Online History Degrees
journey today.
At Grand Canyon University, our online1 history degrees encourage you to explore the past to help shape the future. These programs are designed for individuals passionate about understanding human experiences throughout time. They provide a thematic study of history that promotes critical thinking, interpretive analysis and intellectual curiosity. Whether your interests lie in teaching, research, writing or public service, GCU’s flexible online history degree programs are tailored to support your academic and professional goals.
Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, these programs examine the complexities of global and American history through economic, political, cultural and military perspectives.
GCU offers online history degree programs designed to support your academic interests and professional goals. Whether you are starting your education in history or looking to enhance your knowledge, our programs are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can choose from an online Bachelor of Arts in History; a master’s program focused on history education and a graduate certificate in history.
Explore your options to discover how each program can help you gain a deeper understanding of historical theory, global trends and practical applications in education, policy or research.
Online Bachelor’s in History Degree
There are two online bachelor's degrees in history: a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Arts in History with an Emphasis in Secondary Education. Both programs emphasize historical analysis within a global context, guided by a Christian worldview. Students are taught to explore past civilizations, engage in critical inquiry and develop research and communication skills, which can prepare them for careers in history or education. The coursework provides a solid foundation for understanding historical frameworks and their relevance to modern issues.
Online History Master’s Degree
GCU’s master’s in history degree is for individuals who want to deepen their understanding of historical content and educational practices that enhance student learning. The program blends advanced historical theory with practical analysis in areas such as economics and politics, as well as topics that encompass historical modeling and global history. Students conduct graduate-level research and engage with comparative history and strategic problem-solving through case studies. This flexible master's program is ideal for professionals looking to refine their research, critical thinking and communication skills in the field of history.
Online History Certificate
GCU's graduate certificate in history is designed for individuals interested in pursuing focused historical study at the graduate level. This program offers online courses that cover essential key areas, including comparative history and global historical perspectives. You'll be taught how to apply research techniques and strengthen your analytical thinking.
This certificate can help you prepare for future teaching opportunities by deepening your understanding of complex historical movements, narratives and methodologies.
An online history degree provides a solid foundation for individuals passionate about the past, preparing them to apply their knowledge in classroom settings. Students who complete an online history degree program may be prepared to explore roles in education, research, public service, writing and more.2 Those earning a bachelor’s degree, pursuing a master’s program or completing a graduate certificate have the opportunity to develop skills that are valued across industries.
Potential career paths for those with a degree in history may include:
Historian
Museum archivist or curator
Secondary education history teacher
Postsecondary history instructor
Estimated growth for historians expected from 2023 to 20333
Median annual wage for high school teachers in May 20244
Frequently Asked Questions
Pursuing an online history degree offers valuable learning experiences that extend beyond memorizing dates and events. Our courses emphasize research, analysis and written communication skills while enhancing your understanding of global and cultural contexts. Here are answers to some common questions about our online history degree programs.
Yes. Grand Canyon University offers online history programs that allow you to complete coursework from anywhere. These programs provide flexibility for working professionals and other busy learners while maintaining academic rigor and a focus on practical skills.
Online history courses can be academically challenging, as they emphasize reading, writing and critical analysis. Students are taught to engage deeply with interpretive frameworks and comparative history. Like any field of study, success in a history program often depends on personal motivation, effective time management and a genuine interest in the subject.
For those who enjoy learning about the past and are curious about how it shapes the present, an online history degree can be a rewarding academic pursuit. These programs teach transferable skills, such as strategic problem-solving, data analysis and effective communication — skills that are valuable in many career paths. It can prepare you for roles in education, public service or further study.
An online degree in history may prepare you to pursue a variety of roles in different fields. Potential career paths include historian, museum curator, educator, policy analyst, writer or researcher. With additional education or training, graduates may also explore opportunities in law, government or higher education.2
We offer more than just online history degree programs. We provide opportunities for learners to explore how the past informs the present and shapes the future. Our curriculum encourages critical thinking about how historical narratives impact the present and future, covering topics from ancient civilizations to modern political movements and economic trends.
GCU emphasizes a faith-integrated courses education focused on ethical leadership, scholarly inquiry and intellectual engagement. You'll study advanced historiography, data analysis and historical visualization, gaining skills applicable across disciplines. Our supportive faculty and flexible online format can help you achieve your academic goals while balancing your commitments.
Our team is available to support recent high school graduates, working professionals and transfer students every step of the way. If you're interested in online history courses, connect with a university counselor for guidance. For details on application deadlines, documentation and specific program admissions criteria, visit our Admissions page.
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968, demonstrating our commitment to integrity, academic quality and continuous improvement. We take pride in providing programs that emphasize academic rigor and thoughtful curriculum design within a supportive learning environment.
Our online history degrees are delivered through an engaging platform that serves as your hub for course content, communication and collaboration. You can access courses, submit assignments, participate in discussions and utilize planning tools at your convenience.
As an online student at GCU, you’ll have access to a variety of resources for your academic, personal and spiritual development. Our Learning Management System offers courses, eBooks, discussion forums and planning tools to keep you organized and engaged. Connect with knowledgeable faculty and fellow students to foster a sense of community while student services counselors provide personalized guidance and technical support.
We offer competitive online tuition rates, and scholarships may be available to eligible students, making higher education more accessible to support your future.
Build valuable skills and advance your knowledge with GCU’s online history programs.
Excludes programs with residencies and practicums.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, May 14). Field of Degree: History. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Historians, retrieved June 18, 2025.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), High School Teachers as of May 2024, retrieved June 18, 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as high school teachers, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.