06/23/2025
A history degree goes beyond providing students a timeline of past events. It provides a framework for understanding how societies change, how cultures interact, and how historical patterns can inform current decisions. Whether you’re drawn to world civilizations, political movements, or cultural history, pursuing a degree in history may help you develop transferable skills in research, communication, and critical thinking.
With a variety of formats, including online history degree programs and on-campus options, students can choose the learning environment that aligns with their lifestyle and academic preferences. History majors examine major historical events and engage with analytical tools to interpret historical contexts from multiple perspectives.
Types of History Degrees and Program Options
History programs are offered at various academic levels, each designed to support different educational and career goals. The following outlines common degree options and what students can expect from each path.
Associate Degree in History
An associate degree in history introduces students to foundational concepts in historical study, including major events, cultural movements, and critical analysis of primary sources. This two-year program typically includes general education courses alongside history-specific content, helping students build skills in research, writing, and analytical thinking. It can serve as a standalone credential for entry-level roles or as a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor's Degree in History
A bachelor’s degree in history generally spans four years and includes coursework in historical methods, global history, and source analysis. Students gain familiarity with evidence-based argumentation and critical reading. This degree path may support future study or professional development in areas such as education, cultural organizations, or public service.
Graduate History Degree and Certificate Programs
For those seeking deeper specialization, a master’s degree usually focuses on specific regions or time periods such as the Middle East, European history, or world war studies. Graduate students explore historiography and advanced research methods through seminars and independent projects.
Certificate programs offer concentrated study, often in areas like public history, museum studies, or archival work. Many online programs offer flexibility for working professionals or military service members, while hybrid formats include both remote and on-campus learning experiences.
Coursework in a History Degree Program
History courses cover a broad spectrum of topics. General education courses often include political science, philosophy, and sociology, which support a well-rounded liberal arts education. Within the major, survey courses in Western Civilization, world history, and United States history introduce students to key eras and movements.
Specialized courses in areas such as medieval history, the Civil War, and World War II allow students to explore specific events or themes in greater depth. History students learn to work with historical documents and artifacts, building skills in historical analysis, research, and writing.
Advanced history programs may require a capstone project or thesis, where students apply historical methods to conduct original research. These experiences help students develop communication skills and analytical precision, which are applicable in various career paths.
Cultural and Global History Specializations
Many history programs offer opportunities to focus on specific areas of study. Global history tracks explore world civilizations, cross-cultural exchanges, and international systems. These perspectives may inform an understanding of fields such as diplomacy, global education, and nonprofit organizations.
European history concentrations often delve into the European Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and political revolutions. Meanwhile, students interested in cultural history may examine the role of art, literature, and social movements in shaping human experiences.
Other focus areas include ancient history, environmental history, and women’s history, allowing students to study the development of societies through different lenses. Some programs also offer coursework in Asian history, exploring the evolution of civilizations across East, South, and Southeast Asia.
Exploring Typical Career Paths with a History Degree
Graduates with a background in history may pursue work in education, research, communication, or public service. Some enter fields such as teaching, museum work, or historical research. Others apply their training in law, policy analysis, writing, or advocacy.
Research and analytical skills gained through history coursework may support roles in editing, nonprofit management, or archival processing. Outcomes vary based on experience, additional credentials, and individual focus.
Ultimately, the career path a history graduate follows often reflects their personal interests, professional goals, and any additional qualifications they pursue.
Developing Historical Analysis and Critical Thinking Skills
At the core of historical studies is the practice of historical analysis, the process of examining historical data, interpreting evidence, and drawing conclusions based on context. Students develop research skills by working with primary and secondary sources, which strengthens their ability to construct clear, evidence-based arguments.
Whether investigating major historical events like the Civil War or analyzing cultural shifts in the modern world, history students build a foundation for lifelong inquiry. This analytical framework supports career success in both academic and applied settings.
The Flexibility of Online History Degree Programs
Online education has expanded access to accredited history programs. Students can earn a bachelor of arts or master’s degree through an online history degree program while balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. These programs often include asynchronous coursework, allowing students to complete assignments on their own schedules.
Online students benefit from digital libraries, recorded lectures, and virtual discussions with faculty and peers. Some online programs include hybrid components, such as in-person research seminars or fieldwork at local historic sites.
When choosing a program, students should consider their learning preferences and professional goals. Accredited online history degree options may be a practical solution for those seeking flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor.
Experiential Learning Opportunities in History Programs
History students are encouraged to pursue internships and experiential learning opportunities. These include placements at museums, historic sites, and government archives, where students gain hands-on experience with historical documents and preservation practices.
Study abroad programs offer direct engagement with international landmarks and historical collections, deepening students’ understanding of global history. In some programs, students can work as research assistants, contributing to faculty-led projects and building valuable mentorship connections.
Public history initiatives allow students to apply their knowledge through community outreach, digital history exhibits, and preservation efforts, demonstrating how historical knowledge can serve contemporary audiences.
History Degree Programs and Professional Growth
Students may choose to extend their study through graduate education or additional training in specialized areas. Others join academic organizations or contribute to historical publications to remain engaged with current discourse.
An associate degree in history and a bachelor's degree in history each provide valuable preparation in research, communication, and critical thinking—skills that support ongoing academic study and a wide range of professional opportunities. Whether you're starting your educational journey or looking to advance your expertise, these programs offer the depth and flexibility to help you succeed.