the usual letters of recommendation, transcripts, and resume.
The average in-state undergraduate cost of tuition is around $23,867. However, programs are charged on a per-credit basis, with state residents paying around $4,374 including fees and out-of-state students paying around $9,768 once fees are applied. Housing costs between $2,702-$3,946, and meal plans range from $200-$1,985.
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Part of the University of Nebraska System, The University of Nebraska at Kearney was founded in 1905. The campus comprises three colleges, with students having a choice of 170 majors. The campus is continually improving too, with the recent addition of a state-of-the-art facility for medical and health education.
UNK’s Department of History covers a wide curriculum of past events, notable people, and other events of historical significance within the U.S. and worldwide. As an enrolled student, you will understand contemporary civilizations from a perspective of their varied histories, and how these relate to other areas of the world.
This program is taught by an award-winning faculty, with undergraduates being supported well, while having access to research projects in which they can participate. You’ll also benefit from small class sizes, while also having networking opportunities and access to academic advising. As far as institutions within the Nebraska system go, UNK is the most affordable of them all. According to their website, 80% of freshmen were awarded nearly $10,000 in scholarships and grants in 2019. In-state students pay around $6,270 in tuition, while non-residents pay around $13,650, with $1,669.50 in applicable fees for both student groups.
Granite State College
Granite State College is a fully online higher education institution. Since 1972, the college has offered evening and weekend classes, progressing to online degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. They’re one of the best-known online degree providers in New Hampshire, and they have recently been ranked among the best online degree program providers in the nation.
This program is designed to aid entry into a broad range of careers in business, library and museum management, communications, social work, government roles, and more. Previous graduates have found work as a business analyst, broadcaster, consultant, foreign service officer, and more, for example. Alternatively, it can lead into graduate studies in history, humanities, or law.
Admissions take place throughout the year, with students able to start during any term of their choosing. You’ll need to hold a high school diploma or equivalent, with a transfer pathway also available for those who currently hold an associate degree. Undergraduate students who are state residents pay around $314 per credit in tuition, while non-resident tuition isn’t much higher at $365. Various fees are also applicable, including a $45 academic services fee, $40 registration fee, and others that are listed on the school’s website.
Arkansas Tech University
Based in Russellville, Arkansas Tech University is a public university offering degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Founded in 1909, the university’s campuses are spread across different locations throughout the Arkansas River Valley. Class sizes are small, with a student to faculty ratio of 18:1, and some programs have been ranked number one in their field.
This bachelor’s degree program can be pursued as a traditional, on-campus program, based at the Russellville Campus, or as a fully online program of study. A hybrid option is also available. You’ll study under the College of Arts and Humanities, taking both history coursework and courses in interdisciplinary studies, such as political science, economics, and communication.
To help prepare you for life after graduation, you will also have opportunities to gain hands-on experience. You’ll have the chance to participate in an internship, submit research activities to scholarly publications, and present professionally at various conferences and events. You’ll also have access to the National Social Science Association, among others. At Arkansas Tech, undergraduate students who are state residents pay around $232.00 per credit hour, plus fees of $87.50. For non-residents, the same fees apply, but the tuition rate rises to $464.00. For more information on fees and room and board, you can check out this page on the university’s website.
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (or UMass Dartmouth) has a total enrollment of around 8,500, representing 47 states across the nation and more than 50 countries worldwide. More than 90 undergraduate programs are available, with a further 34 master’s degree and 16 doctoral programs to choose from.
As a student enrolled in this program, you’ll have the opportunity to research and study a variety of worldwide civilizations, including European, United States, Russian, Latin American, and Asian history, among others. You’ll be imparted the necessary research and analytical skills to conduct your own research studies.
If you’ve an interest in teaching after graduation, then you could benefit from the UMassD teacher preparation program, which can be paired with the history degree program. In your final year, you’ll take certain graduate-level courses, which will help you to pass the MTELs prior to starting teaching.
Residents of MA studying toward an undergraduate degree can expect to pay annual tuition and fees of around $14,408. For out-of-state students, this figure rises to around $30,153, with international students paying an additional $500 approximately. New England residents are the exception, with a special rate tuition of around $19,556.
University of North Alabama
Established in 1830, the University of North Alabama is the oldest four-year public university in the state. Campus is situated in Florence, Alabama, within 130-acres of natural beauty. Enrollment totals more than 8,000 students, with around a third of them receiving some form of scholarship from the university.
The University of North Alabama offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in history. Each program comprises 120 credit hours, with each also having a requirement that enrolled students complete the required exit exam, the PRAVIX II.
Each program will require you to complete a general education component, while the BA in history requires that you complete a foreign language course at an introductory level. The remainder of each curriculum covers a broad spectrum of areas, including world civilization, United States history, and other subjects. Each also culminates in a senior thesis.
