Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History Degree
Earn a History Degree From GCU Online or On Campus
The scholarly discipline of history examines the past to make better sense of the present. You can learn from the lessons of the past by enrolling in the Bachelor of Arts in History online or on-campus degree program at Grand Canyon University (GCU). Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this degree explores a dynamic history curriculum that uses a thematic approach, rather than a chronological one.
Study the insights of renowned historians as you examine economic, political and social topics from multiple perspectives. Explore historical issues in the U.S. and civilizations around the world as you sharpen your critical reasoning and analytical skills in this campus or online history degree program. Enjoy personal and pre-professional development as you acquire foundational knowledge and a framework of practical skills that are applicable across multiple career paths.
What Will You Learn in the Bachelor of Arts in History Program at GCU?
The shared past of a society, as well as of humanity as a whole, directly influences the present and future. The bachelor’s degree in history from GCU enables you to gain greater insights into current perspectives by studying the complexity and diversity of the world in different time periods. Improve your written and oral communication skills as you progress through the coursework and interact with your professors and peers. Rely on your faith as you examine the world through the lens of the Christian perspective. Some of the courses in the campus and online history degree program include:
- Renaissance and Reformation
- Women in History
- Ancient Mediterranean History
- U.S. Since 1945
- Southwest Borderlands
- Survey of Asian Empires
History degree students gain a broad overview of the major themes in U.S. and world history. They examine the major cultural, political, economic and social themes that have influenced civilizations throughout time. Early on in the program, students are introduced to best practices in historical research, analysis, history writing and interpretation within a historical context. Students examine the works of significant historians, consider the subdisciplines of history and engage with the foundational, methodological and theoretical tools that historians use. In addition, the campus and online history degree imparts these core competencies:
- The effects of the world wars, the Cold War and totalitarianism on 20th century Europe
- A comparative study of social conflicts, taking a close look at the patterns of individual and collective actions
- The historical and cultural developments of the ancient world
- The political, social, cultural and economic experiences of women across time and geographical regions
What Types of Jobs Can I Get With a History Degree?
This bachelor’s in history degree is a research-, reading- and writing-intensive program. Graduates can apply these skills, along with their sharp analytical abilities, to open doors to a wide range of career paths. Some students may choose to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in history, enabling them to pursue positions in academia. Other possible career paths may include the following:
- Historian
- Secondary and postsecondary history teacher
- Tour guide
Some BA in History majors may prefer to explore careers in publishing, such as by writing for history-related publications, textbooks and popular series. History degree graduates may be employed in the media industry as writers, editors, research specialists, fact-checkers or presenters on history documentaries. It’s also common for graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in History degree to prepare to enter law school. The knowledge and practical skills learned during a history degree program can serve graduates well as they pursue opportunities as attorneys, paralegals or judges.
Bachelor of Arts in History Degree FAQs
Becoming a history teacher is generally no more difficult than becoming a teacher in any other subject. The first step to becoming a history teacher is to earn a bachelor’s in history degree. Then you will need to complete a student teaching internship at your desired grade level(s). Next, you’ll take your state’s required exams for prospective teachers and apply for your teaching license. Once you receive your teaching license, you will be eligible to apply for teaching positions within your licensed state(s).
Yes, earning a master’s in history can prepare graduates for specialized careers in teaching, political science, archaeology, genealogy and more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, historians often work in museums, archives, historical societies and research organizations. Some also work as consultants.2
Yes, you can become a historian with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. However, in order to specialize in a particular field, you will most likely need at least a master’s degree in history. For those who want to teach at the college level or conduct research, a PhD is recommended and may be required by certain employers.
Retrieved from:
1 Trends & Tactics, How to Make Money With A History Degree in January 2022
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook for Historians in January 2022
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
- COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- INT-244, World Religions: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course surveys global civilizations from Africa and the Americas to Eurasia as an overview of the principal cultural, political, and economic themes that shaped world civilization.
Course Description
This writing intensive course focuses on research methods used in historical research and writing, and application of theories and methodologies to the analysis of historical materials. Emphasis is placed on research, writing, and critical thinking in historical contexts.
Course Description
This course provides an overview of the principal political, economic, and cultural themes and constitutional developments that shaped the United States from the Colonial period into the 20th Century.
Course Description
This course introduces the study of history as a scholarly discipline, emphasizing significant historians, subdisciplines of the field, and the foundational methodological and theoretical tools of historians.
Course Description
This course provides a historical survey of Asia, including India, China, Southeast Asia, Korea, and Japan. Emphasis is placed on political, economic, and social developments.
Course Description
This writing intensive course examines the political, economic, and social aspects of selected wars and revolutions. It provides a comparative study of social conflicts with an emphasis on the patterns of individual and collective action, violence, and social changes.
Course Description
This course examines the historical and cultural developments of ancient worlds including Egypt, Greece, and Rome with an emphasis on social, political, and economic developments.
Course Description
This course compares the political, social, economic, and cultural history of women in societies, focusing on contrasting experiences of women across time, geographic regions, and cultures.
Course Description
This course examines the intellectual and religious developments of Europe between the 13th and 16th centuries including Renaissance Italy and Reformation Germany with an emphasis on social, political, and economic developments.
Course Description
This course examines the principal social, political, economic, and global events that have shaped the American experience during the Cold War era.
Course Description
This course examines the political, social, economic, and cultural history of the Southwest Borderlands region, focusing on topics related to the American West, Native Americans, frontier/colonial theory, environment, and Chicana/o history.
Course Description
This course examines the political, economic, and social developments of European history in the 20th century from the foundations of late 19th century unification through the struggles of globalization and terrorism at the beginning of the 21st century. Emphasis is placed on the impact of two world wars, totalitarianism, the decline of empire and the Cold War.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.