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History Concentration in Liberal Arts
Looking for the full program guide? See Best Online History Degree Programs for degree levels, careers, BLS salary data, and programs by state.
A history concentration focuses on a defined area within liberal arts. It typically builds on the program core and adds courses that deepen subject knowledge in historical research, analysis, and interpretation.
Quick Answers
What is a history concentration in liberal arts?
A history concentration is a focused set of courses within a liberal arts program that emphasizes historical analysis and research methods.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework varies by school, but most programs cover historical periods, research methods, and primary source analysis.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online, but availability depends on degree level and start-term scheduling.
Back to Liberal Arts Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Historical research, primary source analysis, historiography
- Key career: Management Analysts – $101,860 median salary (BLS, May 2025)
- Related career: Project Management Specialists – $102,320 median salary (BLS, May 2025)
- Job outlook: Management Analysts +8.8% growth, 98,100 annual openings (2024-2034)
- Degree levels: Available as bachelor’s concentration or graduate specialization
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Liberal Arts Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| U.S. History Surveys | Colonial through modern eras, political and social change |
| World History | Global civilizations, trade networks, and cross-cultural exchanges |
| Historiography | How history is written, debated, and revised over time |
| Research Methods | Primary source analysis, archival research, and citation practices |
| Thematic History | Topics such as labor, gender, race, or environmental history |
| Senior Seminar or Thesis | Original research project using primary and secondary sources |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many courses are required versus elective options?
- Are there prerequisite courses for this track?
- Does the concentration include a capstone or applied project?
- Is the concentration available online and in your desired term?
Most students pursue this focus within a bachelor’s in liberal arts, and you can confirm delivery options on the online format page. If you are still deciding, compare it with the philosophy track.
How liberal arts concentrations compare
| Concentration | Key Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication | Market Research Analysts | $76,950 | +6.7% |
| English | Writers and Authors | $72,270 | +3.6% |
| History | Management Analysts | $101,190 | +8.8% |
| Philosophy | Management Analysts | $101,190 | +8.8% |
| Political Science | Market Research Analysts | $76,950 | +6.7% |
| Sociology | Human Resources Specialists | $72,910 | +6.2% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Next Steps
- See whether the degree fits your goals in Is a Liberal Arts Degree Worth It?.
- Compare schools among accredited online colleges.
- Explore a related field in our psychology program guide.
Data verified: June 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.