What exactly is an online history course? It is an opportunity to learn history online and appreciate its role in shaping the modern world.
Some courses may give a broad perspective of history from the prehistoric period. It is also crucial for academic classes. To specialize on a particular topic, we must know its very origin and the timely modifications that brought it as such.
Some significant historical events, namely the American Revolution, World War I, and World War II, must be taught to everyone.
So, here for you, we have prepared a list of the best online history courses:
Jump To
- 12 Best History Classes, Courses, and Certifications
- Introduction to Ancient Egypt and Its Civilization by Penn, University of Pennsylvania – [Coursera]
- History of the Middle East – 600 A.D. to Today [Udemy]
- The Changing Landscape of Ancient Rome. Archaeology and History of the Palatine Hill by Sapienza University of Rome – [Coursera]
- Military History of the Classical Greek World [Udemy]
- History Courses by edX
- The Scottish Highland Clans: Origins, Decline and Transformation by University of Glasgow [FutureLearn]
- Wonders of Ancient Egypt by Penn, University of Pennsylvania – [Coursera]
- Learn history online with MIT
- Lancaster Castle and Northern English History: The View from the Stronghold by Lancaster University [FutureLearn]
- World History [Udemy]
- Harvard’s History Courses
- Crash Courses in History by Alison
- Conclusion
Unravel Historical Secrets & Knowledge with These Courses
1. Introduction to Ancient Egypt and Its Civilization by Penn, University of Pennsylvania – [Coursera]
This course is here to top our list of online history courses. This course will teach about Ancient Egypt and its fascinating civilization, which are subjects of great interest amongst modern historians and scholars.
The course also entails Napoleon’s discovery about the various features of Egyptian culture in the 19th century, which were later considered the foundational pillars of Human Civilization.
Champollion’s further research revealing the ancient secrets of the mysterious civilization that enthralled the general public is also a part of this course.
| Rating | 4.6 |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 8 hours on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 106,617 students |
| Instructor | David P. Silverman
|
| Cons | Course seems monotonous and boring to many because of the delivery |
Learning Outcomes
In the above-mentioned history lessons online, you will be taught about:
- The overview of Egyptian civilization.
- The chronological division of Egyptian history.
- A virtual tour of Egyptian pyramids and temples.
Prerequisites
- To learn history online with this course, there are no prerequisites.
Who should take this course?
It is one of the best online history classes suitable for:
- Undergrad students with a history major
- An individual interested to learn about Egyptian civilization
- University students of Medieval History
Review by RR. :
“First online course and I loved every moment of it! It felt really refreshing to hear some old names that I used to study as a child. Well done and thanks again for the amazing opportunity!
2. History of the Middle East – 600 A.D. to Today [Udemy]
This is a comprehensive course on Middle Eastern history. We start with the pre-Islamic period, then move on to the Islamic period, the establishment of Israel, and the Middle East’s role in global politics.
It is indeed one of the best online history courses as it follows the most evolved educational patterns.
| Rating | 4.2 |
| Return or refund policy | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 5 hours on-demand video and audio |
| Enrolled | 1326 students |
| Instructor | Michael Rank |
| Cons | Course audio needs a lot of improvement |
Learning Outcomes
In these online history classes, you will acquire knowledge of:
- The outline of Middle-Eastern history.
- The origin of Israel from Palestine.
- The Israeli-Palestine conflict better known as the Middle Eastern conflict.
Prerequisites
To learn history online from this course, you might need:
- High-speed internet connection for video streaming.
- A device to access and download the resources
Who should take these online history courses?
This course is highly valuable to:
- Undergraduate history students.
- Non-historian individuals interested to learn about the Middle Eastern conflict.
- Individuals interested in world politics.
Review by Jaxon Xavier C. :
“I am going definitely going to learn a lot my good friend, thank you for blessing me with your knowledge!!!
3. The Changing Landscape of Ancient Rome. Archaeology and History of the Palatine Hill by Sapienza University of Rome – [Coursera]
Here you will learn about the various changes that occurred through the course of time in the city of Ancient Rome.
Moving through a pre-urban age, we come across the different rulers of the city in the proto-urban age.
In this coursera offering, you will also get to learn history online about the various monuments that landmark various parts of the city.
| Rating | 4.4 |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 8 hours on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 11,934 students |
| Instructor | Paolo Carafa
|
| Cons
|
Course quizzes can improve. |
Learning Outcomes
In the history lessons online, you shall be taught:
- The architectural history of the Ancient city of Rome.
- The Latium settlement and the metal artifacts.
- The various kings who ruled the city.
Prerequisites
It is one of the most sought-after online history courses to learn history. All you need to have is the willingness to learn.
Who should take this course?
It is one of the best online history classes meant for:
- Undergrad students with a History major.
- An individual interested to learn about Italian history.
- Students of world politics who want to better analyze the current scenario.