Typical undergraduate tuition for a state resident comes in at around $4,800 for 12-18 credit hours per semester. For any less than this, it’s charged on a per-credit basis at around $320. Out-of-state students pay around $9,600 as a flat rate per semester, with the per-credit charge being $640.
Norfolk State University
A public university in Norfolk, Virginia, Norfolk State University was founded in 1935 and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Degree programs are offered at every level, with almost 50 different programs available across the university’s five academic schools and colleges.
Norfolk State University offers five distinct curriculums in history, with an additional three in interdisciplinary studies. Students enrolled in a different major can also choose to complement it with a minor in history. The bachelor’s degree program comprises 120 credit hours, with courses in history, political science, and geography.
You’ll enjoy small class sizes, with around 20 students in each class. And for working professionals, there are options to study in the afternoons and evenings, or to study fully online. By the end of the program, you’ll be shaped into a critical thinker and problem solver, understanding how to draw your own conclusions and communicate your findings with confidence. For full-time undergraduate students taking between 12-18 credit hours per semester, the cost of tuition and fees is around $4,811 for state residents. For non-residents, this rises to around $10,775. A full breakdown of tuition and fees, plus information for graduate tuition, can be found in this table.
National University
National University is headquartered in La Jolla, California. Programs are taught at locations throughout the state, with many programs also available online. In total, students can choose from more than 75 options, with additional four-week courses designed to help tailor your plan to your career aspirations.
This Bachelor of Arts in history has already produced 175,000 alumni, working in positions globally. Classes last for four weeks, with students able to choose a campus-based or fully online program. And this program is all offered by a university that was ranked number one in San Diego among private, nonprofit universities.
In this program, you’ll learn how to analyze a range of primary resources and secondary resources, building arguments and finding supportive evidence. You’ll discuss current and new theories in history, conducting your own research. It’s worth checking whether you are eligible for the Opportunity Scholarship, as the university is investing $30 million in new scholarships. Undergraduate tuition at National University is charged on a per-credit basis, with the cost per-quarter unit being $370. This makes each 4.5 quarter unit course around $1,665.00.
Regent University
Located in Virginia Beach, Regent University is a private Christian institution that has origins dating back to 1977. Today, more than 135 areas of study are available, and the university was recently named as a Top 5% Most Affordable Private Christian University, Number 1 Best College in Virginia, and Best Online Bachelor’s Degree in VA by various sources.
With this BA in history & social science – secondary education, you’ll be prepared for a broad range of career choices, including secondary school teaching, social work, and many more. This program will prepare you for the necessary licensure for teaching grades 6-12.
You’ll cover subjects including civics, economy, history, government, and psychology. What’s more, each course curriculum has the Christian faith woven throughout, all taught by an expert faculty. Comprising 127 credit hours in total, it’s a traditional, campus-based degree program, which starts in January each year.
As an undergraduate at Regent University, you’ll pay tuition in blocks per-semester. This comes in at around $8,610 for students taking between 12 and 18 credit hours. Alternatively, students enrolled in an online program pay by the credit hour, with a single unit costing around $450.
Eastern Oregon University
Offering both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, Eastern Oregon University is a public university located in La Grande. Class sizes are small, with a student to faculty ratio of 17:1. Nearly 3,000 students enroll annually, participating in more than 50 student organizations and choosing from 37 degree programs.
Students have access to both a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in history at Oregon State University. Your courses include topics like the U.S. Civil War, environmental history, and U.S. women’s history. However, you’ll also cover more unique courses that include witches, saints and sinners, and violence in America.
If you’re enrolling in a subject that’s related to history—or certain other subjects including archaeology and geography—then you may be eligible for the Oregon Heritage Fellowship. If you’re successful, you could receive a $2,000 fellowship to help with tuition. You’ll be expected to present your research activities at an annual conference. Undergraduate residents pay around $520 per credit hour in tuition and fees, while non-residents pay around $802.00.
Bellevue University
Founded in 1966, Bellevue university has always put adult education at the forefront of its philosophy. In a recent census of the student body, around 80% of students were 25 or older. The institution frequently receives mentions in rankings of the country’s top military-friendly universities.
As a prospective student, you can enroll in the traditional, four-year history program, or you can opt for the streamlined 10-course major. You’ll boost your proficiencies in communication skills and critical thinking, while learning how to research and summarize data and defend your own research conclusions.
Another option is to pair your history degree with the Secondary Teacher Education Program. In this program, you’ll study the professional education core module, while gaining experience as a student teacher. When you graduate, in addition to your history degree, you’ll hold a secondary-level teacher certification.
Undergraduate on-campus tuition at Bellevue University is split into traditional daytime programs and cohort programs; tuition for the former program type is around $299 per credit hour, while the latter is charged at $425. Online distance learners pay the $425 rate for fully online programs. And active-duty military students could receive a discounted rate of $250.
Columbia College
One of Columbia College’s most recognizable features is its singular Core Curriculum, which is one of the longest-standing and most well-known Core programs in the United States. Established in 1919, it comprises numerous small seminars that cover key concepts in areas such as literature, history, science, and more.
