Bachelor’s in History
Bachelor’s in History
journey today.
The scholarly discipline of history examines the past to make better sense of the present. You can take note from the lessons of the past by enrolling in the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History online or on-campus degree program at Grand Canyon University. Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this bachelor’s in history degree explores a curriculum that uses a thematic approach, rather than a chronological one.
Examine economic, political and social topics from multiple perspectives as you study the insights from celebrated historians. Explore historical issues in the U.S. and civilizations around the world as you sharpen your critical reasoning and analytical skills in this bachelor’s degree program. Enjoy personal and pre-professional development as you are taught foundational knowledge and a framework of practical skills that are applicable across multiple career paths.
The study of history involves much more than the memorization of important dates, people and events. At GCU, you can explore the world through a historical lens and have the opportunity to develop a better understanding of societies, cultures and governments. This BA in History program can even teach you about yourself, such as by exploring your own legacy, and it can lead to a better understanding of those who are different from you. In examining societal movements and change through time, we can better learn to anticipate likely societal change in the future.1
Earn an Online Bachelor’s in History
GCU strives to make higher education accessible and convenient for our students. You could choose to join our on-campus learning community, or you may study your coursework from virtually anywhere. If you opt to earn an online bachelor’s in history, you’ll use our interactive e-learning platform, which enables you to access your course materials and connect with your instructors and fellow students. Online learning offers flexibility, making higher education more manageable, particularly for nontraditional college students.
Some of the topics explored in this degree program include:
The shared past of a society, as well as of humanity as a whole, directly influences the present and future. The bachelor’s in history from GCU offers you the chance to gain greater insights into current perspectives by studying the complexity and diversity of the world in different time periods.
Enjoy opportunities to 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.
Explore Essential Competencies in the History Discipline
As a BA in History student, you will be taught the major themes in U.S. and world history. Examine the major cultural, political, economic and social themes that have influenced civilizations throughout time. Early on in the program, you will be introduced to best practices in historical research, analysis, history writing and interpretation within a historical context. Explore 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 Bachelor of Arts in History degree teaches these core competencies:
This bachelor’s degree in history is a research-, reading- and writing-intensive program. No program can guarantee a particular career outcome, and some career paths may require additional education. For example, you might choose to pursue a master’s in history or doctoral degree in order to position yourself for a possible career in academia.
Some potential career paths related to this degree may include the following:
Historian
Secondary or postsecondary history teacher
Park ranger
Librarian
Museum archivist
Expand Your Professional Opportunities
Some BA in History majors may choose to explore careers in publishing, such as by writing for history-related publications, textbooks and popular series. History degree graduates may also consider employment in the media industry as writers, editors, research specialists, fact-checkers or presenters on history documentaries. Additionally, it’s possible for graduates to prepare to enter law school. The knowledge and practical skills taught in a history degree program can serve graduates well as they pursue opportunities as attorneys, paralegals or judges.2
10%
Estimated job growth for archivists, curators and other museum workers from 2022 through 2032.3
When considering your choice of schools for your bachelor’s degree in history, it’s important to consider the quality of the instruction. Institutional accreditation is an indication of the school’s quality as acknowledged by its peers. GCU is proud to be an institutionally accredited university that strives to graduate students who are prepared to pursue excellence beyond school.
Bachelor's in History Degree FAQs
Choosing a degree program and a career path can be challenging. It’s advisable that you spend some time researching your options and reflecting upon your interests. Consider speaking with your high school guidance counselor or other important figures in your life. You can use the following frequently asked questions and answers to get started on your career research.
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, possibly a program with an education emphasis. This program does not lead to licensure. If you are interested in becoming a history teacher, look for a program that can lead to initial teacher licensure. 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).4
Yes, earning a master’s in history can position you for possible 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.5
With a BA in History, you may qualify to pursue certain positions at history-related organizations, such as museums and historical associations. However, the majority of individuals who hold a bachelor’s in history without a graduate degree may find work elsewhere, such as in communications, law, publishing or education. Aspiring historians typically need a minimum of a master’s degree. Positions in academia and research-related positions within the federal government usually require a PhD. Job requirements will vary from one employer to the next.6
If you’re passionate about history, then earning a BA in History can certainly be worth it for you. Remember that even if you aren’t sure whether you want to earn a graduate degree and become a historian, the curriculum will teach you transferrable skills like research, critical thinking, communication and analytical reasoning. A history degree can also provide a good starting point for further education in another field. For instance, you might decide to apply to law school afterward. No matter where your career path takes you, if you love studying history, earning a history degree may be worth it for you.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for historians is estimated to be 3% from 2022 through 2032, as fast as average.7 However, not everyone who studies history in college will go on to become a professional historian. There is a wide range of diverse career possibilities. Some graduates may choose to become high school history teachers. According to the BLS, job growth rate for high school teachers in all subject areas is estimated to be 1% from 2022 through 2032.8
Start Your Journey Today
Pursue your passion for exploring the past to make better sense of the present. Apply today to earn your bachelor’s in history at GCU as an online or on-campus student!
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
1 Arcadia Publishing. (n.d.). Why it’s important that we study history. Yesterday’s America. Retrieved Aug. 16, 2023.
2 Birt, J. (2023, July 31). 10 popular history degree jobs. Indeed. Retrieved Aug. 16, 2023.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Archivists, Curators and Museum Workers, retrieved on Sept. 22, 2023.
4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Jan. 10). How to become a high school teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 16, 2023.
5 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, Sept. 8). Work environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 16, 2023.
6 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, Sept. 8). How to become a historian. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 16, 2023.
7 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Historians, retrieved on Sept. 22, 2023.
8 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, retrieved on Sept. 22, 2023.