Best Online History Bachelor's Degree Programs

What are the Pros and Cons of obtaining an Online History Bachelor's Degree vs On Campus?

Pros of an Online History Bachelor's Degree

Flexibility: One of the most significant advantages of pursuing an online degree is the flexibility it offers. You can manage your studies around your personal and professional commitments, making it an ideal choice for those who need to work or take care of family while studying.
Accessibility: Geographic location is no longer a barrier. Whether you're in a bustling city or a remote rural area, as long as you have internet access, you can pursue your history degree without relocating or commuting.
Cost-effectiveness: Generally, online programs can be less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. You save on commuting, housing, and often, course materials, since many resources are available digitally.
Self-paced learning: Many online programs offer asynchronous courses, allowing you to learn at your own pace. This can be particularly beneficial if you prefer taking your time to digest complex historical content or if you need to accelerate your studies.

Cons of an Online History Bachelor's Degree

Limited networking opportunities: While online forums and group projects can facilitate connections, they may not replicate the depth of relationships formed through in-person interactions with peers and professors on campus.
Less hands-on experience: Certain aspects of a history degree, like archival research or field trips to historical sites, may be less accessible or immersive in an online format.
Self-discipline required: The flexibility of online learning demands a high level of self-motivation and discipline. Without the structure of regular class meetings, it can be easy to procrastinate or fall behind.
Technology reliance: A reliable internet connection and suitable devices are essential for online learning. Technical difficulties can impede access to materials and participation in courses.

Pros of an On-Campus History Bachelor's Degree

Community and networking: Being physically present on campus allows for richer interactions with faculty and fellow students. These networks can provide support during your studies and valuable connections for your future career.
Access to resources: On-campus students typically have direct access to a wealth of resources, including libraries, archives, and special collections, which are crucial for deep historical research.
Structured environment: The regular schedule of on-campus classes provides a structure that can help keep you motivated and focused. It also fosters a sense of routine and discipline beneficial for academic success.
Experiential learning opportunities: Many campuses offer workshops, guest lectures, internships, and field trips that enrich the learning experience and provide practical insights into historical study and its applications.

Cons of an On-Campus History Bachelor's Degree

Higher costs: Beyond tuition, on-campus students may face significant expenses related to housing, meal plans, commuting, and campus fees.
Less flexibility: Fixed class schedules can make it challenging to balance studies with work or personal responsibilities. This can limit the accessibility of higher education for non-traditional students or those with demanding schedules.
Geographic limitations: If the ideal program for your interests is far away, you might have to relocate, which adds to the expense and complexity of obtaining your degree.
Commuting time and costs: For those living off-campus but not too far away, commuting can consume both time and money that could otherwise be spent on studying or other activities.

Online History Bachelor's Degree FAQs

How long does it typically take to complete an online history bachelor's degree?

Standard Duration: Most online history bachelor's degree programs take about 4 years to complete if you are studying full-time.
Part-Time Study: For part-time students, the duration can extend to 6 years or more, depending on the number of courses taken per semester.

Can I specialize in a particular area of history with an online degree?

Yes, many online history bachelor's programs offer concentrations or specializations within the broader field of history. These may include:

American History
European History
World History
Military History
Public History

The availability of specializations varies by program, so it's important to research specific schools to find one that matches your interests.

What are the admission requirements for online history bachelor's degree programs?

Admission requirements can vary from one institution to another but generally include:

A high school diploma or GED
Official high school transcripts
SAT or ACT scores (may be optional at some institutions)
Application essays and letters of recommendation (varies by program)
Some programs may have specific prerequisites or require placement testing

What skills will I gain from an online history bachelor's degree program?

An online history bachelor's degree will help you develop a broad range of skills, including:

Critical thinking and analytical skills
Research and writing skills
Ability to analyze and interpret historical data
Understanding of historical contexts and their impact on the present
Communication skills for presenting historical information

What career options are available with a history bachelor's degree?

