BA in History and MA in History

Robert Heinlein once wrote, “A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.” Studying history encompasses a wide array of topics and intriguing events, helping to sharpen your mind and inspire innovative solutions for the future. Liberty’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History and Master of Arts (MA) in History can help you cultivate research and critical thinking skills to interpret what has happened in the past and determine how that may affect the future. 

If you’re pursuing a career in politics, education, or communications, a Bachelor of Arts in History can provide a strong foundation for helping you work toward your goals. Alongside gaining knowledge in U.S. and world history, you can develop valuable research, data analysis, and archival skills applicable across various fields. You can work to gain a firm foundation in the fundamentals of history and the skills involved, you can deepen your knowledge and further your research and writing abilities in the Master of Arts in History.  

This residential dual degree offers foundational and advanced courses to help you develop and refine your historical skills. Studying history cultivates cultural awareness and human empathy and can have implications for current military and strategic decisions. Our professors emphasize essential aspects of historical thought to help prepare you to make a meaningful impact for Christ. Our goal is to provide you with a thorough understanding of history, helping equip you for history-related careers or further doctoral studies. 

150

Credit Hours

View Courses

Next start date: Aug 18, 2025

Degree SACSCOC

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC


Accelerate Your Academic Journey

Take control of your timeline by earning both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees through 1 seamless program. This dual degree pathway allows you to complete graduate-level coursework during your undergraduate studies, helping you save time and stay ahead.

Join a Tradition of Excellence

You’ll be part of a department with a strong track record of student achievement. In fact, 3 Liberty history majors received the prestigious Provost Award for Excellence in Research in 2018 – demonstrating the caliber of work you can be a part of.

Step Into History

Bring your studies to life at Mead’s Tavern, a fully preserved structure from 1763 that now serves as an on-site learning environment. Whether you’re exploring archaeology or practicing historical preservation, you can gain valuable, real-world experience in a unique setting.

Prepare for What’s Next

Your senior capstone seminar is designed to help you bridge the gap between academics and your career. With support from Career Services, you’ll have access to job search resources, mock interviews, and guidance tailored to your goals.


Liberty University’s Bachelor and Master of Arts in History can help prepare you for the following occupations:

  • Anthropologist 
  • Archaeologist 
  • Archivist 
  • Book conservator 
  • Book editor 
  • College professor 
  • Congressional aide 
  • Cultural adviser 
  • Documentary filmmaker 
  • Museum teacher 
  • FBI agent 
  • Foreign correspondent 
  • Foreign service officer 
  • Historian 
  • Intelligence officer 
  • Journalist 
  • Librarian 
  • Linguist 
  • Lobbyist 
  • Magazine editor 
  • Military leader 
  • Museum curator 
  • Newspaper editor 
  • Political scientist 
  • Research assistant 
Degree In History MA
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Throughout our BA in History degree, you will study the foundations of Western civilization and explore how the modern world was shaped by past events. As a historian, gathering evidence and formulating ideas about the past is crucial for creating a framework through which history can be taught. You’ll receive training in U.S. history and world history, which can help prepare you to confidently teach history and provide expertise in research. 

Our Bachelor of Arts in History also offers the opportunity to study an ancient language like Hebrew or Greek or a modern language like Spanish or French. This language requirement distinguishes the BA from the BS in History. 

As you enter the graduate portion of your studies, you’ll study essential skills, such as writing proper footnotes and conducting oral history interviews, while examining cultural assumptions and methodological limitations that may have influenced historians in the past. Additionally, you will explore Christian perspectives on history and develop a Christian and biblical approach to researching, writing, and teaching history. 

At Liberty, our faculty are some of our best resources. Our professors are dedicated to your success and aim to partner with you as you grow as a historian, helping to fulfill our mission of Training Champions for Christ. This dual degree program includes an in-depth exploration of how American Christianity has influenced social, political, and cultural development. You will also have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, such as the: demographic, industrial, and social changes in Europe that shaped warfare; modern European military history; and the evolution of U.S. policy and culture from the end of World War II to the late 20th century. These courses are designed to sharpen your research and writing skills, helping prepare you to defend your opinions in both written and oral forms.  

Degree Information

Experience Central Virginia’s Historic Charm

Located in beautiful Central Virginia, Liberty offers access to a variety of historical sites within a 4-hour radius of campus. From the natural wonder of Natural Bridge to the charm of Lexington, Va., you can enjoy day trips to explore the National D-Day Memorial and Appomattox. Weekend excursions might include Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, or Washington, D.C.

Discover Foundational American History

You can explore significant landmarks such as Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and his Lynchburg retreat, Poplar Forest. Liberty’s own Mead’s Tavern offers another historical gem right on campus. These locations provide rich, immersive access to original architecture, artifacts, and documents from pivotal moments in American history.

Access Unique Academic Resources

Liberty University’s Scriptorium holds a valuable collection of historical books and artifacts that offers you further opportunities for research and discovery. Whether for academic projects or personal enrichment, this resource enhances the study of history with primary source materials and rare collections.

Jumpstart Graduate Studies with a Dual Degree

This dual degree program can take advantage of a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate studies. By completing 2 graduate-level courses that count for both degrees, you can get a head start on your master’s program. Membership in Phi Alpha Theta, a national honor society for history students, also encourages academic excellence and engagement in the discipline.

Every application is reviewed by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no set minimums for acceptance. However, all applicants must submit the following documents* for admission:

  • Admission application
  • Official high school transcripts
  • Official college transcripts (if applicable)
  • Admission essay