What You Should Know About This Degree
While some individuals with history degrees go on to work as historians for museums, research organizations, or the government, there are actually multiple career paths available to those who study history. Without a specifically defined career path, history majors must be creative in their approaches to their career and look at interdisciplinary job opportunities that incorporate historical research and analysis skills.
Because a history degree program teaches a broad range of transferable skills including writing, critical-thinking, research, and problem-solving, employers in a variety of fields seek out history majors as job candidates. These fields include education, law, communications, journalism, government, and more.
When exploring online programs, it’s important to confirm that the institution is authorized to grant degrees to students in the state where you reside. Check with the National Council of State Authorization of Reciprocity Agreements for more information about authorizations for distance education providers. The school may also provide information about its authorization for granting degrees to out-of-state students.
Even when programs are advertised as online, they may have minimal in-person requirements for internships, residencies, or other hands-on learning experiences. Review the program’s curriculum carefully to confirm if there are any in-person obligations, and decide if they will fit into your schedule and lifestyle.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Online History programs:
- Does this program offer the specialization I want? Many bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in history give students the option to focus on the history of a particular geographic region or time period. Specializations can include Middle Eastern history, Eurpoean history, or military history. If you are interested in focusing on a particular area, check if the program offers that option.
- Does the program have a thesis option? This is a consideration for master’s level students. If you plan to continue on to earn a doctoral degree in history, completing a thesis as part of your master’s degree may be advantageous or even necessary. As a prerequisite for admission to some doctoral programs, you may need to submit an academic writing sample like a thesis. Keep this in mind when selecting and completing a master’s degree.
During the research process, review the program’s admissions requirements and deadlines so that you are prepared for the application process. You can find this information on the program’s website or by contacting their admissions department directly.
Financing your education is another important consideration. Research scholarships, assistantships, loans, and payment plans.