If you are interested in a humanities-based associate’s degree, achieving an associate’s degree in history online might be the perfect fit for you. The field of history is vast, though a foundation of history will be offered. This includes the study of world civilizations and US History. Students will learn how to look deeply at historical events in political, religious, and economic spheres. Most online associates degrees in history are designed to be transfer-friendly.
The good news is, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of history is only expected to grow. The projected growth trajectory in this field is that it will expand by 3 percent between 2019 and 2029. There are many programs that are designed to be flexible and convenient with an online format that can be completed at your own schedule. Many of these programs are designed for working professionals, so your studies will not intrude on your work and other personal obligations. We have done some of the work for you to find the perfect program. We ranked the 25 best associates degree in history programs based on the following metric:
- Cost
- Reputation
- Student Success Rate
1
American Public University
The American Public University offers an associate of arts in history that is one of the best online history associate’s degree. This program is offered through American’s School of Arts and Humanities. The program is known for being transfer-friendly. In fact, 77 of your credits can be transferred in. The entire course of study is made up of 60 credit hours. The classes are delivered in an eight-week program format. Thirty of the credits are general education requirements, 18 are major requirements, and 12 are dedicated to electives. The coursework will train students to look deeply at big historical developments, reflect on the perspectives of diverse populations, consider the causes, chronology, and context for historical events, and develop pertinent questions while analyzing evidence and conducting research. There are many start dates, so you won’t be left waiting if you are interested in matriculating.
Degree: A.A. in History
Georgia State University offers an online history associate’s degree. There are many wonderful aspects of this particular program, including the fact that the majority of students receive some form of financial aid. Many students who are interested in engaging in the current political sphere undergo programs like this. Typically students complete the program by taking on 60 credit hours of coursework. 42 of those credit hours are within the core curriculum. 18 credit hours are considered pathway courses. Though all of the required classes can be taken online, students can choose to take as many on-campus classes that they want. If you do end up taking on-campus classes, you can choose from five different campuses. Students will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of humanities classes in order to complete the core courses. Some examples include: world literature, introduction to world religions, and music, society, and culture.
Degree: A.A. in History
3
Bucks County Community College
Bucks County Community College offers an Associate in Arts program in history that can be completed entirely online. This is considered a very transfer friendly program, though they are clear that you should contact the four-year institution and determine what you need to get out of this program to effectively make the transfer. The entire program can be completed in 61-63 credit hours. Graduates of the program will be able to hone an in-depth understanding of the American historical heritage as well as western historical heritage. They will also be able to have an awareness of at least one non-western culture. Embedded in the curriculum is a focus on analyzing recent historical literature in historical journals. In addition, there are many historical electives to choose from. Students will write historical reports using the University of Chicago Style. This program is offered through the Department of Social and Behavioral Science.
Degree: A.A. in History
Georgia Highlands College offers an associate degree in history online. This offering comes from the School of Social Sciences. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, also known as SACS. Most of their courses offer a broad overview of historical events and topics, though they do have several classes that are survey oriented. This includes topics such as world history, United States History, and Western Civilization. They also offer specialized classes such as the history of minorities in the United States, as well as a variety of interdisciplinary studies courses. Critical thinking skills are a big emphasis in this program. Many people who have undergone this program have gone on to four-year institutions of higher learning to pursue a bachelor’s degree education in subjects such as history, among others. Most people complete this course of study in two years.
Degree: A.A. in History
5
Lansing Community College
Lansing Community College offers an associate degree in history online program. In fact, they offer three different programs; one being the AA in history, one in American Studies, and an AA in African American History. This program prepares students to engage in a career related to research, writing, and analysis. Students in this program will have access to a variety of scholarship opportunities. There are student life offerings even for online students including access to clubs and organizations. All three of these programs have a variety of strat dates including one on January 11. The classes are all built to be transferable. The entire course of study can be completed in four online semesters. This program is very veteran-friendly; they also offer a welcoming environment to first-time college students and international students. Students and prospective students have access to advising even prior to matriculation.