This Bachelor of Arts in history is offered at numerous locations, in addition to via online distance learning. You can check out the full list of locations here. Bear in mind that for some locations, you can only enroll in a hybrid program, which combines online and on-campus learning.
Columbia College focuses on developing graduates who excel in areas that will make them invaluable to the workforce of the future. This means upskilling students in memory, research, and empathy skills. Courses included in this curriculum include American history, Latin American history, Middle Eastern history, and more.
Undergraduates choosing online study will pay around $375 per credit hour, taking online and evening classes. There is a further discount for military students, with rates dropping to $250. Traditional campus tuition comes in at around $12,160 annually, with a beneficial five-year fixed rate offered to incoming students.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Southwestern Assemblies of God University, a private Christian institution, is endorsed by the Assemblies of God. In fact, it’s the only university of its kind in the entire nation to have been officially endorsed by this organization. Facilities include a chapel, student devotional, and a broad range of student organizations.
This degree program’s curriculum covers areas that include economic history, medieval history, and civilizations across the world. You’ll explore and contrast various societies and world views, interpreting the differences and ideas between them and reporting on common ideas and facts. You’ll also explore American and other governments, studying the impact of political decisions and actions.
Class sizes remain small, meaning you’ll benefit from individualized faculty support. What’s more, everything that goes on at this institution is Christ-centric, with the curriculums integrating the Christian perspective into learnings and teachings. As a graduate from this degree, you will be prepared to conduct advanced research at the master’s level. Undergraduates studying on-campus will pay tuition of around $10,458 annually, with room and board varying between $1,415-$2,215 depending on accommodation choices. For undergraduates studying online, tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, costing around $499.
King University
King University was founded in 1867 as King College. Offering academic programs in areas such as nursing, media and design, and security and intelligence, it is a Presbyterian-affiliated Christian institution. Undergraduate students benefit from numerous opportunities to participate in real-world research studies, and many programs are also offered online via distance learning.
While the standard curriculum on this program comprises 36 semester hours of coursework, you’ll also have the opportunity to opt for the integrative track. This program enables you to select a second major in a relevant area, such as English, a modern language, or fine arts.
You’ll find the community in the history department to be welcoming to all students. The History and Political Science Society routinely schedule student events, including twice-yearly picnics. There have also been opportunities for travel, with students traveling as far afield as Prague and London. Tuition and fees at King University are divided into two categories; traditional undergraduate studies and adult and graduate studies. A traditional undergraduate will pay tuition of around $30,106 and fees of around $1,734, for a total cost of attendance of around $41,226 (this drops to approximately $31,840 for those commuting to campus). You should definitely check out The Commitment Scholarship, which could cover your full tuition for up to four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you study history, you examine how history has been recorded in time through research and writing. It’s more than memorizing key dates and events. While earning a history degree, you learn how to analyze cause and effect. You also learn how to interpret the past through your own lens, and that of others.
Do you enjoy reading? Because history majors read hundreds of pages each week, sometimes per class. Students must also retain information from their readings for class discussion and exams. If you love to read and take notes, a history degree won’t be a breeze, but it also won’t be as difficult as other majors.
Historians are relevant in today’s job market. History majors work as diplomats, lawyers, museum curators, and political advisors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a projected 3% growth in jobs each year for the next decade.
The median annual wage for historians, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $64,540/year. The highest 10% make over $123,000/year. Historians working in federal government jobs can expect to earn an average salary of $104,670/year.
Political scientists often get undergraduate degrees in history. They also make six figures! The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average wage for this occupation is $128,020/year. But the highest 10% make over $176,000/year. Most political scientists hold graduate degrees in political science, public administration, or history.
It depends. The BS option in Arts and Sciences allows students to take their passion for history and combine it with studies in math and science. But the BA option lets students combine their history interest with foreign language study. It’s best to get the degree that suits your interests and career goals.
History majors can choose from different jobs in various industries. Whether you want to consult, educate, research, or write, you’ll have plenty of options with a history degree. Here’s a list to draw inspiration from:
• Business consultant
• Historian
• History professor
• Lawyer
• Librarian
• Museum archivist
• Political analyst
• Researcher
• Writer
Four years. That’s the average. Most students complete a bachelor’s degree in history in four years if enrolled full-time. Part-time students and working professionals can take longer if their program allows. An undergraduate history degree usually consists of 120 total credits and students take between 12 and 15 credits per semester to graduate in four years.
By the time graduation day nears, you’ll have read thousands of pages of text and written hundreds of your own. Write, write, and write some more! That’s the life of a history major. You’ll have strong research and writing abilities when you leave college, and even better editing skills.
The average in-state history student attending a four-year, public university spends $10,092/year. Out-of-state students pay an average tuition of $31,894/year. Students at private schools pay an average of $55,840/year. These numbers include room and board, but not books, supplies, and daily living expenses.
Related: