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Online History Degree Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Program Overview Why get a history degree?
When you immerse yourself in history – learning about the past and how it can influence the future – you'll better understand how societies function, helping you become a capable leader and creative problem solver others can rely on.
If you love history and want a degree that can apply to a variety of careers or prepare you to continue on to a master's program, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History from Southern New Hampshire University can be a great choice.
Skills you'll learn:
- Knowledge of human societies
- Ability to think critically
- Communication techniques
- Research skills
- How to analyze different viewpoints
- An open-minded perspective
Courses & Curriculum Online history classes that prepare you for the future
Throughout the bachelor's in history program, you'll develop the enduring skills that today's employers are searching for. Qualities like communication, teamwork, adaptability and conflict resolution are in demand in the workforce – and you'll study firsthand how they've impacted societies over thousands of years. Plus, with 36 credits of free electives, you can choose courses from related fields – like sociology, political science or psychology – to broaden your experience. You'll finish out the program with a capstone course in which you'll develop your own research project.
Online history concentrations
Choosing a concentration allows you to take the fundamental historical tools all history students learn and apply them to the specific area that most interests you.
American History
Study the evolution of the United States in the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History with a concentration in American History at Southern New Hampshire University. From the struggles for freedom during the American Revolution to the rise of the United States as a world leader in the 20th century, tracing the expansion and growth of the United States provides a compelling perspective on how our nation now fits into the dynamic global environment.
Courses in the program have been arranged both chronologically and thematically, covering topics such as African-American and environmental history.
Throughout your online history degree program, you'll assess the significance of historical periods and themes through an analysis of key events and figures and their connections to historical contexts. You'll also take courses in historical methods, culminating in a senior colloquium and research project.
Career outlook:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with a bachelor's degree in history may qualify for entry-level historian positions at museums, historical associations or other similar organizations.
However, most bachelor's degree holders usually apply their wide-ranging skillsets to work outside of traditional history jobs, finding positions in business, communications, education, journalism, law or publishing.1
Courses may include:
- American Environmental History
- Civil War and Reconstruction
- Colonial New England
- United States History Since 1945
European History
Gain an in-depth knowledge of Europe's past with an online Bachelor of Arts in History (BA) with a concentration in European History. From ancient Greece and Rome to Europe's involvement in World War I and World War II, the European history degree online explores the multifaceted changes during the continent's long history. You'll examine history through the prism of religion, politics, warfare and the arts.
In this concentration, you'll come away with a strong knowledge of 20th-century European history, providing you with the ability to understand events both chronologically and thematically. In addition, you'll take courses in historical methods and complete your program with a research project.
Career outlook:
Those with a bachelor's degree in history may qualify for entry-level historian positions at museums, historical associations or other similar organizations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Roles that history majors are attracted to include communications specialist, editor, journalist or researcher.1
Courses may include:
- The Ancient World of Greece and Rome
- European Conquest of the New World
- Modern European History: 1890 – Present
- World War I and World War II
Middle Eastern History
From the rise of Islam through the Middle East's involvement in a range of regional and international conflicts, this region has long been the subject of attention on the world stage. The online Bachelor of Arts in History (BA) with a concentration in Middle Eastern Studies at Southern New Hampshire University explores the religious, political and economic realities of this region throughout history. You'll also examine the Arab-Israeli conflict that emerged after World War II and continues to this day.
Learn how to frame, develop and present ideas and arguments that help you convince, persuade and educate. You can also use your Middle Eastern History course of studies to support your ideas and opinions with sophisticated research skills that employ proven techniques for pinpointing, analyzing and organizing information.
Career outlook:
Graduates of history programs may qualify for entry-level historian positions at museums, historical associations or other similar organizations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Outside of history jobs, graduates often look at careers1 like:
- Communication specialist
- Editor
- Journalist
- Researcher
Courses may include:
- History of the Middle East I & II
- Arab-Israeli Conflict
Military History
Examine how warfare has influenced the development of civilization and culture through our online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History with a concentration in Military History degree program.
Learn how warfare evolved through history by studying:
- The Civil War and its Reconstruction period
- The industrial era of World War I
- Military advances during World War II
- America's rise as a global power and the Cold War
- The impact modern warfare has had on non-Western societies
The online military history degree explores events leading up to each of these wars, as well as the social, economic and political aspects of their aftermath.
In this concentration, you'll acquire a valuable understanding of military history by reading, evaluating and discussing events that have significantly influenced society.
If you're in the military, a military history degree can help prepare you for career paths within the armed forces. Nearly 60% of the students in our military history program are military affiliated. Since frequent moves and deployments can be difficult for service members pursuing higher education, Southern New Hampshire University's flexible programs are the ideal option for many students.
