Explore the best online history courses

Learn history online with courses from leading universities on edX. Build valuable research and critical thinking skills at your own pace while earning credentials that support your academic or career goals.

Key takeaways

  • Build critical thinking, research, and communication skills by studying historical evidence, primary sources, and diverse perspectives.
  • Explore flexible online history courses from leading universities and learn at your own pace while deepening your understanding of past civilizations and events.
  • Apply historical knowledge to better understand today's political systems, cultural developments, and global issues while developing transferable career skills.

Popular online history courses with certificates

Tangible Things: Discovering History Through Artworks, Artifacts, Scientific Specimens, and the Stuff Around You
Harvard University
Curso
European Paintings: From Leonardo to Rembrandt to Goya
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Curso
Women Making History: Ten Objects, Many Stories
Harvard University
Curso
Understanding the Modern Middle East
King's College London
Curso

What is history?

History is the study of past events and the people, cultures, and ideas that shaped them. By examining evidence such as written records, artifacts, and oral traditions, historians uncover how societies have changed over time. Understanding history provides valuable context for today's world and helps people make informed decisions about the future.

Why learn history?

  • Strengthen critical thinking: Learn to evaluate evidence, identify bias, and draw well-supported conclusions, skills valued across business, education, government, law, and nonprofit organizations.
  • Improve research and communication: Develop the ability to analyze information, synthesize complex ideas, and communicate findings clearly in writing and presentations.
  • Build cultural and global awareness: Gain a deeper understanding of societies, historical trends, and diverse perspectives to make more informed decisions and collaborate effectively in today's interconnected world.

Careers you can pursue with a background in history

History knowledge can prepare you for careers across education, museums, government, publishing, and more. Here are a few examples with salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Historians

Historians research and analyze historical data from archives, books, and artifacts to report findings, preserve materials for museums or historic sites, or advise governments, nonprofits, or businesses.

  • Required education: Typically requires a master's degree, though some entry-level roles accept a bachelor's degree in history.
  • BLS median annual salary (2024): $74,050

Why learn history online with edX

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Trusted by leading institutions

How to start learning history

Whether you're exploring history for personal enrichment or professional growth, online courses make it easy to get started. Discover history courses from leading institutions on edX and learn at your own pace while building valuable knowledge and analytical skills.

1. Learn how historians examine the past

Learn how historians analyze evidence, interpret primary sources, and uncover the stories behind past events. Building these skills strengthens critical thinking and research while providing a foundation for understanding historical scholarship. Courses in digital humanities and evidence-based analysis can help you develop these essential methods.

Featured courses

Introduction to Digital Humanities
Harvard University
Curso
Teaching Critical Thinking through Art with the National Gallery of Art
The Smithsonian Institution
Curso

Explore history programs

Preguntas frecuentes

What can you do with a history course?

A history course helps you build transferable skills that apply across many careers and academic paths. You'll strengthen critical thinking, research, writing, and evidence analysis while gaining a deeper understanding of historical events, cultures, and institutions. This knowledge benefits roles in education, government, law, business, museums, and nonprofit organizations.

What topics can you study in history?

History covers a wide range of topics, including ancient civilizations, world history, U.S. history, political history, military history, cultural history, religious history, economic history, and the history of science and technology. You can also explore historical research methods, primary sources, and digital humanities.

Are online history courses worth it?

Yes, online history courses are worthwhile if you want flexible access to high-quality instruction while developing valuable analytical and communication skills. Many courses are offered by respected universities and institutions, allowing you to learn at your own pace and, in some cases, earn certificates demonstrating your achievement.