A history degree program develops critical thinking, research, analysis, and other valuable skills through a diverse study of historical topics, events, and societies. With a comprehensive and nuanced perspective of past and current events, history degree graduates can pursue a variety of in-demand careers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, history degree holders earn a yearly median wage of $63,000. Many history students go on to work in education fields, while others frequently work in legal, management, or business professions.
An undergraduate history degree takes about four years and costs an average of $14,688 to $27,637 annually; graduate degrees average $20,513 per year.
How to Choose a History Program
Choose your area of study
History degree programs offer an interdisciplinary approach to historical events and periods. Consider your career goals as you research your ideal area of study — each program offers different opportunities, concentrations, and other options, and your choice should align with your professional goals, education needs, and personal strengths or interests.
Most institutions offer undergraduate history degree programs through the arts and sciences, humanities, or liberal arts department or college, but they all generally award a Bachelor of Arts in history. These programs help students develop a deep comprehension of historical events, human behavior, and social evolution through various theoretical lenses. Undergraduate students who major in history most commonly go on to work in education fields as historians, librarians, or teachers, but many graduates also pursue careers as journalists, lawyers, and policy analysts.
Graduate and postgraduate programs give students opportunities to refine their research and analysis skills as they apply to historical events. These programs are academically focused, and while graduates have many career options, many progress to academic careers as archivists, historians, and postsecondary history professors.
Undergraduate and graduate programs offer a variety of concentrations, such as:
- Global history
- Gender history
- Religious history
- Renaissance and reformation
- European history
Research schools and programs
Look for institutions and programs that hold accreditation from reputable accrediting agencies by utilizing the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. Regionally-accredited schools and programs adhere to educational and curriculum standards determined by the Department of Education. Federal financial aid is typically only available to accredited programs, and accreditation may come into play when students transfer between schools or apply for jobs.
Learn more about curriculums and other details from the school and program websites. Admissions counselors and program representatives can also provide guidance and direct you to other helpful resources, such as virtual or in-person campus tours, information sessions, and other events.
Prepare for tests and applications
Admission requirements for history degree programs vary between institutions, but most require the following materials and information:
- Application form and fees
- Transcripts
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Personal essay or statement
- Resume or CV
- SAT or ACT scores for undergraduates
- GRE or GMAT scores for graduates
- TOEFL (for students educated in a non-English language)
Undergraduate history programs typically don’t have any prerequisites beyond basic admissions requirements. Some master’s programs, however, may require applicants to submit historical essays or other materials to demonstrate their competency in historical comprehension, academic writing, and other skills. A bachelor’s degree in history or a related field from an accredited institution can help strengthen applications, but some schools also accept equivalent professional experience or supplemental undergraduate history courses.
Select your program
Each school and program offers different resources, opportunities, and other options that can affect the quality and success of your education. Reflect on your career goals and individual circumstances to select the program that suits you best. For example, many students with jobs or other obligations may benefit from programs that offer part-time, online, hybrid, or other logistics options. Likewise, student housing availability or local cost of living may be a factor if you attend school in a new area.
Consider other factors, such as:
- Curriculum
- Tuition cost
- Funding options
- Faculty
- Degree length and graduation requirements
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Start planning for your education funding by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This government program provides need-based loans, scholarships, grants, and other financial aid to students attending eligible programs.
Students who require further funding can also consider Direct Subsidized Loans, PLUS loans, or private loans. Non-profit foundations, businesses, and other organizations may provide merit or need-based scholarships, and some employers offer tuition assistance benefits to employees. To further supplement your budget, consider income opportunities integrated with your education, such as work-study programs, paid internships and co-ops, assistantships, and fellowships.
Best 50 Accredited History Degree Programs
Institution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Harvard University
Intelligent Score: 99.76Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $49,653
Out-of-state: $49,653
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $49,448
Out-of-state: $49,448
Test scores
SAT: 1460-1580
ACT: 33-35
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,767
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
New England Commission of Higher Education
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
128
Texas State University
Intelligent Score: 98.80Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $8,326
Out-of-state: $19,778
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $6,946
Out-of-state: $6,946
Test scores
SAT: 1010-1180
ACT: 20-25
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
Resident: $730
Non-Resident: $1,140
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
Oregon State University
Intelligent Score: 98.45Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $9,846
Out-of-state: $29,445
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $13,257
Out-of-state: $13,257
Test scores
SAT: 1080-1310
ACT: 21-29
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
Resident: $386
Non-Resident: $1,138
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
180
University of North Dakota
Intelligent Score: 97.82Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $8,540
Out-of-state: $12,810
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $11,060
Out-of-state: $11,060
Test scores
SAT: 1000-1230
ACT: 20-27
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$384
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
West Texas A&M University
Intelligent Score: 97.34Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $5,748
Out-of-state: $7,195
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $4,968
Out-of-state: $4,968
Test scores
SAT: 920-1130
ACT: 18-23
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$50 - $168
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
University of Maryland Global Campus Asia
Intelligent Score: 96.41Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
Graduate Tuition
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
Test scores
SAT: NA
ACT: NA
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$250
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus, Online
ACCREDITATION
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Intelligent Score: 96.14Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
Graduate Tuition
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
Test scores
SAT: NA
ACT: NA
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
Resident: $502
Non-Resident: $1,727
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
University of Arizona