The Bachelor of Arts in History degree structure provides the flexibility that service members and veterans may need to finish the degree they started elsewhere. With regular access to the internet, you're able to continue your education, even if you're thousands of miles away from a classroom.
What's more, active-duty military service members and their spouses receive significant discounts from Southern New Hampshire University, along with the dedicated support of advisors with military experience.
Career outlook:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that history majors are often qualified for positions at local museums, historical societies, government agencies, nonprofits and other organizations. They may specialize their skill set to work in a field like collections, fundraising or exhibit design.1
Courses may include:
- Civil War and Reconstruction
- Modern War & Society
- World War I, World War II
- United States History Since 1945
Online History Courses
SNHU's online history courses are designed to provide a broad foundation in U.S. history and western civilization. Courses are taught by instructors with professional credentials and a passion for history.
Courses may include:
United States History I: 1607-1865
Course ID:
HIS 113
The first half of the United States history survey courses covers the period from the founding of Jamestown to the end of the Civil War. The development of regionalism and its effect on the coming of the Civil War provides the framework for the investigation. Required for majors in history and social studies education with a concentration in history.
United States History II: 1865-Present
Course ID:
HIS 114
The second half of the United States history survey course covers the period following the Civil War. The economic, political and ideological developments that allowed the United States to attain a position of the world leadership are closely examined. Required for majors in History and Social Studies Education with a concentration in History.
World Civilizations: Prehistory-1500
Course ID:
HIS 117
An introductory survey of the world's major civilizations from prehistory to 1500. Key societies will be examined from political, socio-economic, and cultural-intellectual perspectives.
World Civilizations: 1500 - Present
Course ID:
HIS 118
An introductory survey of major civilizations from 1500 to the present, with particular emphasis on interactions and conflicts between Western and non-Western parts of the world. Key societies will be examined from political, socio-economic, and cultural-intellectual perspectives.
Modern European History: 1890-Present
Course ID:
HIS 220
This course investigates the trajectory of European hegemony in the 20th century. Special attention is devoted to the effects of the two major conflicts that were fought on European soil.
War and Society: Antiquity to 1800
Course ID:
HIS 222
A survey of warfare during the ancient, medieval, and early modern eras. Particular attention will be devoted to the evolution of military technology and the various ways that Western and non-Western societies adopted gunpowder weaponry.
Civil Rights Movement
Course ID:
HIS 254
Beginning with the rise of Jim Crow laws in post-Civil War America, this course examines the efforts of Americans, particularly black Americans, to uproot the race-based segregation and exclusion that defined American society. In particular, it will examine the efforts of the post-World War II generation of black Americans to upend segregation with all manner of efforts, from non-violent resistance to the threat of open violence to the advocacy of a new kind of Black Nationalism
Silk Roads and Samurai
Course ID:
HIS 259
An overview of the societies and cultures of China and Japan (and to a lesser extent, Korea) before 1600 C.E. through primary and secondary sources. Because East Asia developed in relative isolation from the West one goal of this course is to point out and study distinctive aspects of "East Asian civilization." A second goal is the study of the relationship between the evolution of China and Japan. Since China has the oldest identifiable civilization in the region, we will spend somewhat more time on Chinese history.
American Environmental History
Course ID:
HIS 270
The course examines the history of the American environment, paying particular attention to the impact of European settlement on the landscape and the subsequent commodification of resources that defined the American experience in the modern age. it will pay close attention to such phenomena as industrialization, pollution, population trends, urbanization, chemically-dependent food production, and energy consumption, to name only a few. Particularly important, the course will delve into the process of political responses to environmental and ecological challenges as they have evolved over time.
Making History
Course ID:
HIS 340
This course is founded upon a fundamental yet complex question; what is history? The course investigates this question by examining the various kinds of history; witnessing the myriad ways of communicating historical stories and arguments ranging from the scholarly monograph to the town square statue to the museum exhibit; and learning how historians of all types actually make history through close, rational analysis of historical sources. In the process students will learn that history is an ever-evolving craft, central to the life of every society.
History Research Seminar (Capstone)
Course ID:
HIS 460
This capstone course requires each student to design and craft their own written research project. In close consultation with the instructor, each student will select a topic, discover relevant primary and secondary sources, evaluate and analyze those sources, and develop an argument-based paper as a result of that process.
Visit the course catalog to view the full BA in History curriculum.
The Commons: SNHU's gen ed program
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.
Courses may include:
Cultural Awareness and Online Learning
Course ID:
IDS 105
This course introduces students to the skills relevant to university learning, and the foundational knowledge and values of intercultural fluency needed to understand and effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary society. Students will examine the various factors that influence an individual's perception of justice and the impacts that cultural and social diversity have on collaboration and communication processes. Through the application of interpersonal communication strategies, students will also learn to navigate various interpersonal conflict situations.
