BA in History Online

A history degree from SMSU builds the analytical writing, research, and critical thinking skills that transfer across a wide range of industries, including law, government policy, intelligence analysis, nonprofit leadership, corporate communications, and human resources. Many history graduates go on to work in roles that don’t carry “historian” in the title but rely heavily on the ability to evaluate evidence, construct arguments, and communicate clearly. If you’re still exploring which path fits your goals, connect with an enrollment advisor to discuss how the program aligns with your career interests.

Beyond historian and curator roles, history graduates pursue careers as paralegals, policy analysts, archivists, records managers, corporate trainers, journalists, and public affairs specialists. Salaries vary widely by role and sector. Roles like archivist and museum curator are projected to grow 10% through 2032, faster than average, reflecting strong demand for trained professionals who can manage and interpret historical records.

For students who want to develop rigorous analytical and communication skills without taking on excessive debt, SMSU’s online BA in History offers one of the more affordable paths available — at $323.30 per credit hour with in-state tuition extended to all students regardless of residency. The program’s flexibility (fully online, 3 starts per year) also means working adults can progress toward a degree without sacrificing income, which significantly improves the return on investment compared to a traditional on-campus model. Use the tuition calculator to estimate your actual out-of-pocket cost after financial aid.

The 2–4 year range largely depends on how many transfer credits you bring in. SMSU accepts transfer credits from prior college coursework, which can significantly compress your timeline. A student entering with 60 transferable credits would typically need around two years of additional coursework to complete the 120-credit requirement. With three program starts per year and 16-week terms, you have multiple entry points and a flexible pace that can be adjusted based on your schedule. Contact an enrollment specialist to get a personalized credit evaluation before you apply.

History is consistently ranked among the strongest pre-law undergraduate majors because it trains students to read closely, reason from evidence, and write persuasively — the same skills tested on the LSAT and expected in law school coursework. SMSU’s curriculum reinforces this through HIST 301: Historiography, which teaches students how to evaluate and construct scholarly arguments using primary and secondary sources, as well as a capstone course that mirrors the kind of independent research expected at the graduate level. Students interested in continuing their education after graduation should also explore SMSU’s full program catalog to identify related graduate-level options.

Yes, SMSU’s online BA in History is designed for working adults. Coursework is delivered asynchronously, meaning there are no required live sessions, and you can complete assignments on a schedule that fits around your job and personal commitments. You also have flexibility in when you begin and can adjust your course load each term based on availability. 

You don’t have to start from scratch. SMSU accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, and previously earned credits can count toward your 120-credit degree requirement, potentially saving you significant time and money. Whether you attended another school years ago or have recent community college coursework, an enrollment advisor can review your transcripts and help you understand exactly where you stand. Start your application or contact a Student Engagement Specialist to schedule a transcript evaluation.