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Doctor of Philosophy in History (Ph.D.)

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Doctorate (Ph.D.) in History

Become an advanced historian with our ph.d. in history.

Are you interested in furthering your training, knowledge, and skillset so that you can pursue careers in education, research, politics, archaeology, or management of national landmarks or museums? Whatever your history-related career goals are, Liberty University’s Ph.D. in History provides the training and experience you’ll need to excel in academia or other career fields that require an extensive understanding of the past.

When you complete your doctorate in history, you’ll be prepared for a multitude of career opportunities. Most of our students join the world of academia as a professor, professional researcher, or academic publisher or editor. However, you can also pursue positions as a museum curator, international development specialist, author, archaeologist, or federal government employee.

So what are you waiting for? Academics and many other career fields need people like you who are knowledgeable about the undercurrents, culture, and societal standards surrounding historical events. We’re going to prepare you to excel in whatever career field you choose when you pursue our doctorate in history.

What Will You Learn in Your Ph.D. in History Program?

• How to apply a Christian worldview to the study of history
• How to conduct original research that is based upon knowledge of the literature of the discipline
• How to evaluate historiographic positions, like scholarly literature and interpretations, at the doctoral level
• How to apply historical methodology to professional settings

Career Opportunities for Ph.D. in History Graduates

• Academic publisher
• Archaeologist
• Federal government employee
• Higher education administrator
• International development specialist
• Museum curator
• Professional researcher

Benefits of Earning Your Online Ph.D. in History

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online Ph.D. in History degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
• This program is offered in an 8-week course format, with 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times!
• Students will benefit from networking opportunities with other professionals in the program from around the country.
• The Ph.D. in History is the only program of its kind offered from a conservative Christian worldview and an accredited university.
• Your degree requires experience both inside and outside the classroom, allowing you to be fully prepared for any professional setting you choose.

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only  $300/credit hour . Here’s how:

• If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
• If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!

Credit Hours

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Date

May 13, 2024

Accreditation

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

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• 100% online programs   at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level.*
• Earn credit for prior learning.
• Transfer in up to 75%  of a bachelor’s degree.
• Transfer in up to 50%  of a master’s degree.

* excludes licensure, certification, and some doctoral programs

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We are committed to helping you achieve your goals and complete your degree as quickly as possible. One of our admissions counselors is ready to assist you with starting the process.

Contact Us:   (800) 424-9595

Why Choose Liberty University?

Prepare for a career.

Go from merely surviving in your current job to thriving in the career of your dreams.

Enjoy Flexible Courses

Complete assignments at your own pace, at a time convenient to you within each week.

Access Academic Support

Access our electronic and print resources through the Jerry Falwell Library, writing resources, study aids, and IT support.

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Each of our programs is grounded in biblical principles, and our professors consider teaching to be more than a job – it’s their calling.

Liberty’s online courses give you the ability to choose when and where you study.

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87% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid.

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Available for military service members, including active duty, reserve, veterans, and their spouses, as well as emergency response personnel.

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Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay for your classes.

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Contact one of our admissions counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595 .

An Accredited Private Education Made for You

As a nonprofit university, we have been pioneering distance education since 1985 and offer a unique and proven approach to online education.

Along with our advanced accreditations, we also have been recognized by the following organizations for our excellence in education.

Liberty University is proud to announce that we are recognized by multiple institutions for our affordability, accessibility, and academic quality. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . 

Course Catalog | Liberty University

History (hist).

An overview of the discipline of history, patterns of historical research, history instruction, historical organizations and careers in history.

Registration Restrictions: Enrollment in PhD History or Executive Certificate History

Offered: Online

Advanced studies in public history, focusing particularly on local history using primary sources and local archives.

Registration Restrictions: Enrollment in PhD History, MA Public History, Executive Certificate History, or MA Interdisciplinary Studies: Public History Area of Study

An examination of the leading works of digital history scholarship, best practices, and the needs within the historical community, culminating in a professional digital project.

Registration Restrictions: Enrollment in PhD History, MA Public History, or MA Interdisciplinary Studies: Public History Area of Study

A detailed examination of the philosophical, political, religious, and cultural origins of the Anglo-American constitutional tradition and its role in the economic development of the United States.

Online Prerequisite: HIST 501 and HIST 502

Research seminar in history.

