Top Online History PhDs: Shape the Future by Studying the Past
Learn how diving into the past while earning an online history PhD can be a jumping-off point to an exciting career and a gateway to history without leaving home.
Earning your Doctor of Philosophy in History can be a powerful way to build a career rooted in your love for the past. If you’re a budding historian, you may be wondering how to turn that passion into a viable profession, and how graduate school fits into that journey.
Fortunately, an online PhD in history can offer both intellectual fulfillment and professional opportunity.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports faster-than-average job growth for archivists and curators, making history-related careers increasingly in demand. Still, not all programs offer the same structure, flexibility, or specialization, so understanding your options is key.
Online History PhD Program Spotlights
The best online PhD in history for you will depend on factors like your intended research area, timeline, and financial needs. To help you start your search, here are three standout programs that combine academic quality, flexibility, and student support.
Arizona State University (ASU)
Arizona State University, the flagship university of Arizona, offers both online and in-person history PhD pathways through its ASU Online division. Students in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies can specialize in North American, European, global, or public history.
Program Highlights:
- 84-credit program
- Flexible course scheduling
- Independent research built into the curriculum
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Personal statement
- Required materials listed by the program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in the final 60 credits of your bachelor’s program
Cornell University
Cornell University’s highly competitive PhD in History includes a flexible residency-hybrid format. Students must complete six semesters on campus, with remaining requirements completed remotely. The program emphasizes a global approach to historical study.
Admission Requirements:
- Proficiency in at least one non-English language
- At least one semester of teaching (which may also fund your studies)
- Writing sample
- Three letters of recommendation
- Standard application materials
George Mason University (GMU)
George Mason University offers a partially online hybrid PhD with a specialization in digital humanities. Students can major in American, European, or world history, and choose minors in areas like political, military, cultural, or religious history. Coursework also incorporates data analysis and software development for historical research.
Admissions Requirements:
- Graduate school application
- Writing sample
- Three letters of recommendation
- Optional GRE
- Statement of goals outlining historical interests
Online History PhD Timeline
Timelines vary widely depending on whether you’re studying full- or part-time, but most online PhD programs take 3 to 6+ years. Below is a general overview of what you can expect each year.
Year 1
You’ll complete foundational coursework, such as:
- Core U.S., European, and world history classes
- Research methodology
- Electives that support your developing interests
This is also the time to start brainstorming your research specialty and dissertation ideas.
Year 2
Your second year typically completes your required coursework. You’ll also:
- Prepare for qualifying or comprehensive exams (program-dependent)
- Begin forming your dissertation proposal
Year 3
This phase may include:
- Taking candidacy exams
- Presenting a dissertation proposal
- Submitting a writing sample to advance to candidacy
Some programs award a master’s degree once you reach candidacy.
Year 4
As a doctoral candidate, you’ll dive into archival research and interviews, gathering primary materials for your dissertation.
Year 5
This is often the “ABD” stage: All But Dissertation. You’ll work closely with your advisor to draft and refine your dissertation chapters.
Year 6
Most students finish writing and begin preparing for their dissertation defense. In online programs, your defense may be held via video conference.
After a successful defense . . . congratulations, Doctor!
Specializations in History: Your When, Where, and Why
Doctoral studies are deeply specialized. As you develop your dissertation topic, common specialization areas include:
- American History: Topics range from pre-colonial Native American history to modern political and social movements.
- Ancient History: Focus on civilizations like Greece, Rome, China, Mesopotamia, and others.
- Military History: Study wars, military technology, and the societal impact of conflict.
- History of Religion: Explore how faith traditions develop and influence societies across time.
- Modern History: Covers events from the 1500s to today, including eras like the Renaissance or World Wars.
Accreditation & Online PhDs in History
Accreditation ensures your degree is recognized and credible. While the field of history has no subject-specific accrediting body, universities must hold regional accreditation to award doctoral degrees. Always confirm a school’s accreditation status before applying.
Common Areas of Online History PhD Programs
Although programs vary, they generally include the same major components:
Coursework
About two years of advanced study, including:
- Required seminars
- Electives in your specialization
- Research and writing courses
Preliminary Research & Dissertation Proposal
You’ll conduct early research, choose a topic, and write a proposal that must be approved before candidacy.