Degree: A.A. in History
6
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Minnesota State Community and Technical College offers an associate of arts program in history that is delivered online. This online associate’s degree in history is designed to be a transfer pathway, enabling graduates to easily matriculate into a four-year history program. The entire course of study is made up of 60 credit hours. Twenty-one credits are set aside for restricted electives in course types. Some of the required courses include: college writing, western civilization: ancient to 1600s, western civilizations:1600 to present, American history 1877, writing about literature, writing about current issues, and professional and technical writing. Other required coursework includes public speaking and the history of social and behavioral sciences. Minnesota State is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Graduates of the program will be able to show a broad and deep understanding of historical events. They will also be able to understand diverse perspectives on history.
Degree: A.A. in History
7
Cowley College
Cowley College offers an associate degree in history online. This course of study is made up of 63 credit hours. The required classes include: principles of sociology, general psychology, American National Government, US History Since 1865, US History Since 1877, World History I, World History II, Principles of Microeconomics, and Principles of Macroeconomics. Many people who participate in this program are interested in pursuing a path of becoming a history teacher. Many people use this associate’s degree program as a foundation in research as well as other disciplines like politics and government. There is coursework that is designed to be appropriate for this trajectory. Students have access to Cowley’s Career Services support resources that can help them to find an appropriate four-year program that is appropriate for their particular interests and goals. This program is offered through its social sciences department.
Degree: A.A. in History
8
Alexandria Technical and Community College
Alexandria Technical and Community College offers an online associate degree in history. This program is expressly designed as a transfer pathway. They make it easy to seamlessly matriculate into the bachelor of arts or the bachelor of science program at Bemidji State, their partner institution. They have agreements with a myriad of other institutions of higher learning, ensuring that graduates will have an easy time transferring. Some of the classes students can choose from include: public speaking, interpersonal communication, technical writing, compositions, chemistry, consumer economics and finance, human sexuality, sociology of popular culture, prehistoric to gothic art, among many others. This program is considered a statewide resource. There are many college services that students have access to, including to support them with transfer procedures. The program can be completed with a minimum of 40 credit hours. This is less than many of their counterparts.
Degree: A.A. in History
9
Sinclair Community College
Sinclair Community College offers an associate of arts in history that is delivered entirely online. This online associate’s degree in history is made up of a minimum of 61 credit hours. The course of study is situated in the division of liberal arts, communication, and social sciences. Completion of this program guarantees students entrance to any public institution of higher learning in the state of Ohio. The coursework emphasizes an interdependence of world cultures among other topics pertinent to the development of cultures and societies. This is based on the Ohio Transfer Module. Some of the classes offered in this program include: introduction to software applications, English composition, western civilizations, first-year experience, Ohio transfer module: social and behavioral science electives, Ohio transfer module: natural and physical sciences elective, and associates in art electives. There are financial aid opportunities available to students in this program.
Degree: A.A. in History
The Truckee Meadows Community College offers an associate of arts in history program. This is an online history associate’s degree. The intention behind this program is expressly to offer a thorough platform to support students to transfer to a four-year degree program in history or related fields. They have a partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno that enables students to seamless transfer. Students will learn how to effectively evaluate arguments and interpretations from a historical perspective, interpret evidence that is located in primary sources in order to develop historical arguments that are based on the available evidence. They will also be able to write essays that are of historical content that are grammatical sound as well as coherent. In order to pass this program, students must achieve a 2.0 or above on all of their coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours within the college.
Degree: A.A. in History
11
Allen College
Allen College offers an associate degree in history online. This course of study is designed expressly for students to transfer to a four-year bachelor’s program upon completion. Most students either continue on in the discipline of history or a related humanities path. This degree can aid in building a foundation in a career such as an archivist, analyst, broadcaster, intelligence agent, foundation staffer, campaign worker, congressional aid, information specialist, lobbyist, intelligence agent, researcher, public relations, museum staffer, and teacher. The curriculum offers a synthesis of general education and history that will prepare students to meet the requirements of many four year institutions. This degree path will enable graduates to make an easy transition. This program is offered through the Department of Social/ Behavioral Sciences/ Humanities. The primary faculty member is a history and political science instructor who has a Ph.D. from Kansas University.
