online bachelor's degree of history
Summer term classes start in June.
100% online learning.
Earn your degree on your schedule
$459 per credit hour.
$250 military preferred cost per credit
127 total credit hours.
earn a versatile degree as a history major.
The History program offers a foundational degree in the study of history. You will learn about the people, moments, and ideas that have shaped our world, as well as the varied perspectives they represent. Along the way, you will enhance your ability to think critically, research analytically, and argue persuasively. Whether you go into a more discipline-specific field like teaching or museum curation, or into the broader world of law, community organizing, social services, marketing, project management, governmental work, or beyond, a History degree equips you with the analytical and communication skills you will need to thrive. Whatever path you choose, the process of learning to understand our past is also one that will help you build your future.
Build essential career skills along the way to your history degree.
Discover what it means to be a researcher, scholar and problem solver. Prepare for a wide range of opportunities, from pre-law and political science to careers in public and private enterprises.
- Enhanced written and oral communication skills
- Evidence-based, analytical thinking
- Ability to research and synthesize information
- Ability to communicate and defend research-based conclusions
Follow a path for aspiring history teachers in secondary education.
By following our BS in Education program option, you can advance toward secondary-level teacher certification with an endorsement in history. This option combines a professional education component in addition to an endorsement in one or more subjects and student teaching. Check out the requirements for teaching endorsements here.
what you'll learn.
In this program, you’ll learn to think critically about the past—analyzing historical trends, interpretations, and evidence to better understand today’s world.
upon graduation, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate historical knowledge.
- Use sources to explore historical questions.
- Communicate historical arguments.
Awards
Bellevue Stories
History degree courses
Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.
This program is intended to attract individuals seeking a foundational degree in the study of the history of Western Civilization. The degree will serve students seeking employment in a variety of professions including park services, museum curatorship, historical societies, and international relations. Students wishing to study advanced degrees in education, political science, or law will also find this degree highly useful.
Requirements (30 credit hours)
This course introduces students to world history from the earliest civilizations to 1500 CE. The course emphasizes histories of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and includes histories of Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. Primary focus is on the historical significance of political, economic, demographic, religious, and cultural developments.
This course introduces students to world history from 1500 CE to modern times. The course emphasizes histories of Europe, Asia, and North America and includes histories of Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Oceania. Primary focus is on the historical significance of political, economic, demographic, and cultural changes.
This course examines major developments in America from the precolonial period through Reconstruction. The course will explore both the story of American history and the big concepts behind it, through the lens of shifting ideas of freedom.
This course examines major developments in America from the end of Reconstruction through modern times. The course will explore both the story of American history and the big concepts behind it, through the lens of shifting ideas of freedom.
This course presents an in-depth examination of the history of the state of Nebraska and the surrounding region. The class focuses on the influence of Native American populations and the early periods of American settlement, as well as the social and economic development of the state.
This course provides an in-depth examination of the sectional conflicts which resulted in the Civil War, the War itself, and the period of Reconstruction which followed. Primary emphasis will be placed on the causes and impact of the War and the problems associated with the post-war settlement.
This course provides a detailed study of the significant developments in America from the end of World War II to the end of the Cold War. Primary emphasis will be placed on the Cold War, McCarthyism, the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam, and the Counter Culture.
This course is an in-depth analysis and examination of the systematic, state-sponsored murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. Attention is directed to the Holocaust experience, the context of that experience, the response to the Holocaust, and its implications for our understanding of the human condition.
This course provides an intensive examination of World War II from an international perspective. The course focuses on such topics as collaboration, resistance, economic mobilization, social change, diplomatic relations, the Holocaust, and the course of the War. Greater emphasis is placed on the European theater.
This course is designed to introduce students to the social and political foundations of Eastern civilization from a historical perspective. Key themes to be examined will include the role of religion and philosophy in the development of Asian cultures, the role of China as a dominant influence on the region's history, and shifting relationships between Asia and the West.
This course introduces students to the broad social and political movements that have helped shaped the evolution of Western societies. The class will include examination of industrialization, the Enlightenment, and the technological revolution, with a focus on their impact on social and political development. Concepts such as democratization, gender and race relations, the social contract, and the Just War Tradition will also be explored.
Choose any 6 courses from the following:
This course presents an in-depth examination of the history of the state of Nebraska and the surrounding region. The class focuses on the influence of Native American populations and the early periods of American settlement, as well as the social and economic development of the state.
This course provides an in-depth examination of the sectional conflicts which resulted in the Civil War, the War itself, and the period of Reconstruction which followed. Primary emphasis will be placed on the causes and impact of the War and the problems associated with the post-war settlement.
This course provides a detailed study of the significant developments in America from the end of World War II to the end of the Cold War. Primary emphasis will be placed on the Cold War, McCarthyism, the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam, and the Counter Culture.
This course is an in-depth analysis and examination of the systematic, state-sponsored murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. Attention is directed to the Holocaust experience, the context of that experience, the response to the Holocaust, and its implications for our understanding of the human condition.
This course provides an intensive examination of World War II from an international perspective. The course focuses on such topics as collaboration, resistance, economic mobilization, social change, diplomatic relations, the Holocaust, and the course of the War. Greater emphasis is placed on the European theater.
This course is designed to introduce students to the social and political foundations of Eastern civilization from a historical perspective. Key themes to be examined will include the role of religion and philosophy in the development of Asian cultures, the role of China as a dominant influence on the region's history, and shifting relationships between Asia and the West.
This course introduces students to the broad social and political movements that have helped shaped the evolution of Western societies. The class will include examination of industrialization, the Enlightenment, and the technological revolution, with a focus on their impact on social and political development. Concepts such as democratization, gender and race relations, the social contract, and the Just War Tradition will also be explored.
Kirkpatrick Signature Series Requirements (9 credit hours)
In addition to the Major Requirements, all Bellevue University students must complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series.
This course focuses on the political and philosophical traditions of the American republic, especially as embedded in the ideals, values, traditions, founding documents, and institutions of the United States , and considers how these traditions relate to individual citizenship and global society. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course focuses on the creative tensions that exist between the forces of tradition and change as the country undergoes social, cultural, and political change. It considers the manner in which change can renew the vitality of a republic. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course examines civic engagement in relation to individual freedoms and responsibilities. It fosters engaged citizens, empowered to effect positive change. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
Integrative General Education Credits
Major Requirements Credits
Elective Credits
= 127 total credits*
General Education Courses
Take general education courses that do more than fill a requirement. At Bellevue University, these courses build foundational skills that apply to any career—critical thinking, qualitative reasoning, and ethical leadership. And, you can take courses individually or in course clusters, which connect three courses around one theme, building skills as you go.
About general education requirements >Elective Courses
Our broad selection of electives allows you to select courses related to your major or expand your perspective in other areas of interest.
University Accreditation
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ( hlcommission.org ), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students receiving financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.
This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.
*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.
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Dedicated online student support.
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Engaging online learning.
Enjoy interactive courses designed for real-world application, with multimedia content, discussions, and hands-on projects.
grow with faculty who’ve been where you are.