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BA History graduate, Sarah Papamichael, working on her laptop in a library. With the text Sarah Papamichael '12 '15G

Online History Degree Bachelor of Arts (BA)

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Register By: January 06 Classes Start: January 08

Earn Your Online History Degree

  • $330/credit (120 total credits)
  • Transfer up to 90 credits
  • No application fee or SAT/ACT scores
  • Valuable research skills
  • Flexible curriculum
  • 24/7 online access to the classroom

Online History Degree Program Overview

The events and ideas of the past are the foundation on which society is built – and earning your online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History is the key to understanding the world and preparing for your future.

SNHU's program is built on a comprehensive education with a focus on the connections between ancient civilizations and modern societies. You may have the option to customize your own course of study, incorporating coursework covering a wide span of human history. Because our program offers the flexibility to adapt to your interests, you also could organize your degree around a specific historical theme such as religion, African-American history or politics. A final capstone research seminar allows you to bring together all that you've learned.

You'll also have internship and experiential learning opportunities, giving you the chance to develop real-world knowledge and prepare for the job market.

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What You'll Learn

  • Demonstrate knowledge of human societies
  • Use critical-thinking skills
  • Communicate clearly
  • Develop research skills
  • Analyze viewpoints with an open-minded perspective

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How You'll Learn

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

Concentration Options

As a history major, you have the option to pursue one of four concentrations: American history, European history, Middle Eastern history and military history. Choosing a concentration allows you to take the fundamental historical tools all history students learn and apply them to different historical subjects. You can also decide to select your own concentration courses from a wide range of historical periods.

Career Outlook

The BA in History from SNHU is an excellent stepping stone to graduate studies in education, history, law and related fields. It can prepare you for a wide variety of career options where research, analysis and communication skills are valued.

Elizabeth Gitschier wearing a cap and gown with the text Elizabeth Gitschier

The SNHU Career team also can help you consider your internship and career options.

"My breakthrough moment was when SNHU Career Services told me to go for an internship. Within about 2 weeks, I was volunteering and getting ready to give tours," said John Roos '18, referring to how he got his foot in the door in the field before landing his dream job as a park service ranger in Utah.

For Elizabeth Gitschier ’19, an internship with the Northborough (Mass.) Historical Society opened her eyes to new possibilities. "When I started my degree I was not confident about what my interests were after graduation," Gitschier said. "Now, since I was able to get my feet wet, I have an idea of the careers I would like to get into." Her ultimate goal is to earn her master’s degree and become an archeologist.

Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources. They also may process, catalog, and archive documents and artifacts.



Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts study consumer preference, business conditions and other factors to assess potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them and at what price.

Communications Specialist

Communication specialists create and maintain a positive public image for the individuals, groups or organizations they represent. They craft media releases and develop social media programs to shape public perception of their clients and to increase awareness of each client’s work and goals.

Editor

Editors plan, coordinate and revise material for publication in books, newspapers, periodicals or websites. They also review story ideas and decide what material will appeal most to readers.

Journalist

Journalists keep the public updated about current events and noteworthy information. They report international, national and local news for newspapers, magazines, websites, television and radio.

Lobbyist

Lobbyists present the interests of businesses or groups of people to legislators. They research their organization's agenda and then communicate the results of that research to influence legislators’ support of or opposition to pending legislation.

Many people who graduate with a BA in History go on to earn their master's in history online or on campus. In fact, according to the American Community Survey, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly half of history majors continue on to graduate school.2

Job Growth and Salary

Depending on the path you're interested in taking with your history degree, projections for job growth and salary vary.

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Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for market research analysts is expected to grow 19% through 2031, while the need for historians (a role which typically requires a master's degree) is expected to grow 4%.1

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Salary

In 2021, market research analysts and historians earned median annual salaries of $63,920 and $63,940, respectively.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online History Degree

A headshot of John Roos looking to the left and wearing a park ranger uniform.

Turn Your Dreams Into Reality

John Roos ’18

"I've been able to use my degree in history on a daily basis with the National Park Service, whether it's talking about the Civil War, or talking about an 800-year-old ancient structure or even just talking about boating safety here at my current park. That flat hat, that badge, it's everything that I wanted."

Courses & Curriculum

 

Pursuing SNHU's online history degree means you'll receive a broad foundation in U.S. history and western civilization. Courses are taught by instructors with professional credentials and a passion for history.

Dr. Steven Shirley with text Dr. Steven Shirley"I try to make the courses real for the students. It has to be real for them to care," said Dr. Steven Shirley, world history and civilizations instructor at SNHU. "We talk about globalization in the abstract all day long, but I like to talk to them about how it really is affecting their lives – for example, outsourcing to India – to appreciate what we are covering. If we just took out a textbook and there is no real connection to daily life, it has no impact and doesn't matter."

Throughout the bachelor's in history program, you'll develop the soft skills that today's employers are searching for. Qualities like communication, teamwork, adaptability and conflict resolution are in demand in the workforce – and they're skills you'll study as you see how they've been handled over hundreds and thousands of years.

Because our BA in History program has 36 credits of free electives, you have options. It's a benefit that's especially attractive to transfer students, who may need the space for previously earned credits. Or, you could use this elective space to broaden your experience with courses from related fields, like sociology, political science or psychology. You could also add a minor in areas like Art History, Graphic Design, Professional Writing or many more.

Our online history degree culminates in a capstone course, which allows you to develop your own research project.

Curriculum Requirements & Resources

General Education

All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.

Technology Resources

We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.

Earn Math Credits

Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.

University Accreditation

New England Commission of Higher Education Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

Tuition & Fees

As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Online Undergraduate Programs Per Course Per Credit Hour Annual Cost for 30 credits 
Degree/Certificates $990 $330 $9,900
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* $693 $231 $6,930

Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs No Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions

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