Registration Restrictions: Enrollment in PhD History

This course provides an opportunity for students to attain real world experience working on tasks specific to their discipline.

Registration Restrictions: Enrollment in the Ph.D. in History, 9 hours of graduate study, 3.5 or higher GPA, and approval of graduate program director.

Note: Non-transferrable into the program

Doctoral analysis and pedagogy of using primary sources, historical scholarship, and digital resources in classroom and other educational settings. Emphasis is placed on online teaching.

Registration Restrictions: Enrollment in the Ph.D. in History or Executive Certificate in History.

Online Prerequisite: HIUS 911 and HIUS 912 and HIEU 913 and HIEU 914

Instruction on methodological and interpretive approaches appropriate for doctoral research in the discipline of History.

Online Prerequisite: HIST 980

This course focuses on structure and design of Ph.D. dissertation research that includes chairperson review and scholarly discourse leading to proposal development and a draft of chapter one. Any student who is not ready for enrollment in HIST 988 after completing HIST 987 may be required, as determined by the student's dissertation chair, to repeat HIST 987 until deemed ready for enrollment in HIST 988 .

Registration Restrictions: Enrollment in the Ph.D. in History.

Online Prerequisite: HIST 987

This course focuses on structure and research of the Ph.D. dissertation that includes chairperson review and scholarly discourse. Any student who is not ready for enrollment in HIST 989 after completing HIST 988 may be required, as determined by the student's dissertation chair, to repeat HIST 988 until deemed ready for enrollment in HIST 989 .

Online Prerequisite: HIST 988

This course focuses on structure and completion of the Ph.D. dissertation that includes chairperson review and scholarly discourse. Students who do not successfully defend their dissertation must re-enroll in HIST 989 .

Online Prerequisite: HIST 989

This course will allow a student to defend his/her dissertation.

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History Doctoral Degree

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Doctorate in History Degree

Enhance your career opportunities with a doctorate in history from Liberty University. Get your Ph.D. in History through the convenience of online study.

• Doctor of Philosophy in History (Ph.D.) – Online
• Executive Certificate in History – Online

Hand-Picked Top-Read Stories

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Embarking on a PhD in history is a rewarding and intellectually stimulating pursuit. In this quick guide, we delve into the world of online PhD programs in history, exploring the benefits, challenges, and key considerations, helping you make an informed decision as you pursue academic excellence and enhance your historical expertise from the comfort of your own home.

The history of the world is a story that is constantly being written and rewritten. As new evidence comes to light, new interpretations of history are developed. As our understanding of the past evolves, so too does the field of history itself. The study of history is essential for understanding the present and preparing for the future. And thanks to the explosion in online education, those who desire to reach the highest levels of history studies can now pursue online PhD programs in history. It’s a good time. 

Online PhD programs are increasingly becoming among students who love the convenience of getting the best education without the hustle of on-campus settings. These programs offer students the opportunity to conduct research from anywhere in the world and to engage with a global community of scholars. With the vast amount of historical material that is now available online, online PhD programs in history offer a unique opportunity to explore history in ways that were not previously possible.

There are many job prospects for graduates of online history PhD programs. Historians are employed in a variety of settings, such as museums, historical societies, libraries, archives, government agencies, and corporations. They may also work as independent scholars or consultants. The job market for historians is expected to grow in the coming years, as the need for historians with expertise in digital media and public history increases.

The future of online PhD programs in history is promising as more and more institutions continue to offer these programs. Earning your PhD in history online will give you the skills and credentials you need to take your career to the next level. 

First, what is history? Many people might say that it is the study of the past. While this is true, history is so much more than that. The study of history also helps us to understand the present. It can help us to make better decisions, to understand our world and our place in it, and to learn from the mistakes of the past. 

History teaches us about different cultures and how they have interacted with each other. It teaches us about the human experience and how different people have responded to different events throughout history. It can also help us to understand our own personal histories and how they have shaped who we are today. 

Because history is so important, it is essential that we have historians who can research and teach us about it. That is why getting a PhD in history can be such a valuable thing. With a PhD in history, you can become a teacher or professor, or you could work for a museum or historical society. You could also work for a publishing company or for a government agency that deals with historical records. No matter what your career goals may be, a PhD in history will help you to reach them. 

