The study of ancient history usually focuses
on the time period from the invention of writing to approximately 500
A.D. Online undergraduate and graduate degree programs in ancient
history provide a comprehensive overview of the civilizations, languages
and peoples of that time period, including the Greeks and Romans of
classical antiquity.
Online Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History
Though bachelor's degrees in ancient history are available, degrees in ancient studies and civilizations, ancient cultures or a degree in history with a concentration in ancient civilizations offer similar coursework and training. Many ancient history degree programs are multi-disciplinary in nature. They often draw courses from various departments outside of history including classics, art, architecture, anthropology, archaeology, philosophy and religion.Students of ancient history study Sumerian, Egyptian and Greco-Roman civilizations, among others. Prominent topics of discussion include slavery, politics, city-states and warfare. Some programs may also include studies of ancient Asian cultures and civilizations.
Program Information and Requirements
An online bachelor's degree in ancient history usually takes four years to complete, though it may take longer for part-time students. In most programs, students are required to complete a total of 120 credit-hours, including 30 hours of classes in ancient history.Some distance learning programs consist of a mix of online and on-campus classes, while others are offered fully online. Some schools require students to live at least 50 miles away from campus in order to enroll as distance learning students.
Various methods of course delivery are employed, including online videos and online conferencing. Students will need access to a computer with an Internet connection. Additional software such as Skype and Windows Media Player may be required for interactive online courses.
List of Common Ancient History Courses
BA students are required to take general education courses in areas such as English, psychology and sociology, as well as courses in ancient history. The following courses are often incorporated in bachelor's degrees in ancient history:Ancient Greece Course
Students study the development of the Greek civilization in the Eastern Mediterranean. The course covers the time period from pre-history to the era of Alexander the Great and includes Athenian democracy, laws and philosophy.Ancient Roman Civilization Course
Through lectures and readings, students learn about the rise of Rome from a minor city-state to a vast empire. The story follows Rome's weakening and disintegration through invasions leading eventually to the Dark Ages in Europe.Historical Methods Course
Students learn the methods and techniques that historians use to conduct research and uncover primary sources. Students define an historical problem, devise a thesis offering a possible solution and defend this argument. Students are required to write several short research papers and one longer paper during the course, for which they may receive feedback from instructors via email or a course management messaging system.Career Information for Graduates
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), graduates with a BA in ancient history may find positions in schools, colleges, local governments or museums (www.bls.gov). They might find entry-level jobs as assistant teachers, policy analysts, research assistants or tour guides.In 2008, the BLS expected the job outlook for historians to increase by 11% through 2018. Nevertheless, competition for job openings in the field was expected to remain high. The salary for an historian is dependent on education and experience, but the BLS lists the annual median wage in 2008 as $54,530.
Continuing Education for Graduates
Graduates with a BA in ancient history may wish to earn a teaching certificate, a master's degree or Ph.D in order to obtain more advanced positions. Graduate level programs may be found online, but are more commonly found on campus. Some ancient history majors may choose to pursue graduate studies in politics, law or library science.Online Master of Arts in Ancient History
An online master's degree in ancient history gives students the opportunity to explore the mentality and social and economic history of classical Greece, Rome and the Near East. Students, under the guidance of a scholar of ancient history, are expected to choose a focus for their studies. Aspiring historians then perform independent research on their chosen topic principally using primary sources. Candidates must either produce a master's thesis or pass a master's exam before attaining their degree.Program and Information Requirements
An online master's program in ancient history usually takes 2-3 years to complete. Students applying for the degree must already have a bachelor's, preferably in a field such as history, archaeology, anthropology, classics or art history. Master's students in ancient history are also expected to study at least one ancient language, such as Latin or Greek, and may also be required to study one modern language as well.A distance learning master's degree course tends to consist of a mixture of video lectures, online courses and phone consultations with professors. Students will need access to a computer, an Internet connection and a basic software suite such as Microsoft Office. Some master's programs are offered fully online, some require students to spend a week on campus and others require students to attend weekly on-campus seminars with their peers.
List of Common Courses in Ancient History
While a significant part of the master degree is devoted to independent research, students also take a number of lecture-based courses.Elementary Latin Course
In beginning Latin courses students develop knowledge of Latin words, grammar and syntax by reading Latin texts, such as the comedies of Plautus. Students study Latin roots and their influence on English and other modern languages.Elementary Greek Course
Students in an elementary Greek course learn the Greek alphabet and gain basic vocabulary skills that enable them to begin to read the ancient Greek texts of Homer and the New Testament. Students will also learn about ancient Greek culture and language in general.Ancient Drama
Students explore the nature of ancient drama including its influence on writers such as Shakespeare and its relevance to the present age. Students study dramatic texts in depth and look at ancient drama as literature, theater and as social phenomenon.Career Information for Graduates
Graduates with a master's degree in ancient history may take a position as an associate professor or researcher in academia. Other possible career options are secondary school teacher, non-fiction author or museum administrator.The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated in 2008 that job openings for history teachers in secondary schools would increase by 9% through 2018 (www.bls.gov). Also per BLS, the median annual salary for a history teacher working at the high school level in 2008 was $55,210.
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