History Online | School of History and Philosophy | SIU

Online History BA Program

The online SIU History BA is an excellent option for freshmen and transfer students who wish to complete their degree from anywhere in the world. The online option is also beneficial for non-traditional students with families and/or students who are working while attending college. This degree prepares students for rewarding careers in a variety of fields such as businesses, law firms, government agencies, and non-profits by teaching writing and critical thinking skills. With many elective hours included in the degree, this program is a flexible option, and advisors work with students to create a degree plan that fits their schedule and career goals.

Wondering what kinds of History classes you might take in this online program? Below are required classes, and others that are typically offered online.

Opportunities

There are many exciting academic and engagement activities that are available to online students. You can join the History Club and Phi Alpha Theta (the History Honor Society), and you can complete an internship for course credit at your own local museum, historical society, or other approved facility. Online internship options may also be available. An internship is often a beneficial way to get hands-on training while completing course credit.

Online students can take advantage of Study Abroad Programs through SIU. Whether you want to study an entire semester abroad or take a summer course with SIU faculty, there are numerous options. History faculty also lead programs, such as Dr. Joe Sramek's Global Seminar: Empireland- England & Its Imperial Pasts.

Scholarships

The History Program awards numerous scholarships to students. Online students are eligible for the following scholarships (apply through the Saluki Scholarship Portal/General Scholarship Application): William Pitkin Memorial Scholarship, Norman Caldwell-James R. Sanders Scholarship, Mary C. Castle History Scholarship Endowment, Colonial Dames Scholarship, and the Edward J. O'Day History Research Endowment. Specific qualifications for each scholarship are listed in the Portal.

Saluki Step Ahead Program

This program is specifically for online transfer students from partner schools. During their first year at a partner community college, students apply for SSA. These students receive early admittance into SIU, must graduate with an AA/AS/AAS degree (2.0), and will receive an $8,000 scholarship towards their final two years at SIU. The online History BA is included in this program and is a great option for transfer students interested in History, and those who wish to complete a BA degree online that offers flexibility.

For more on Saluki Step Ahead, please visit the program website. This website includes all of the requirements and benefits of the program, along with degree trackers from partner institutions so that students can view their 4 year combined degree plans for their community college and SIU.

Student Testimonials

Madison Hungate

Hello! My name is Madison Hungate, but you can call me Maddy. Working full-time as a preschool teacher and being a first-generation college student, I was incredibly doubtful that I would ever make it past an associate’s degree if that. Having been inspired by a previous History professor, I have fought long and hard to achieve the dream of getting my bachelor’s degree in history and passing it forward by becoming a high school history teacher. I am one step closer to that dream through SIU's online History program. Starting at SIU, I was terrified. I had only ever been to a community college and was worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle the workload from my classes. However, my professors and advisors assured me they were all willing to work with me and that everything would be fine. I was guided by one professor, who went out of his way to make me feel comfortable and not worry about my schooling. He and many others did everything they could to make me feel comfortable, but they also pushed me when I felt like giving up. I graduated from SIU with not only my bachelor’s degree in history but also with honors.

If you are working full-time and are scared of pursuing a bachelor’s degree at SIU, don’t be! The online programs are specifically made for non-traditional students who are doing their best with what they have. They also have professors and advisors who will work with you to ensure you can succeed. If you are passionate about history like I am, no obstacle in your way can keep you from pursuing your goals.