Review by JC. :
“I appreciate the opportunity to learn the history of Rome and how it became the marvel city it is today . I will enjoy a lot more my next trip to Rome. Thank you .
4. Military History of the Classical Greek World [Udemy]
This Udemy class is one of the best online history courses, which is a condensed version of the topics that students have expressed the greatest interest in and asked the most questions about.
You take a closer look at the Greek-Persian war here. Throughout the course, the instructor will employ a variety of military and historical words, which you will need to acquaint yourself with utilizing the introductory lessons provided with the major lectures.
| Rating | 4.4 |
| Return or refund policy | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 2.5 hours on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 242 students |
| Instructor | Christopher Janney |
| Cons | More visual appeal could make the course more intriguing |
Learning Outcomes
In here, you will get to learn about:
- The Greek conflicts of the classical world.
- The effects of war on the common man’s daily life.
- Both the successful and unsuccessful rulers of this city.
Prerequisites
To learn history online from this course, you might need:
- Basic understanding of history
- A little knowledge of ancient Greek will also enhance the learning. However, it isn’t mandatory.
Who should take this course?
These online history classes are highly valuable for:
- Undergrad students with a History major.
- Non-historian individuals interested to learn about the Greek conflict.
- Individuals interested in world politics.
Review by Bruce R. B. Rating. :
“A brilliant course! Far better than any university course I have taken on Greek warfare. Most highly recommended!
5. History Courses by edX
This is a series of online history courses brought to you by edX. Here you will find courses related to various world history areas, including the Middle East, the Roman conflicts, American history, Chinese history over different ages, and so much more.
Here is a list of some selected courses from edX:
- History of China: Bronze Age to the Last Dynasties
- History of China: The Modern Era
- Visualizing Japan
- ChinaX Book Club: Five Authors, Five Books, Five Views of China
- Pyramids of Giza: Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Certification | Requires payment |
| Paid | Free enrollment with paid certification |
| Duration | Different for each course. |
| Instructor | Various |
Learning Outcomes
In the history lessons online, you will be made aware of:
- Histories of the various parts of the world.
- Everything about the development of English
- The various political events that took place in the course of time.
Prerequisites
For different history courses listed above, there will be different prerequisites. However most courses do not have any major requirements.
Who should take this course?
These are the best online history classes suitable for:
- Undergrad students with a History major.
- An individual with a significant interest in world history.
- Archaeology students who want a better grasp of the subjects.
6. The Scottish Highland Clans: Origins, Decline and Transformation by University of Glasgow [FutureLearn]
This is another one of the best online history courses where you will get to learn everything about the Scottish Clanship, their emergence that led to the betterment and civilization of the Gaelic Society leading to their expansion over Scotland.
During the seventeenth and the eighteenth century, their involvement in the Battle of Culloden led to their own decline.
| Rating | 4.8 |
| Return or refund policy | No Refund. |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 4 hours every week for 3 weeks. |
| Enrolled | 21,694 students |
| Instructor | Andrew Mackillop |
| Cons | You need time to finish this long course. |
Learning Outcomes
In the online history classes, you will get informed about:
- The Scottish Clanship that led to civilization in Scotland.
- Scottish culture, their music and poetry, and their clothing styles.
- The Battle of Culloden that led to their transformation.
Prerequisites
To learn history online from this course, you might need:
- Stationery equipment for note-taking.
- An internet-accessible device.
Who should take this course?
This course is highly valuable to:
- Undergrad students with a History major.
- Any individual interested to learn about the Scottish Clanship.
- Individuals interested in world politics and wanna learn beyond modern history.
7. Wonders of Ancient Egypt by Penn, University of Pennsylvania – [Coursera]
This course takes a fresh look at ancient Egyptian art, cultural, and architectural history, combining treasures, mummies and gods with some of the more contentious views advanced by current historians.
Prepare yourself to study these elements and the development of a civilization that you will not learn about in any other online history classes.
| Rating | 4.8 |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 10 hours on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 29,436 students |
| Instructor | David P. Silverman
|
| Cons | The course could be better structured, and the delivery could have been more interesting. |
Learning Outcomes
In the history lessons online, you shall learn:
- The fundamentals of Egyptian arts.
- Ancient Egyptian language and its basic structure.
- The search for Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Prerequisites
It is one of the most sought-after online history courses to learn history. This course follows up on a course on Ancient Egypt. So, it would be better, however, not mandatory to take both these courses in line.
Who should take this course?
It is one of the best online history classes suitable for:
- Undergrad students with a History major.
- An individual interested to learn about Egyptian culture to its roots.
- Individuals fascinated by Egyptian religions and Egyptian magics.
Review by MM. :
“I really enjoyed the history of Ancient Egypt. I have viewed the treasures of Tutankhamun twice. This class gave me a more in depth view of the culture and the art of Ancient Egypt. Thank you.