Intelligent Score: 93.96Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $10,990
Out-of-state: $33,273
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $11,938
Out-of-state: $11,938
Test scores
SAT: 1090-1350
ACT: 21-29
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
Resident: $507
Non-Resident: $1,689
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
Sam Houston State University
Intelligent Score: 92.82Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $5,856
Out-of-state: $15,672
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $5,765
Out-of-state: $5,765
Test scores
SAT: 970-1120
ACT: 18-23
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$244
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus, Online
ACCREDITATION
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
Stanford University
Intelligent Score: 92.75Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $55,473
Out-of-state: $55,473
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $54,315
Out-of-state: $54,315
Test scores
SAT: 1420-1570
ACT: 31-35
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,372
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
180
Fort Hays State University
Intelligent Score: 92.46Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $4,140
Out-of-state: $14,580
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $3,726
Out-of-state: $3,726
Test scores
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$188
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus, Online
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Intelligent Score: 89.97Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
Graduate Tuition
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
Test scores
SAT: NA
ACT: NA
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$364
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus, Online
ACCREDITATION
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
University of Pennsylvania
Intelligent Score: 89.46Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $53,166
Out-of-state: $53,166
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $37,678
Out-of-state: $37,678
Test scores
SAT: 1460-1570
ACT: 33-35
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,221
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
128
University of Washington
Intelligent Score: 88.50Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $10,629
Out-of-state: $37,998
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $16,278
Out-of-state: $16,278
Test scores
SAT: 1200-1453
ACT: 27-33
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
Resident: $455
Non-Resident: $1,435
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
180
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 87.58Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
Test scores
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
Resident: $820
Non-Resident: $1,350
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
University of California, Berkeley
Intelligent Score: 87.23Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $41,196
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $11,442
Test scores
SAT: 1310-1530
ACT: 30-35
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$477
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
University of Chicago
Intelligent Score: 85.78Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $57,642
Out-of-state: $57,642
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $60,300
Out-of-state: $60,300
Test scores
SAT: 1500-1570
ACT: 34-35
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
$1,772
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
126
University of Nebraska Kearney
Intelligent Score: 84.52Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $7,770
Out-of-state: $24,900
Graduate Tuition
In-state: $6,138
Out-of-state: $6,138
Test scores
SAT: 1110-1320
ACT: 22-28
ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT
Resident: $216
Non-Resident: $471
DELIVERY FORMAT
On-Campus, Online
ACCREDITATION
Higher Learning Commission
REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE
120
How we rank schools
This list covers undergraduate and graduate programs in history that prepare students for a broad range of careers. All programs include coursework aimed at improving writing, research, analysis, and communication skills. Degrees offered include Bachelor of Arts in history, Bachelor of Science in history, and Master of Arts in history. Students can choose from online, on-campus, and hybrid learning formats.
All of the schools featured in this guide are approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Accreditation ensures that you will receive a high-quality education, and those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect From a History Program?
A history degree program offers a broad study of people and civilizations. Employing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates politics, sociology, and other fields, history degree programs help students develop their understanding and perspectives of the past.
With an emphasis on critical thinking, research, and analysis, students learn to contextualize historical events in modern and future societies using various theoretical frameworks. Many undergraduate programs encourage or require students to pursue specialized topics throughout their education, which typically spans approximately four years with full-time study and requires about 120 credits for graduation.
Graduate degree programs allow students to choose one or more specializations. Working with their supervisor, students typically research, prepare, and defend a final thesis or capstone project on their chosen specialization. In addition to supervisor guidance and mentorships, graduate students also develop subject matter expertise through seminars, workshops, conferences, teaching experience, and other opportunities. Students may also complete internships or research practices to satisfy degree requirements. Graduate programs typically require two years of full-time study and 30 to 45 credits.
Potential courses you’ll take in a history program
- History Research Methods. Typically delivered early in degree programs, this course helps students build the skills and experience necessary for research, writing, and presenting. Students learn to analyze primary sources and study seemingly small details that influence overarching historical narratives.
- Global History. Exploring history around the world, students explore the political, cultural, and economic aspects of global history. Topics may include religion, scientific revolutions, industrialization, decolonization, and environmentalism.
- United States History. From Columbus to the present, this course explores the significant political and social developments throughout the United States’ history. Major themes include industrialism, colonialism, racism, and politics.
- Medieval History. Medieval history courses explore periods from the collapse of the Roman Empire to the beginning of the Renaissance and how religion, politics, monarchies, and other developments contributed to the culture of the Middle Ages. Topics include art, architecture, warfare, mythology, gender, and alchemy.
History Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a history degree program?
Most institutions allow prospective students to apply via a web-based admissions portal, which guides you through providing the necessary information and materials. Applications generally require transcripts, personal essays, application fees, and other relevant details. Speak to an admissions counselor or program representative to verify requirements, deadlines, and other information and tips on strengthening your application.
How much does a history degree cost?
How long does it take to earn a history degree?
Undergraduate history programs span about four years with full-time study and typically require 120 credits. Most graduate programs take two years, requiring 30 to 60 credits for graduation. Alternative course logistics can affect the total timeline of your degree, such as part-time, accelerated, self-paced, online, or other options.