Online U.S. History Graduate Certificate
Ohio University’s U.S. History Certificate is a 100% online, graduate-level certificate designed for educators and professionals seeking advanced training in United States history. The program provides 18 graduate credit hours focused on historical analysis, interpretation, and communication.
The certificate is particularly well-suited for secondary teachers seeking to teach college-level or dual-enrollment courses, including Ohio teachers interested in Ohio’s College Credit Plus (CCP) program. Learn more on the College Credit Plus for Educators webpage.
Offered through the Department of History in the College of Arts and Sciences, the certificate features advanced coursework taught by expert faculty with strong research and teaching backgrounds in U.S. history. Students engage with major themes, events, and historiographical debates while developing skills in historical reasoning and evidence-based argumentation.
Designed for working professionals, the certificate is delivered fully online and asynchronously and may be completed part-time or full-time, typically over three semesters.
Curriculum
The U.S. History Certificate consists of six graduate-level courses for a total of 18 semester credit hours.
Coursework emphasizes:
- Key themes, events, and debates in U.S. history
- Analysis of primary and secondary historical sources
- Critical evaluation of historical interpretations
- Clear, evidence-based written and oral communication
Opportunities Upon Completion
The U.S. History Certificate strengthens content expertise and analytical skills applicable to teaching, curriculum development, public history, and related professional roles. The certificate may also serve as a foundation for students interested in pursuing additional graduate study in history or related fields.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the U.S. History Graduate Certificate requires:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
- Official Transcripts of all undergraduate academic work showing a 3.0 GPA must be submitted with the online application.
- Statement of purpose describing academic interests and professional goals
- English Proficiency (for non-native English speakers) Please review information about Ohio University’s English Language Proficiency requirements. The U.S. History Certificate has English proficiency requirements that are higher than the minimum university requirement:
- TOEFL iBT minimum score of 104 (with section scores of at least 26), or
- IELTS Academic minimum score of 7.5 across all bands
- A $50 application fee