Graduates with a history bachelor's degree have a variety of career paths available to them, including:

Education (e.g., teaching at the secondary level with additional certification)
Museum and archival work
Government and public service
Law (with further study)
Journalism and writing
Research roles in various industries

How do online history courses work?

Online history courses are typically delivered through a learning management system (LMS) where you can:

Access course materials such as lectures, readings, and assignments
Participate in discussions via forums or video conferences
Submit assignments and receive feedback from instructors
Take quizzes and exams

Interaction with instructors and fellow students is facilitated through the LMS, email, and sometimes synchronous class meetings.

Are there opportunities for research or internships in online history programs?

Yes, many programs offer opportunities for students to engage in research projects or complete internships as part of their curriculum. These opportunities may include:

Independent research projects under faculty supervision
Virtual internships with museums, historical societies, or other organizations related to the field of history
Participation in online academic conferences or seminars

It's important to inquire about these opportunities when researching programs to ensure they align with your academic and career goals.

Online History Bachelor's Degree Resources

Professional Associations

Industry Publications

Other Resources

JSTOR
- A digital library for scholars, researchers, and students.
Project MUSE
- Offers access to thousands of books and journals in the humanities and social sciences from various university presses and scholarly societies.
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
- Provides access to primary source materials in the fields of history.
Library of Congress Digital Collections
- Offers a wide range of historical documents, photographs, and other resources for research.
Career.Guide
- Provides career guidance, including paths in history and related fields, job outlook, and educational resources.

These resources can serve as a foundation for your studies and professional development in the field of history. Whether you're looking for academic journals, networking opportunities, or career guidance, these links offer a good starting point.

Is an Online History Bachelor's Degree Worth It?

Deciding whether to pursue an online History Bachelor's degree can be a big decision. You're likely weighing the costs, the time commitment, and wondering about the payoff. Let's dive into why an online History Bachelor's degree is not just a piece of paper, but a valuable asset in today's job market.

Flexibility and Accessibility

Study on Your Schedule: Online programs are designed for flexibility. This means you can balance your studies with work, family, or other commitments.
Global Classroom Experience: You'll have the chance to interact with peers from around the world, offering diverse perspectives that enrich your learning experience.

Skill Development

An online History Bachelor's degree isn't just about memorizing dates and facts. It's about honing skills that are highly valued in the workforce:

Critical Thinking: You'll learn to analyze sources, weigh evidence, and craft arguments—skills essential in any career.
Research Excellence: Knowing how to find, evaluate, and synthesize information is crucial in many professions.
Communication: History courses require clear, persuasive writing and thoughtful discussion, both of which are key to success in many fields.

Career Opportunities

With a degree in history, you're not limited to becoming a historian or teacher (though those are great options). The skills you acquire open doors to diverse career paths:

Government and Public Service: Roles in policy analysis, public administration, and cultural preservation.
Business Sector: Opportunities in market research, management, and corporate training.
Media and Writing: Careers in journalism, publishing, and content creation.
Education and Research: Beyond teaching, roles in curriculum development and educational consulting.

Cost-Effectiveness

Lower Tuition Costs: Online programs often come with lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts.
No Commuting or Relocation Costs: Save on transportation and living expenses by studying from anywhere.
Continue Working While Studying: The flexibility of online learning means you can maintain a job and income as you pursue your degree.

Networking and Resources

Virtual Networking Opportunities: Many programs offer virtual internships, alumni networks, and professional associations that can be invaluable as you enter the job market.
Access to Digital Libraries and Resources: Online students typically have extensive access to digital archives, libraries, and other resources critical for historical research.

In conclusion, an online History Bachelor's degree offers much more than knowledge of past events. It equips you with versatile skills, opens diverse career pathways, and provides a flexible learning environment. Whether your interest lies in education, research, business, or beyond, this degree can be a worthwhile investment in your future.

Online History Degree Programs Overview