The history PhD programs online are designed to provide students with rich historical knowledge with practical applications to present realities. These courses include, but are not limited to, American history, European history, world history, historical methods and research, statistics, research methodology, and the history of education. In addition to these courses, students are also required to complete a dissertation in order to graduate from the program. 

Students who enroll for a PhD online history program can choose to specialize in one of two areas including regional history, country histories for example American history, world history etc. Additionally, students have the option to focus their research on a specific time period or region of the world. Just be sure to choose an online PhD history accredited program.

In order to be eligible for the online PhD in history across most universities, you must have a masters or bachelors degree from an accredited institution. In addition, you must submit transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as letters of recommendation and a CV or resume. 

You will also be required to submit a statement of purpose and a writing sample. The statement of purpose should discuss your interest in history and your goals for the PhD program. The writing sample should be an academic essay on a historical topic of your choice. 

Finally, you will need to provide contact information for three references. 

Best Online History PhD Programs

These PhD history programs online are selected based on quality, ease of access and faculty depth. Once again it’s important to remember that Online PhD in history programs are an excellent choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in academia or historical research. However, graduates of this program are also qualified to work in a variety of other fields, including teaching, archival work, and museum work. 

Here now are some of the best programs for online PhD in history;

Liberty University is a nonprofit institution of higher education that offers a comprehensive online PhD in History program. The online phd in history is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Courses offered under this program are designed to help graduates work in a variety of fields, including education, museums, archives, publishing, government, and other history-related careers. Liberty University’s online PhD in History program is one of the most flexible and accessible programs in the country. 

Liberty offers a variety of specialization options in this PhD, and the program can be completed in as little as three years. Liberty also has a robust network of alumni, who are always willing to help new students transition into the program. The faculty at Liberty is composed of experts in their field, and the program is administered by a team of experienced professionals. The graduation rate at Liberty is high and not forgetting the online program is specifically designed to help students succeed. If you’re looking for an online PhD in History, Liberty University should be at the top of your list.

The online PhD in history at Birmingham University is a research-based program that lasts three years. You will be required to complete a dissertation based on your original research. The program is flexible and can be tailored to the student’s individual needs and interests. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including global history, the history of war, and the history of science and technology. 

Birmingham University is one of the world’s leading research universities, and the online PhD in History program provides access to the latest resources and facilities. The program can be completed online, and students have the freedom to choose when and where to study. Like all other PhD programs in art history,  this is an excellent choice for those who wish to pursue a career in academia or research.

University of Leicester offers an online PhD in history program that is designed to help students gain a strong understanding of early modern history, global, colonial, post-colonial history, and medieval history. The program covers a wide range of courses that will help students develop their research and writing skills. Students will also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of history that interests them. 

The University of Leicester PhD in history online program is ideal for students who want to continue working while they earn their degree. The program is also perfect for students who want to specialize in a particular area of history. Graduates of the program will be prepared for a career in academia or historical research. 

PhD programs in history online or on-campus are not just about mastering historical facts. In fact there is so much you will also learn in terms of practical skills that will help you in your career progression. These skills include;

Communications: A PhD in History will help you develop strong communication skills. This is important because you will be required to write for publications, for instance,  and give presentations as a historian.

Critical thinking: A PhD in history will also help you to think critically about the past and present. In order to be successful as a historian, you need to be able to analyze and interpret sources, as well as think about the environment in which they were created.

Context: Lastly, a PhD in history will help you understand the importance of context and how to apply it in real life. Historians must contextualize the past within its political, social, and cultural setting in order to provide an accurate interpretation. 

Whether you are just starting your academic career or looking for a way to take it to the next level by dancing, an online PhD in history can be a great option. With courses that cover everything from ancient Greece to modern America, this program can help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to thrive. And with the job market for history graduates ever intact and promising, you can be confident that your PhD will help you find the career you want. So if you are ready to take your future into your own hands, the online PhD in history is the perfect way to do it.

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Liberty's Ph.D. in History + more!

Discussion in ' General Distance Learning Discussions ' started by chrisjm18 , Apr 29, 2019 .

chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

In case anyone is exploring online doctoral programs, Liberty University is adding a few new online doctorates in the fall. These include: 1. Ph.D. in Industrial & Organizational Psychology 2. Ph.D. in History (I think the first in the U.S.) 3. Ph.D. in Communication 4. Ph.D. in Nursing Education 5. Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)  

There's also the possibility for the Ph.D. in Bible Exposition to be added for fall. **" Pending Approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges."  