Teaching Experience
Many programs require students to assist or lead undergraduate courses, sometimes as part of funding packages.
Dissertation & Research
You’ll conduct extensive original research using primary sources, culminating in a multi-hundred-page dissertation and final defense.
What You’ll Learn in an Online History Graduate Program
Here are common courses you may encounter:
Historiography
Study how historians interpret events and how the discipline evolves over time.
Public History Methodology
Learn how history is shared beyond academia, including museums, libraries, and public programs.
Research Methods
Develop archival research skills and learn how to conduct interviews and evaluate primary sources.
Data Analysis for History
Use STEM tools to analyze historical data sets such as demographic records or economic data.
Foreign Language
Many programs require reading knowledge of at least one foreign language.
Tuition and Financial Aid for History PhD Programs
A PhD is a significant time and financial investment. Many schools offer:
- Full or partial funding
- Fellowships
- Teaching or research assistantships
- Scholarships and grants
Below are approximate tuition ranges for selected programs:
What Your Online History Degree Could Cost
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | PhD in History | 84 | $50,248-$105,984 |
| Cornell University | History PhD | Varies | $104,000 |
| George Mason University | PhD in History | 72 | $56,808-$116,640 |
Careers for History PhD Graduates
Graduates pursue careers in academia, museums, government agencies, and cultural organizations. Here are common roles:
| Job Title | Median Pay | 90th Percentile Pay | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historian | $74,050 | $128,500 | 2% |
| Archivist | $57,100 | $98,490 | 6% |
| Professor | $83,980 | $199,520 | 7% |
| High School Teacher | $64,580 | $104,670 | -2% |
| Museum Curator | $57,100 | $98,490 | 6% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
FAQs About Online History PhD Programs
What are some of the benefits of earning my PhD online?
Studying for your history PhD online is not only convenient but also can save you money, as you’ll be spared the hassle of moving or commuting to campus. An online PhD can be highly flexible, so if you want to work while you study, or prefer a part-time program that fits in your professional schedule, both of these are entirely doable.
In addition, you’ll save the costs of relocating to campus and can more easily balance your studies with personal or family responsibilities.
Are online History PhD programs more affordable than in-person programs?
The affordability of any given PhD program in history will vary significantly, whether online or in-person, based on a few different factors. Online doctoral programs are often more affordable than in-person doctorates, due in part to the lack of relocation costs.
But, factors like fellowships and scholarships can heavily impact the cost of any history PhD and can vary significantly from year- to-year and student-to-student.
How long does it take to earn a History PhD degree online?
PhDs are generally the longest degree to earn. They are the most advanced degree available in history, and that’s reflected in the requirements, including producing a piece of original research.
However, timelines can vary, and some accelerated online history PhDs can take as little as one year to complete. Still, there are others that can take six years or more, especially if you’re studying part-time or have an especially ambitious dissertation to research.
What are some common admission requirements for online History PhD programs?
While the admission requirements will vary from school to school, many will want you to have an accredited master’s degree, and all will want you to have an accredited undergraduate degree.
Beyond that, requirements are likely to include a personal statement, a writing sample, official transcripts and a resume, and one to three letters of recommendation. GRE scores may also be required, although many programs treat those as optional.
What are some common fields you can study alongside your online history PhD core courses?
In addition to your core courses, your online PhD in history will likely feature the opportunity to choose electives. Many of these may be more specialized history courses, but it is also common in some programs to be able to take courses in sociology, psychology, foreign languages, or digital humanities.
You may also be able to audit courses that are relevant to your degree, even if they’re not part of your program.
Resources for Online History PhD Students
- American Historical Association
The largest and best-known professional organization for historians in the United States, the American Historical Association, or AHA, puts out published research and holds academic conferences. - Organization of American Historians
Dating back more than 100 years to its founding in 1907, the Organization of American Historians, or OAH, is a professional organization for those who study and teach American history. - National Council on Public History
For over 40 years, the National Council on Public History, or NCPH, has served as a diverse professional organization for academics, heritage professionals, and others interested in public history. - World History Association
Founded in 1982, the World History Association, or WHA, is an academic organization that encourages the teaching and study of world history at all levels of academia and education. - American Association for State and Local History
A nonprofit, the American Association for State and Local History, or AASLH, is a membership organization which sponsors conferences, professional development, and more.