8. History courses by MIT
These are the best online history courses brought to you by the MIT OpenCourseware.
Here you will find courses on more than 70 areas of World history including that of European, American, East Asian and the Middle Eastern.
These courses are here to supplement your existing knowledge base.
Here are some of the best courses from MIT OCW:
- Empire: Introduction to Ancient and Medieval Studies
- The World: 1400-Present
- American History to 1865
- Riots, Strikes, and Conspiracies in American History
- American Classics
- American Classics
- Black Matters: Introduction to Black Studies
- American History Since 1865
- The Civil War and Reconstruction
Learning Outcomes
In these courses, you will be taught about:
- Everything about World History.
- The effects of war on the common man’s daily life.
- Various urban perspective developments.
Prerequisites
To learn history online from this course, you need no prerequisites.
Who should take this course?
These online history classes are highly useful to:
- Undergrad students
- Postgraduate students of World History.
- Individuals interested in world politics.
9. Lancaster Castle and Northern English History: The View from the Stronghold by Lancaster University [FutureLearn]
Lancaster Castle is fascinating because it shows how provincial castles evolved and altered over time. The course content is varied and well-presented, with ample general information about Lancashire and its historical significance for you.
| Rating | 4.6 |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 3 hours every week for 5 weeks |
| Enrolled | 9514 students |
| Instructors | Fiona Edmonds, Christopher Donaldson, Corinna Peniston, Alexander Wragge. |
| Cons | The first two weeks of the course are rather boring. |
Learning Outcomes
In the history lessons online, you will get to know:
- The role of Lancaster Castle in shaping today’s North-western Europe.
- The castle politics during the Medieval period.
- The experiences of people who lived and worked in the castle.
Prerequisites
It is one of the most sought-after online history courses with no prerequisites.
Who should take this course?
This unique course is suitable for:
- Undergrad students with a History major.
- An individual interested to learn about the history of Northern England.
- Anyone curious to learn about the less known facts of the castle.
10. World History [Udemy]
This is another one of the best online history courses and is specially designed for the UPSC aspirants to score well in the subject of World History. You will go through the various nationwide revolutions that took place around the world in order to shape the current face of World Politics.
| Rating | 3.6 |
| Return or refund policy | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 6.5 hours on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 219 students |
| Instructor | Pulkit Aggarwal |
Learning Outcomes
In the online history classes, you will acquire knowledge of:
- The French, American and Russian revolutions.
- The unification of Italy and Germany.
- European history during the Napoleon rule.
Prerequisites
To learn history online from this course, you might need:
- High school education
Who should take this course?
This course is highly valuable to:
- Undergrad students with a History major.
- Students preparing for UPSC.
- World politics students.
Review by Simrankaur A. :3
“Superb so well explained!!! Thanks for making it simpler and interesting. Highly recommend this course to all aspirants
11. Harvard’s History Courses
These are the best online history classes from the well-known Harvard University. Here you can learn about a wide variety of topics starting from the deadly cholera epidemic to the origin of the Chinese culture, the rise of the most popular religions like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.
Here is a list of a few selected history courses from Harvard University:
- PredictionX: John Snow and the Cholera Epidemic of 1854.
- Citizen Politics in America: Public Opinion, Elections, Interest Groups, and the Media.
- Hinduism Through Its Scriptures.
- Christianity Through Its Scriptures.
Learning Outcomes
In these courses, you will learn:
- Everything about the Chinese civilization.
- Establishment of various religions worldwide.
- The various political events that shaped the American constitution.
Prerequisites
For these history lessons online, you will have different prerequisites as per the course. In general, you only need time and willingness to learn.
Who should take this course?
These courses from Harvard are suitable for:
- Undergrad students with a History major.
- An individual with a significant interest in world history.
- Religion students who want a better understanding of the subject.
12. Crash Courses in History by Alison
Alison brings in a series of Crash Courses in History specially meant for college students. Here you will find the best online history courses dealing with a wide variety of topics suited for students of various fields like architecture, sociology, politics, archeology, arts, and others.
This is a list of some of its best courses:
- International Relations.
- Medieval History: Art and Architecture.
- Introduction to Architectural Conservation and Historic Preservation.
- Conservation of Heritage Sites.
Learning Outcomes
In the online history classes, you will be taught about:
- Evolving roles of Heritage Conservationists.
- Everything about Medieval History.
- Various perspective developments.
Prerequisites
To learn history from this course, you might need:
- Stationeries for note-taking.
- Internet-enabled device
Who should take this course?
This course is highly useful for:
- Undergrad students with a History major.
- Non-history students with history as a minor subject.
- University students specializing in Modern History.
You might also like: Physics courses online, Statistics classes
Conclusion
So this was our list of the best online history courses. Students with at least a basic school education are normally eligible for these courses. Some courses require a few weeks, while others are only a few hours long. They provide you an opportunity to learn history online and get fairly acquainted with the past.