Kizmet Moderator

With History being a field that is so "interpretive" I wonder if Liberty's heavy Christian orientation would skew the allowed research.  

Kizmet said: ↑ With History being a field that is so "interpretive" I wonder if Liberty's heavy Christian orientation would skew the allowed research. Click to expand...

Tireman 44444 Well-Known Member

I will be a Corn Cob Pipe in June...Here, all along, we thought it would have been APUS to roll out the first.....( Sam Houston State tried)....I am blown away.... https://www.liberty.edu/online/arts-and-sciences/doctoral/history/  

Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

Tireman 44444 said: ↑ I will be a Corn Cob Pipe in June...Here, all along, we thought it would have been APUS to roll out the first.....( Sam Houston State tried)....I am blown away.... https://www.liberty.edu/online/arts-and-sciences/doctoral/history/ Click to expand...

Tireman 44444 said: ↑ Sam Houston State tried Click to expand...

Nemo Member

Ahh...you are newbie...ok...For years it has been bandied about who/what school would be the first to offer a fully online PhD in History in the United States. Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas tried. They even floated out classes and cohorts within a possibility of doing it. The THECB killed it. When APUS first got their accreditation...back in 2005, I think, it was floated out that they were thinking of a fully online PhD in History . They even floated it to the state accrediting board in Virginia, but never got it off the ground. There are threads on APUS and PhDs in History in the archives here. The only, up until now, fully online PhD that includes History is Faulkner University ( Under the Humanities-Great Books Banner..it is not a fully online PhD in History . You have to take other classes ..Social Science, Literature, Science within the Great Books framework), that is Regionally accredited. Hence, my comment. I hope that helps. Ted ( and other old timers, I have been around these parts since 2004), can help.  

Tireman 44444 said: ↑ Ahh...you are newbie...ok...For years it has been bandied about who/what school would be the first to offer a fully online PhD in History in the United States. Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas tried. They even floated out classes and cohorts within a possibility of doing it. The THECB killed it. When APUS first got their accreditation...back in 2005, I think, it was floated out that they were thinking of a fully online PhD in History . They even floated it to the state accrediting board in Virginia, but never got it off the ground. There are threads on APUS and PhDs in History in the archives here. The only, up until now, fully online PhD that includes History is Faulkner University ( Under the Humanities-Great Books Banner..it is not a fully online PhD in History . You have to take other classes ..Social Science, Literature, Science within the Great Books framework), that is Regionally accredited. Hence, my comment. I hope that helps. Ted ( and other old timers, I have been around these parts since 2004), can help. Click to expand...

Tireman 44444 said: ↑ The THECB killed it. Click to expand...

Nemo said: ↑ is there a particular reason why History is such a difficult subject to get accredited for an online PhD? Click to expand...

JBjunior Active Member

Ted Heiks said: ↑ And THECB stands for what? Click to expand...

Michigan68 Active Member

AlK11 Active Member

Kizmet said: ↑ It’s not a question of difficulty, it’s a question of whether there is sufficient student interest to sustain a program. Click to expand...

There are several disciplines in the same situation. Someone just needs to take a chance. It makes me think of that school in Florida that has the PhD program in Classical Civilizations. How much demand exists for Latin scholars? Yet they make it work.  

AlK11 said: ↑ It seems that there is a fairly good amount of online masters in history degrees. I would've thought a doctorate in history would draw a lot of students, especially if there was only one in the entire country. They'd have a monopoly on the degree and anyone who wanted a online doctorate in history would be forced to go to that school. For all these reasons I thought it would have a lot of attention. Is my rationale wrong here? Click to expand...

chrisjm18 said: ↑ I think the LU Ph.D. in History will attract a lot of students. I think a lot of people have been waiting for an online history Ph.D. I know of two people who have already applied. Once they start registering students, I'll share some numbers. Click to expand...

Should I get a PhD in History from Liberty or should I get an MA in History first?  

AlK11 said: ↑ What numbers are you talking about when you said you'd share? Do you have a personal or professional relationship with Liberty? And yes this program should be a success. I'm sure there's a ton of people would there who wanted a doctorate in history but were never able to find a program until now. Click to expand...

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