A museum displays various historical artifacts

Doctor of Philosophy in History (Ph.D.)

Learn More About LU

Campus Type
Apt., P.O. Box, or don't see your address?

By submitting contact information through this form, I agree that Liberty University and its affiliates may call and/or text me about its offerings by any phone number I have provided and may provide in the future, including any wireless number, using automated technology.

Message and data rates may apply. For additional information, text HELP to 49595 or 49596. You may opt-out at any time by sending STOP to 49595 or 49596. Visit for Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

OR

15 colleges and schools

350+ degrees on-campus

600+ degrees online

20 NCAA Div. 1 Sports

Doctor of Philosophy History

Overview
What You Will Study
Careers
Benefits
Military

Bolster Your Expertise as a Historian with Our Ph.D. in History

Are you interested in furthering your training, knowledge, and skill set 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 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in History aims to help provide the training needed for academia or other career fields that require an extensive understanding of the past.

When you complete your doctorate in history at Liberty, you can become better prepared to pursue a multitude of career opportunities. For instance, you could potentially join the world of academia as a professor, professional researcher, or academic publisher or editor. You may also pursue positions as a museum curator, international development specialist, author, archaeologist, or federal government employee.

Don’t wait any longer! Academics and many other career fields need people like you who are knowledgeable about the undercurrents, culture, and societal standards surrounding historical events. Partner with us and take the next step in your academic journey today.

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

  • How to apply a Christian worldview to the study of history
  • How to apply historical methodology to professional settings
  • 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

Potential Career Opportunities for Ph.D. in History Graduates

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

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:

  • Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026 – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
  • Most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors. As a nonprofit university, Liberty continues to strive to keep costs low for our students!
  • You can benefit from networking opportunities with other professionals in the program from across the country.
  • The Ph.D. in History is taught from a conservative Christian worldview.

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 $375/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 $375/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 $375/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!

Cited tuition rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

72

Credit Hours

SACSCOC

Available Online

Class Type

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Dates: March 23, 2026
May 18, 2026 | June 29, 2026

Areas of Interest

Choose your area of Interest:

Please select a Program of Interest. View Area of Interest

Training Champions for Christ

Liberty’s promise to you is an education that expertly brings knowledge and faith together. Here, education is designed around you. It connects you to people and opportunities that help you develop the skills and confidence you’re looking for. At Liberty, you’ll find the knowledge, experience, and mentorship you want to make your career — and life — a fulfilling one.

Image thumbnail describing Why Liberty

Why Liberty

Liberty University is not just another school. It is the realization of a dream, the product of thousands of prayers. It was built to invite students into a bigger, better story. Discover the Liberty difference for yourself.

Learn More
Image thumbnail describing Scholarships

Scholarships

When it comes to choosing a college, finances make a difference. That’s why at Liberty, we believe in offering you a top-notch education — that’s also affordable. Discover how Liberty can help you keep your college costs down.

For residential students

Learn More
Image thumbnail describing Online Discounts

Online Discounts

At Liberty University, we believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to pursue higher education, and it's our job to keep private education affordable. Explore the many ways a Liberty education can be an affordable one.

For online students

View Discounts
Image thumbnail describing Academic Excellence

Academic Excellence

Liberty University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and certain programs have earned additional field-specific accreditation as well.

View Accreditation