Degree: A.A. in History
12
Rowan College at Burlington County
Rowan College at Burlington County offers an online history associate’s degree program. This program offers a foundation of the transformations people have undergone over time and how that has related to human societies. Coursework will allow students to look deeply at global struggles and evaluate the heritages that makeup societies. Graduates of the program will be prepared to pursue careers in journalism, law, public relations, business, archives, international relations, and historical societies. Completing the program requires students to undergo 60 credit hours. The majority of the credit hours make up the general education coursework. The courses that specifically relate to the program include: United States History, Modern European History, African American History, American Civil War and Reconstruction, New Jersey History, Renaissance and Reformation (1300-1700), Islamic Civilization, Modern Brittain, among others. The program is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The program is a member of many related organizations.
Degree: A.A. in History
13
Front Range Community College
Front Range Community College offers an associate degree in history online. Not only is this program offered entirely online, but students can take traditional in-person classes at the following campuses Westminster, Boulder, Larimer. This is only if they are interested in a little face time, but there is no requirement to step onto campus for coursework. This program was designed to support students to transfer to a four-year bachelor’s program at a variety of institutions of higher learning. This includes partnerships with schools such as: Adams State University, Western State Colorado University, Colorado Mesa University, University of Northern Colorado, Colorado State University-Fort Collins, University of Colorado-Denver, Colorado State University-Pueblo, among others. This program is known for offering personal attention, as the average class size is 17 students. The tuition in this program is known for being one of the more affordable options.
Degree: A.A. in History
14
Volunteer State Community College
Volunteer State Community, also known as Vol State, offers an online associate degree in history. This is offered through the department of economics, geography, history, and political science. This course of study works with students to develop a complex understanding of the relationships between societies and cultures. Students should be able to complete this program within a two year time period. Most graduates have goals of completing a four-year program in the fields of history, education, and law. The classes are required to be transferable through the Tennessee Transfer Pathway. They suggest that prospective students contact an advisor the understand the transfer options and possibilities prior to beginning the program. There is plenty of advising support throughout the process. The two areas of emphasis in this program include modern world history and early world history. The entire course of study is made up of 60 credit hours.
Degree: A.A. in History
15
Tulsa Community College
Tulsa Community College offers an online history associate’s degree program. Though you can take this program entirely online, if you are craving some time on-campus time, you take classes at the following campuses: west, metro, northeast, and southeast. The coursework trains students to understand and evaluate the foundational historical events that have to impact the course of history. Students will be able to explain factors such as geography, religion, ethnicity, race, and region and how they have impacted history. This course of study is made up of 60 credit hours. They ask that prospective students are able to demonstrate proficiency with computers and technology to be successful candidates for the program. Students have access to a variety of organizations including: student historical society, the African American student association, the Muslim student alliance, the Hispanic student association, the international student association, the native American student alliance, and the student government association. This program is offered through Tulsa Community College’s School of Liberal Arts and Communication.
Degree: A.A. in History
16
Coastline Community College
Coastline Community College offers an associate of arts in history program through their Social Sciences Department. This online history associate’s degree is rooted in storytelling from a variety of perspectives. They have a course of study that is specifically geared towards those who are interested in transferring into a four-year degree program in a related topic. This could be history or another humanities-based discipline. Many people who engage in this program are interested in pursuing a career in communications, law, teaching, librarianship, public administration, public service, research, and government careers, among many others. This program is known for being affordable, while still offering many financial aid opportunities to their students. This degree pathway will help students get a deeper understanding of the modern world by learning the lineage of stories that led civilization and societies to the current moment. Students will leave with a background in interpersonal communications as well as the general education and history coursework that is relevant.
