Top 5 Part-Time PhD in History Degree Programs 2025

Earning a PhD is considered the pinnacle of education. In fact, a PhD is often referred to as a ''terminal degree'' because there is no higher degree to pursue. PhD recipients are highly regarded in their field of study and can enjoy numerous benefits, including better job opportunities and an impactful career.

It can be challenging to pursue a full-time PhD while juggling other obligations, such as family and work. Luckily, many top universities offer part-time PhD programs in various subjects. The part-time PhD in history programs listed below can allow you to earn your PhD on your own time and fulfill your academic dreams.

Can You Earn a PhD in History Part-Time?

You can earn a PhD in history part-time at many high-quality universities. Part-time PhD programs are less common and may extend the timeline to completion to several years, but they are well-respected programs that offer students the chance to work toward their PhD without committing to full-time study.

Can I Earn My Part-Time PhD in History Online?

You can earn your part-time PhD in history online, though these programs are less common than on-campus ones. When researching, be sure to read the fine print: some universities require in-person residencies for a portion of the program. Some programs are also specialized in fields within history, such as archaeology or American history.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time History PhD?

A part-time history PhD can take anywhere from four to nine years, depending on the rigor with which you work on your dissertation and the program's pacing. Having a master's degree can shorten the time needed to complete your history PhD, but some programs accept students with only a bachelor's degree.

Best Part-Time PhD Programs in History

Below are some of the best online programs that allow you to earn your PhD in history part-time. Many are specialized programs studying niche branches of history, such as Holocaust studies, archaeology, and more.

1. Liberty University

Liberty University's online PhD in history has a generous transfer credit option, allowing students to transfer up to 50% of their required credits. Featured courses include American entrepreneurship and historical professions. This program is 100% online, allowing students to study from anywhere.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 per credit for full-time students; $675 per credit for part-time students
• Program length: Self-paced; maximum of seven years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Gratz College

Gratz College offers a highly specialized online PhD in Holocaust and genocide studies. Courses are asynchronous and accelerated into eight-week experiences, allowing for maximum flexibility for working students. This program covers Holocaust history and genocide case studies from around the world, including Cambodia, Rwanda, Armenia, and the Native American genocides.

• Estimated tuition cost: $941 per credit
• Program length: Four to five years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

3. George Mason University

George Mason University, located in Fairfax, VA, offers a PhD in history with part-time study options available. Major fields of study include American history, European history, and world/comparative history. Students have the option to study part-time, but forfeit the opportunity to do an assistantship or earn funding if they choose to do so.

• Estimated tuition cost: $589 per credit for in-state students; $1,550 per credit for out-of-state students
• Program length: Six to nine years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. St. John's University

St. John's University, located in New York City, offers a part-time PhD in world history with seminars in gender and sexuality, historical identities, global diaspora, and more. Students will have the option to complete an internship or be a teaching assistant for undergraduate world history courses.

Many classes are conducted in the evening to allow part-time students to focus on family and work obligations during the day. Enrollees must demonstrate proficiency in reading at least one foreign language related to their dissertation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,640 per credit
• Program length: Four to seven years
• Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Claremont Graduate College

Claremont Graduate College is located in Claremont, CA, and offers a PhD in history that can be completed either full-time or part-time. There are five areas of concentration available, including American studies, media studies, and museum studies.

Claremont Graduate College also offers students the chance to enroll in another program in conjunction with their PhD in history and ''double count'' some credits to reduce their overall cost of attendance.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,070 per credit
• Program length: Four to seven years
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

How We Rank Schools

Learn.org has a strict set of guidelines when it comes to ranking programs. We look at a school's accreditation, reputation, affordability, and other criteria to determine a high-quality program.

• Accreditation: All schools featured on Learn.org are accredited by a national accrediting body. This ensures a high-quality, employer-recognized degree for graduates.
• Program flexibility: Earning a PhD can be time-consuming, and many working adults need a flexible program to make their academic dreams a reality. The programs listed above offer flexibility for their students to ensure successful completion.
• Program reputation: We feature high-quality, reputable programs that lead to well-paying job opportunities for graduates. Program reputation is considered by accreditation, faculty, and the percentage of students who receive a job offer in their field of study shortly after graduation.

FAQs About Flexible PhD in History Programs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about part-time PhD programs, including funding, employer recognition, and overall program cost.

How Much Does a Part-Time PhD in History Cost?

The cost for a part-time PhD can vary greatly and depends on the amount of time you spend in the program, university benefits, and more. There are discount options available at some universities. Liberty University, for example, offers a discounted rate for qualifying military personnel, allowing them to pursue an online PhD for only $350 per credit.

Is a Part-Time PhD Program in History Worth It?

A part-time PhD in history is a significant time commitment, but it is worth it if you truly have a passion for history and education. Specializations in fields like archaeology or European history can increase your job opportunities and allow you to study a period of history you are truly passionate about.

Are Online PhDs Taken Seriously?

Online PhDs are taken seriously when earned from an accredited, reputable institution. All of the programs featured on Learn.org are accredited, reputable, and employer-recognized.

How Fast Can I Get a PhD in History?

Most PhD programs can be completed in three to six years, depending on the rate at which you study. Asynchronous, online programs can allow you to study at your own pace and potentially finish your studies in as little as three years.

Are Part-Time History PhD Programs Fully Funded?

Part-time history PhD programs are not often fully funded because of their part-time nature. This allows students to work while in school, and funding is typically reserved for full-time, on-campus students.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Earning a PhD or doctoral degree can be expensive, but one of the best ways to reduce your cost of attendance is to study online. Some of the programs listed above can be taken part-time and online, while others have in-person requirements. You can explore more online doctoral degrees here on Learn.org.