Bachelor of Science
History Degree
Build essential skills to better understand our evolving, global world.
History Degree
Earn a versatile degree as a history major.
The study of history is valuable, interesting and essential to understanding our world. It’s also a great way to leverage your existing credits efficiently. With just 10 major courses, you can follow a faster path to earning your degree and have ample room for your choice of elective courses which complement your history degree. History majors have found professions in the park services, museums, historical societies and in international relations. Some go on to pursue advanced degrees in education, political science or law.
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.
See how a history degree can help shape your future. Take the next step.
Courses
What You’ll Learn
At completion of the Bachelor of Science in History graduates will be prepared to:
- Interpret analytical approaches used in the study of history.
- Assess and compare historical trends across temporal and regional areas of study.
- Differentiate and defend social and political interpretations of the past using historical evidence.
- Apply critical thinking to the application of historical analysis to current events.
- Analyze social concepts (i.e., gender, ethnicity, culture) across eras of historical study.
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)
(Click a course name below to view course details) Unless noted, all courses are 3 credit hours.
This course introduces students to world history from the earliest civilizations to 1500 AD. 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 AD 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 the major developments in America from the founding of the early colonies through the Reconstruction Era. Primary focus is placed on those concepts that have shaped the nation such as Constitutionalism, slavery, individualism, and Covenant among others.
This course examines the major developments in America from the period of the Industrial Revolution through modern times. Primary focus is placed on those concepts that have shaped the nation such as the free market, civil rights, Cold War, the role of government, and conformity among others.
This course presents an in-depth examination of the history of the state of Nebraska and the surrounding region. Primary emphasis will be placed 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, Viet Nam, and the Counter Culture.
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 the evolution of Asia through its interaction with the West.
This course is designed to introduce students to the broad social and political movements that have helped shaped the evolution of Western civilization. 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.
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).
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with 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.
Get credit for what you’ve earned.
Accelerate your path to earning a degree.
Thanks to our generous credit transfer policy, you can avoid retaking the classes you’ve already completed, and chip away at the credit requirements you need to complete your degree.
- Already have an associate degree? You could accelerate your bachelor's degree completion. Transfer your full associate degree or even your A.A.S.*
- You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.
Finish Faster
*Acceptance of transfer credits is always subject to official transfer credit evaluation by Bellevue University.
Format
100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.
Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.
Don’t spend time digging. Find all your coursework in one place.
Almost all of the learning and reference materials in this History Degree program are embedded directly into the online curriculum. So, when all you have is a short time to study, you can get straight to work.
Tuition & Financial Aid
It’s more affordable than you think.
Earning a degree is an investment in yourself, and we want to help you make sure it’s a wise one with a generous credit transfer policy and competitive tuition rates.
2024 / 2025 Academic Year
$449 Online Cost Per Credit $250 Military Preferred Cost Per Credit
(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)
Only pay for the credits you need.
Talk to us about our generous credit transfer policy so you can make more of the credits you’ve already earned count toward your degree.
Get help with financial aid.
Our counselors will guide you to find a financial aid plan that works for you. Explore all the ways to help pay for your degree.
Finish your degree with less debt. Earn your Bachelor of Science in History at Bellevue University.
Admissions
Removing barriers to the education you deserve.
College is challenging, but getting in shouldn’t be. We have simplified our requirements for admission and we do not require entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT—so you can get on track to achieving your goals. Here’s how it will go:
To be admitted to Bellevue University, provide proof of high school completion. We accept the following forms of documentation:
- Official high school transcript
- GED certificate
- Homeschool letter of completion
- Certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state authorized examination recognized by the state in which it is awarded — equivalent to a high school diploma.
- Self-certification on application.
You’ll just need to complete the application and submit the following:
- Official high school transcripts or proof of high school completion
- If applicable, official transcripts from any college or university you previously attended
- A one-time $50 application fee
- Note:
- International students must provide a few extra documents. See international student bachelor admissions details.
- Students applying for a cohort-based major must possess an associate degree or 60 semester hours completed with a grade of "C-" or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning. If you do not meet this requirement, you can build your credits directly with Bellevue University.
Short on time? You can start the application and save your progress as you go. Start your application >
You'll just need to create an account and complete a pre-application to Bellevue University through Guild. Once you receive confirmation that your pre-application to Bellevue University has been approved, you'll need to complete the required steps to get fully accepted and registered. These include:
- Submitting transcripts from past institutions
- Completing the FAFSA, per your employer's benefit requirement
If you’re transferring from another institution of higher education, you must submit an official transcript from each accredited institution you previously attended. Here are a few details to note:
- A transcript can be emailed securely to [email protected] or by mail. It is required to be sent directly from the issuing institution to Bellevue University's Office of the Registrar to be considered an official document. Please check with previous institution for available sending options.
- Applicants who submit an official transcript which reflects a two-year degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution are not required to show proof of high school completion.
- Transcripts must be submitted even if credits were not earned at the previous institution or if transfer credit is not granted.
Ready to get started?
Reach out to admissions.
- Get your questions answered about the History Degree
- Understand your financial aid and scholarship options
- Map out a schedule that fits with your priorities