Degree: A.A. in History
17
Lake Superior College
Lake Superior College offers an associate of arts in history that is considered one of the best of its kind. This associate’s degree in history online offers a transfer pathway that prepares students to engage in a bachelor’s degree program in history following this achievement. In fact, Lake Superior College has partnerships with multiple colleges in the state of Minnesota, where students are guaranteed matriculation upon completion. The entire course of study is built on the completion of 60 credit hours. They encourage students to register early, so they are able to get into all of the classes they need to transfer. They offer complex advising for students to determine the best path forward for their specific situation. Many general education courses will be met in this program, including college composition, communications courses, a class called the first-year experience, and a number of elective courses. Some elective options include: world history since 1945, Minnesota history, and world politics and global history.
Degree: A.A. in History
Regent University offers an associate of arts in history program. Their motto is Look into the Past to Build the Future. The entire course of study is made up of a minimum of 64 credit hours, though many people complete more. This is an associates degree in history online will offer students a framework of understanding a myriad of historical events and time periods that will help to grasp a myriad of global perspectives and cultures. Students will study economics and western civilizations in great depth. One thing that sets this program apart from many others is the fact that it offers a Christian worldview and perspective within all of its teachings. The core courses include: US history to 1877, US history from 1877, the western civilization I, western civilization II, world history I, and world history II. Students have access to many financial aid options for this program.
Degree: A.A. in History
19
Montgomery County Community College
Montgomery County Community College offers an associate of arts in history that was designed to be the perfect fit for those who are ultimately interested in transferring into a bachelor’s program. This is an associate’s degree in history online that is built on the completion of a minimum of 62 credit hours. Students can participate in this program on a full-time or part-time basis. The major requirements include the history of western civilization, history of western civilization II: from 1500, history of US to 1877, history of US from 1877, introduction to political science or American national government. General education coursework is embedded in the programming. Students will take classes such as foreign language requirements, introduction to sociology or anthropology, English composition, public speaking, among others. There are many scholarships and additional financial aid opportunities for students in this program. If you are interested in an inquiry-based trajectory that addresses research and analysis, this could be the perfect fit for you.
Degree: AA in History
20
Community College of Aurora
The Community College of Aurora offers an associate degree in history online that is designed to be a transfer major. This pathway is expressly designed for students who are interested in participating in the first two years at a community college and then transferring to a four-year bachelor’s program. The entire course of study is made up of a minimum of 60 credit hours. The general education requirements make up 34 of the 60 credit hours. Students have access to classes such as American Indian history, 20th-century world history, women in US history, and the history of Latin America. Many people engage in this program if they are considering going into a career path such as: law, business, marketing, media, education, and many more. In this course of study, students will learn the skills to analyze, research, communicate, among a variety of communication and leadership skills.
Degree: A.A. in History
Liberty University, a leading Christian evangelical institution of higher learning, offers an online history associate’s degree. This program is designed to be both flexible and convenient as well as transfer-friendly. The coursework is delivered entirely online with no on-campus requirements. The entire program is made up of 60 credit hours. Students can complete the program in one and a half year’s time. Liberty is fully accredited by SACSCOC. Some of the featured courses in this program include: introduction to geography, history of western civilization II, historical methodology, and survey of American history. All of the courses provide a historical foundation of the United States from a Christian perspective. All of the classes are delivered in eight-week modules. One of the perks of the program is that it is easy on the pocketbook. This is known for being an affordable option.
Degree: A.A. in History
Tyler Junior College offers an associate of arts program in history that is delivered entirely online. Students can also choose to take classes in person if they are interested. Most people that participate in this online history associate’s degree are interested in pursuing a career in journalism, publishing, law, education, politics, business, among many others. This program was designed to offer a foundation for students who want to transfer to a four-year bachelor’s program upon completion. The liberal arts foundation of this course of study will support a seamless transfer. The major courses include: United States History, Texas History, Western Civilization, academic cooperative, physical geography, among others. The entire course of study is made up of 60 credit hours, 44 of which is the core curriculum. Students will gain a general education framework that will support them to succeed in a history degree program or another pathway if they so choose.
