Are Online History Degrees Legitimate?

What to Look For in an Online History Degree Program

Choosing the right school can be a confusing task. By researching accreditation, reputation, and graduation rates, you can make your choice more clear.

Accreditation

Accreditation is given to schools that meet quality education standards. Going to an accredited college is important because it makes your degree legitimate and ensures the quality of the education provided.

Different organizations accredit schools such as:

• The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• The New England Commission of Higher Education
• The Higher Learning Commission

Reputation

The reputation of a school is important because it factors into whether or not it is considered legitimate. Reputable schools are comprised of:

• Highly educated and trained professors
• Quality classes
• Support systems for students

They are known for setting students up for success in their careers by teaching specialized and transferable skills.

Nonprofit Vs. For-Profit Degrees

Legitimate online history degrees can be obtained at both non-profit and for-profit universities. However, non-profit degrees tend to be more affordable than for-profit degrees and allow for an easier application process. With a non-profit degree, there is a higher chance of receiving a quality education from an institution that wants its students to succeed.

Graduation Rates

Graduation rates show the percentage of students who completed their degree programs successfully. Generally, the better the graduation rate, the better the education. Colleges with high graduation rates are reputable because they show that the students are supported in their learning throughout their education experience.

Differences Between Online History Degrees and Traditional History Degrees

With online history degrees, you can complete the courses on your schedule. With traditional degrees, there are set class times and the degree programs are less flexible.

Benefits of Earning Your History Degree at an Online School

One of the major benefits of earning your history degree online is the convenience and flexibility that comes with learning remotely. Students can complete their degrees on their own time while working and taking care of their other responsibilities.

Many online degrees have support services available to help you succeed without having to be on campus and offer the same opportunities as traditional programs.

Featured Online History Degree Programs

The following list contains reputable schools with accredited programs. These universities provide students with comprehensive degree experiences and a quality education.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers online history degrees taught by a faculty of industry leaders and researchers. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The following history degrees are available at ASU:

• BA in History
• BA in History - Veterans, Society and Service
• BA in History - Secondary Education
• BA in the History of Science, Technology and Innovation

2. Bellevue University

Bellevue University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers a Bachelor of Science in history degree. Faculty and support staff aim to help students excel during their degree program and prepare them for their careers. Students who want to teach can continue their program by earning a secondary-level teacher certification with an endorsement in history.

3. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers affordable, quality degree programs for students and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. They have an extensive alumni with over 200,000 students.

Grand Canyon University offers two history degrees:

• BA in history
• BA in history for secondary education

4. Oregon State University

Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and offers flexible degree programs online that provide the same experiences that on-campus students receive. You can graduate feeling prepared for your career by taking advantage of the Public History Internship Program.

To help students succeed in the online learning environment, OSU offers support services such as:

• Free online tutoring
• Success coaching
• Career guidance

The following history degrees are offered online:

• BS in history
• BA in history

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Students have the option to choose from four different concentrations for a more focused degree experience. SNHU is a nonprofit institution and has been recognized for its efforts to make education more affordable and achievable.

The following history degrees are available at SNHU:

• Bachelor of Arts in history - American history
• Bachelor of Arts in history - European history
• Bachelor of Arts in history - Middle Eastern history
• Bachelor of Arts in history - military history

6. Regent University

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a Bachelor of Arts in History degree. Throughout the program, students can expect to broaden their critical thinking and research skills and be prepared for careers such as museum curators, history educators, journalists, and preservationists.

7. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a reputable online history degree and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. With 100% online coursework and multiple start dates throughout the year, students can earn their degrees at their own pace and on their schedule. Courses in the Bachelor of Arts in history program are taught by professional historians.