A distance learning history degree may be obtained by enrolling in an academic program offered by an accredited institution. Students can study history online and earn associate’s, bachelor’s and graduate degrees. History degree programs typically require a specific number of credit hours in general education courses, core history courses, as well as a small number of electives. A distance learning approach to obtaining a history degree may, in some cases, be more cost-effective than attending classes on campus.
Students can obtain history degrees online by applying to academic programs offering two-year, four-year, and graduate degrees. An associate’s degree in history requires a high school diploma or equivalent. This degree can be applied, in most cases, toward a bachelor’s degree program. In the case of online graduate degrees in history, the requirement is usually successful completion of a bachelor’s degree with a specified minimum undergraduate grade point average. Some online graduate degree programs will also require a minimum score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a similar exam.
Getting a distance learning history degree usually requires successful completion of a specific curriculum. This typically includes study of general education courses in writing, literature, humanities, mathematics, science, and social studies. The core courses relevant to the history degree will usually include options from American, European, ancient, and global history. Students are usually also allowed to take a small number of elective courses in their individual areas of interest. Many distance learning courses will also require a fundamental course in online learning, usually offered at the outset of the program.
The objective of a distance learning history degree is to broaden students’ knowledge about historical events and forces through a program that accommodates students’ schedules and other life circumstances. In an online history degree program, students are exposed to the same concepts as in a traditional program. They are often asked to compare and contrast historical events across time and nations. Some programs expose students to diverse cultures and perspectives through a study of art and architectural history as well.
A distance learning history degree is sometimes more convenient and cost-effective than traditional classroom instruction. Some online colleges offering degree programs in history do not have residency requirements that impact the cost of tuition. In this case, students can reside in a different state and possibly benefit from lower tuition costs than by attending a local college or university. Some distance learning history degree programs also offer more flexible scheduling by starting classes on a monthly basis rather than the traditional semester college system.