Degree: A.A. in History
23
Mohave Community College
Mohave Community College offers an associate degree in history online program. This course of study was designed for students who are interested in transferring to a four-year bachelor’s degree program upon completion of an associate’s. The program offers a great deal of support. They ask that prospective students work with an advisor to ensure they are choosing the right course trajectory for their personal and academic goals. The coursework in this program is designed to be especially flexible. The program is fully accredited by the higher learning commission. The program is known for being affordable with many financial aid opportunities for students. Many people participate in this program with the goal of achieving a career in social and behavioral fields, the social sciences, and history. This includes human services, substance abuse, child family services, community organizing, government, and more.
Degree: A.A. in History
24
Crafton Hills College
Crafton Hills College offers an associate of arts in history that is delivered entirely online. This online associate’s degree in history was designed for students who are on the path to transfer to a four-year bachelor’s degree program upon completion. Many people in this program are interested in investing in careers in fields such as government, education, social services, humanities-related, among many others. The flexible online format of this program enables students to be able to complete their coursework while still working full time. In the program, students will learn how to analyze the impact and multiple causes of historical events. They will also learn how to analyze actions that have impacted the present moment. Students will also learn the ways that history dictates keys and understandings of humanity. Students will also be able to get in-depth perspectives on the unraveling of historical evidence that inform today’s truths.
Degree: AA in History
College of Southern Nevada offers an associate of arts program in history that can be achieved entirely online. This associate’s degree in history online is designed to be both flexible and convenient, supporting students to achieve their education while working full time and attending to other life responsibilities. This course of study was also designed to be a transfer pathway for those who are interested in matriculating into a four-year bachelor’s program upon completion. College of Southern Nevada has partnerships with four-year schools that work with graduates of this program to seamlessly matriculate. The coursework is made up of 60 credit hours, 37 of which are general education classes. The topics embedded into the curriculum include economics, politics, social and political trends, and the constitution among many others. Some of the classes offered in this program include: US history to 1877, US history from 1877, Nevada history, introduction to historical method, among others.
Degree: A.A. in History
Why Should I Get My History Associate’s Degree Online?
The above list highlights several programs that have unique learning opportunities for those interested in getting an online associate degree in history. While there are so many reasons to get a degree, we want to highlight some exceptional reasons to get an associate’s in history. While an associate’s degree is a stepping stone to an advanced degree there are still some entry-level options for those that pursue that route. An associate degree in history online is a great option for working individuals that are paying for school out-of-pocket. Going through an associate’s program can not only introduce you to a major before committing to a four-year degree, but it will also decrease the cost of obtaining your general education courses. There are several institutions that offer a bachelor’s in history. Another reason to get an online history associate’s degree is you can develop standing with renowned institutions of higher learning if your GPA out of high school was low. Starting an online program is a guaranteed solution for cutting costs on a bachelor’s course of study. A history associate’s can be just the start for a future educator, as programs in history can lead to teaching degrees in history, social studies, in private, or public institutions.
What Will I Learn in a History Associate’s Degree Program?
An associate degree in history student will explore the arts and humanities of the major with courses like anthropology and world studies. There are a lot of topics to cover in history. Especially in the early stages of the degree. An associate’s degree in history requires taking English, math, and communications, and general education courses as prerequisites prior to taking major courses. The key aspects of teaching in an online associate’s degree are the introduction of the foundations of history starting with the US history government and an introduction to the historical method. As a history major learning how to compile research and disseminate information is the groundwork for this focus of learning. Another valuable concept taught in an online associate in the history program is how to analyze the causation of certain events in history and their impact on how we function as a society today.
How Much Can I Make with an Associate’s in History?
Assessing the potential salary for an associate’s degree in history can lead you in a lot of different directions. The favorable goal for individuals seeking an associate’s degree is to transfer the progress to a bachelor’s and then on to a Master’s program related to their field of study, namely history. However, for the time being with an associate degree, graduates can teach, work as entry-level management in some businesses. There are even some creative applications to a history degree. According to payscale, a history research associate can make up to $53, 511. With an associate in history, graduates can qualify as an entry-level assistant position or apprentice, as well as researchers. With this degree how much you make depends greatly on the specialization of the program you choose. Joining a teaching program after an associate degree is also another way to get a salaried position with an associate’s degree.
Related:
What Can I Do with a Associate’s in History?
What Can I Do with a Bachelor’s in History?