Earn Your History Degree at UIS – Online or On-Campus
The University of Illinois Springfield offers a Bachelor of Arts in History both on-campus and online, providing students with the same high-quality curriculum and learning outcomes in either format. Whether you prefer the traditional classroom experience or the flexibility of online learning, our program allows you to engage in a dynamic and interactive academic environment.
Why Choose the UIS History B.A.?
- Flexible Learning Options: Choose between on-campus classes or a fully online experience with asynchronous coursework.
- Identical Curriculum: The online and on-campus programs provide the same rigorous coursework, ensuring all students receive a well-rounded humanities education.
- Seamless Transfer: Students with an associate degree or at least 30 credit hours can complete the degree entirely online.
- Year-Round Start Dates: Begin your studies in the Fall, Spring, or Summer terms.
Specializations & Opportunities
Online Option
Students holding an associate degree or who have earned at least 30 credit hours can complete the degree entirely online. Online courses, with class sizes of 25 to 30, maintain the same rigor and are taught by the same distinguished professors who lead on-campus classes, ensuring a high-quality educational experience.
World History Concentration
Deepen your expertise with a 15-credit hour concentration in World History. Students can enhance their learning experience with study-away programs, internships, and foreign language training for credit.
History Honors Track
The History Department Honors Track is designed for high-achieving students looking to develop advanced skills that will strengthen applications for graduate and professional schools.
Scholarships
UIS offers over 250 institutional scholarships, including several specifically for History majors.
Career-Ready Curriculum
The B.A. in History at UIS provides a well-rounded humanities education, equipping students with critical research, analytical, and communication skills valued in various fields, including:
- Politics & Government
- Museums, Archives, & Public History
- Education
- Law
- Journalism
- Business & Administration
- Writing & Publishing
Students can also gain hands-on experience through internships, applying historical research and analysis in real-world settings.
What You’ll Learn
- Critically analyze historical texts and other sources by identifying theses, evidence, and interpretations.
- Construct narratives based on primary sources.
- Conduct independent research using diverse historical sources.
- Design projects and interpretations for a public audience.
Get Started Today
Take the next step in your academic journey by applying to the UIS History B.A. Program—available on-campus and online.
Calendar
Don't miss an important date or deadline
Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar
Tuition & Aid
UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.
Value of a UIS Degree
UIS is No. 5 for students graduating with the least amount of debt, Midwest Region (2021).
Top 25 best value school, Midwest Region, and the only public university in Illinois on the list (2022, 2023, 2024).
98% of students receive aid
The average graduate from UIS will see an increase in earnings of $31,700 - $69,000 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Illinois.
Admissions
Applying to UIS is simple
We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.
Review admission requirements
No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.
International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.
Complete your application
An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.
Send your official transcripts
Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Submit required statements/writing sample
If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on you're application status page.
Pay your application fee
You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.
Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;
International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
Career Opportunities
Exploring the following career paths can help you see how your degree opens up a wide range of exciting and rewarding opportunities in various fields.
- Academia
- Archives and Libraries
- Cultural Heritage Management
- Grant Writing
- Historical Interpretation
- Historic Preservation
- Journalism
- Law
- Museums and Historic Sites
- Non-Profit Management
- Policy Analysis
- Project Coordination and Program Management
- Public History
- Public Relations
- Publishing
- Research
- Teaching and Education
- Technical Writer
- Travel and Tourism