Self, Society, and the Humanities
Course ID:
HUM 102
In this course, students explore the interaction between individuals and society as a framework for understanding cultural inquiry. Through the examination of the scientific, creative, cultural, and historical humanities, students develop a practice of reflexivity to describe conceptions of self, others, and systems and their interconnectedness.
Foundations of Written Communication
Course ID:
ENG 130
This course focuses on written communication and writing practice. Students will gain the critical reading and information literacy related skills vital to academic and workplace success. Students will explore methods to analyze, summarize, and evaluate written works to isolate key ideas and information. Students will examine how to adapt the writing process to a variety of writing situations and present their own perspectives in written form.
Mathematical Reasoning for Modern Problem-Solving
Course ID:
MAT 126
In this course, students learn about the use of mathematical reasoning and the practical application of quantitative techniques to inform their decision-making process. Students will develop the skills to critically examine elements of a problem they might face in their day-to-day personal and professional lives, solve for various outcomes using quantitative techniques, and make informed decisions.
Ethics in Global Society
Course ID:
PHL 218
In this course, students explore various ethical frameworks from a cultural and global perspective. Students examine the ways that ethics influence actions, decisions, and perceptions. Furthermore, students develop associated skills related to critical thinking, such as awareness of bias, to analyze issues from an ethical standpoint.
STEM Principles and Problem-Solving
Course ID:
SCI 260
In this course, students learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) methodologies to a wide variety of contemporary issues and complex challenges within society to obtain knowledge and use that knowledge to develop recommendations and propose solutions. Students will leverage a scientific mindset to gather information, analyze data, and communicate information in varying ways based on their intended audience.
Social Issues and Decision-Making
Course ID:
SCS 260
In this course, students use social science methodologies to analyze various sociocultural issues and their impacts on society. In their exploration of the concept of society and how it manifests in different cultures, students learn to contextualize themselves within society, examine the relationship between the individual and society, and analyze the ethical implications of decision-making related to contemporary social issues.
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: June 30, 2025 | September 1, 2025
Next term starts:
May 5, 2025
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Dedicated to your success
Our instructors are at the heart of SNHU's mission of student success. With passionate dedication to our students and their learning, our faculty are with you every step of the way. Whether they are engaging with students on discussion boards, communicating concepts and ideas, or helping you explore your passion, SNHU instructors strive to make your learning experience valuable and memorable.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Steven Shirley
Dr. Steven Shirley has been teaching online and in person for more than 20 years. He's taught at SNHU for nearly all of that time and said he aims to make the classroom experience as authentic as possible by using materials that resonate with learners.
Position
Instructor, World History and Civilizations
Joined SNHU
2006
Education
- Bachelor's degree from Clemson University
- Master's degree from University of Missouri
- PhD from Old Dominion University
Read more about Dr. Steven Shirley and other online Faculty at SNHU.
What our instructors have to say
"I try to make the courses real for the students. It has to be real for them to care. We can 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."
Dr. Steven Shirley, instructor
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online undergraduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of a 30% online undergraduate tuition discount for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Receive an online tuition discount if your organization has partnered with SNHU for educational benefits. See if your organization partners with us.
Career Outlook What can I do with a history degree?
The BA in History from Southern New Hampshire University 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.
Occupations
While some of these career paths may require more education or training beyond a bachelor's degree, some popular jobs for history graduates are:
Historian
Research, analyze, interpret and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources, in addition to archiving documents and artifacts.
Market Research Analyst
Study consumer preferences and business conditions to help a company understand buyer personas, product needs and price points.
Communications Specialist
Craft media releases and develop social media programs to shape public perception and increase awareness of a client’s work and goals.
Editor
Plan, coordinate and revise material for publication. Review story ideas and decide what material will appeal most to readers.
Journalist
Update the public on current events and noteworthy information. Report international, national and local news for various media.
Lobbyist
Research an organization's agenda and communicate the results to influence legislators’ support of (or opposition to) pending legislation.
3%
Projected job growth for historians though 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
$72,890
The median annual income for historians in 2023, according to the BLS.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 are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
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.
John Roos ’18
Frequently Asked Questions
Find out more about an online history degree
How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in history?
Traditionally, a 120-credit bachelor's degree in history takes a full-time student about 4 years to complete.
However, at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), that isn't always the case. Because so many students begin their program with varying amounts of transfer credits, it could take you a shorter amount of time to go from start to finish.
SNHU accepts up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's in history, meaning you could have as few as 10 courses – and as few as 5 terms – to get your degree. And with six 8-week terms per year at SNHU, reaching that goal may be sooner than you think.
What kind of job can I get with a history degree?
