Online Degrees & Certificates
AA in History
Program Description
The History department offers courses that explore political, economic, social, and cultural themes of the past with a strong emphasis on global understanding and multi-cultural contributions. Courses cover the geographical globe from Eastern/Western Europe to Asia and the Americas.
Learn more about the program on the History website.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to identify connections between specific people, groups, events, and ideas, and larger historical themes, developments, and topics.
Students will be able to critically analyze a variety of primary and secondary sources and draw valid historical interpretations from them.
Career Opportunities
A major in history is an excellent preparation for students who wish to enter the legal profession, politics, government service, sociology, travel careers, international trade, library science, and elementary and secondary teaching. Today's students require a global comprehension for their careers and professions, as well as a fundamental understanding and appreciation of the multicultural aspects of the modern world that was shaped by the past. Enhancement with anthropology, geography, ethnic studies, and political science is strongly urged.
Award Type(s)
AA = Associate in Arts Degree
Units Required
Major: 36
Additional Information
Note: Students having difficulty attaining an associate degree because of timing or availability of classes should consult with a counselor to submit a petition for course substitution.
Online Courses for History
The courses listed BELOW are offered as online courses at least once every two years. Please see the Class Schedule for verification.
- For a complete listing of online courses offered during the current quarter, visit Online Course Information.
- If you need any additional degree information or confirmation, please contact the Counseling Division.
NOTE: Students having difficulty attaining an associate degree because of timing or availability of classes should consult with a counselor to submit a petition for course substitution.
Associate Degree Requirements
A minimum of 90 units is required* to complete the associate degree, including:
Core and support courses for the major (36 units total)
Completion of one of the following general education patterns:
Foothill College General Education
Summer Session 2025 only–CSU General Education Breadth (CSU GE Breadth)**
Summer Session 2025 only–Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)**
Beginning Fall Quarter 2025–California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)***
* Additional elective course work may be necessary to meet the 90-unit minimum requirement for the associate degree.
** Summer Session 2025 is the final term during which CSU GE Breadth and IGETC may be used. Please see a counselor for more information.
*** Cal-GETC begins in Fall Quarter 2025. Please see a counselor for more information.
Note: A grade of "C" (or "P") or better is required for all core and support courses used for the degree or certificates. In addition, the student must obtain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Refer to the Associate in Arts & Associate in Science Degree Requirements page for complete information about graduation requirements and catalog rights.
Core and Support Courses
Core Courses (24 units)
| ONLINE COURSE | TITLE | UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 17A | History of the United States to 1815 | 4 |
| HIST 17B | History of the United States from 1812 to 1914 | 4 |
| HIST 17C | History of the United States from 1914 to the Present | 4 |
| And select 12 units from the following: | ||
| HIST 3A | World History from Prehistory to 750 CE | 4 |
| HIST 3B | World History from 750 CE to 1750 CE | 4 |
| HIST 3C | World History from 1750 CE to the Present | 4 |
| HIST 4A | History of Western Civilization to 800 CE | 4 |
| HIST 4B | History of Western Civilization: 700-1800 | 4 |
| HIST 4C | History of Western Civilization 1789-Present | 4 |
Support Courses (12 units)
Select 12 units from the following, including at least eight units from HIST courses:
| ONLINE COURSE | TITLE | UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| ETHN 1 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies | 4 |
| ETHN 2 |
Introduction to African American Studies | 4 |
| ETHN 3 |
Introduction to Latinx Studies | 4 |
| ETHN 4 |
Introduction to Native American Studies | 4 |
| ETHN 5 |
Introduction to Asian American Studies | 4 |
| HIST 8 | History of Latin America | 4 |
| HIST 10 | History of California: The Multicultural State | 4 |
| HIST 18 | Introduction to Middle Eastern Civilization | 4 |
| HIST 20 | History of Russia & the Soviet Union | 4 |
| HIST 70R | Independent Study in History | 1 |
| HIST 71R | Independent Study in History | 2 |
| HIST 72R | Independent Study in History | 3 |
| HIST 73R | Independent Study in History | 4 |
| Total Units |
36 |
For a complete list of degree requirements, please visit History 2025-2026 in Degree & Certificates.
Based on the 2025 - 2026 degree program.