A study released by Emsi (now Lightcast) in 2019 comparing career outcomes of different college degrees concluded that social science graduates – which included history graduates in this survey – go into a broad array of jobs, including sales, nonprofits, education, marketing and business analysis. These are areas where "human skills like creativity, mental flexibility, ethics, and compassion are both in high demand and are remarkably resistant to automation." 2
While some of these career paths may require more education or training beyond a bachelor's degree, the most popular roles are:
- Education, training and library
- Management: business, science and arts
- Legal occupations
- Sales
- Office and administrative support
- Business operations
- Arts, design, entertainment, sports and media
- Community and social services
Read more about what you can do with a history degree.
What skills does a history degree give you?
Graduates of history programs come away with sought-after soft skills needed across the workforce, like:
- Communication: The ability to write clearly and speak to others effectively is valuable in any situation.
- Critical thinking: Approach, analyze and evaluate problems logically.
- Research: Locate, assemble and analyze information to drive decisions.
Many people who earn a Bachelor of Arts in History go on to graduate school, which may open up more doors in your career.
Our career services team is also on hand to help you connect with companies interested in hiring someone with your skill set. We partner with organizations nationwide specifically to get your foot in the door. You can work with a career advisor as soon as you become a student at Southern New Hampshire University, which can help you get ahead once you complete your degree.
What can I do if I love history?
If you love history, you may want to consider studying it at the university level. By immersing yourself in history, you can better understand why the world is the way it is. Develop a fuller understanding of disagreements that led to war, cultural and religious differences that have both divided and united populations, and movements that have fought for the rights of minorities, women and other underrepresented communities all over the world.
That particular insight can help you become a leader who's capable of making decisions that take all factors into consideration. When you're more aware of what's happening around you and can absorb the information in a thoughtful manner, you become a creative problem solver that others can rely on.
Glassdoor lists some of the most common entry-level jobs for history majors as:3
- Archivist
- Assistant curator
- Assistant prospect researcher
- Editor
- Entry-level grant writer
- Fund development assistant
- History teacher
- Paralegal
- Social media marketing coordinator
- Writer
While some of these positions, such as history teacher, may require additional education or training, earning your history degree at Southern New Hampshire University gives you the opportunity to develop a strong set of diverse skills, valuable across all industries.
Why is history important?
History is important because it helps us better understand what it means to be human. History is the biography of the world: It informs us about decisions that have been made, and it helps us have a better idea about what's to come.
"History is the story of change over time. It also demonstrates that human nature has remained fairly constant," said Dr. Robert Denning, associate dean of history at SNHU. "History demonstrates that circumstances and technologies change, but humans still want the same things that they wanted in previous civilizations: wealth, security, happiness, power, spiritual and social fulfillment, etc."
Read more about why history is important.
Can I study history online?
Absolutely.
Online courses can be extremely beneficial for a busy student. They can often be more cost-effective than traditional campus classes. Plus, they offer flexibility, allowing you to complete them at a pace that works for your schedule.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has been offering courses online for more than 25 years, which means we offer the kind of high-quality learning experiences and support you need to succeed. SNHU’s online programs, like the BA in History degree, use a platform with 24/7 login access and no live lectures, so you have the ability to decide for yourself when it's ideal to learn the material. Online students are also provided with a dedicated academic advisor as their main point of contact from start to finish. This way, you can rest assured that you can be a student online without ever feeling alone.
Despite the history degree being taught online, there are still plenty of chances for real-world, hands-on experience through internships and experiential learning opportunities.
"My breakthrough moment was when SNHU Career Services told me to go for an internship,” says graduate John Roos ’18. “Within about 2 weeks, I was volunteering and getting ready to give tours."
What do historians do?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics describes a historian’s role as research, analysis, interpretation and writing about the past by studying historical documents and sources. Although most historian positions require a master’s degree, candidates with a bachelor’s degree may qualify for some entry-level positions.1
Additionally, historians typically do the following:
- Gather historical data from various sources, including archives, books and artifacts
- Analyze and interpret historical information to determine its authenticity and significance
- Trace historical developments in a particular field
- Engage with the public through educational programs and presentations
- Archive or preserve materials and artifacts in museums, visitor centers and historic sites
- Provide advice or guidance on historical topics and preservation issues
- Write reports, articles and books on findings and theories
Some of the typical work environments for historians are museums, archives, historical societies and research organizations. Some act as consultants for these organizations while being employed by consulting firms, and some work as independent consultants.1
Again, it's important to note that most historian roles require advanced education beyond a bachelor's degree. Southern New Hampshire University offers a Master of Arts in History for those interested in advancing their careers to this level.
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Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/historians.htm#tab-1 (viewed April 24, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2 Lightcast, Degrees at Work, on the internet, at https://lightcast.io/resources/blog/degrees-at-work/ (viewed April 24, 2024).
3 Glassdoor, The Best Jobs and Career Advice for History Majors, on the internet, at https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/jobs-history-majors/ (viewed April 24, 2024).