Why is world history important to learn?

By learning about world history, you will gain insight into how countries and cultures have evolved over time. You can then use this knowledge to make predictions on how the world will continue to change and how best to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. Learning about history can also deepen your appreciation for humanity's past accomplishments and help you understand your own cultural roots.

What career opportunities could arise from learning about world history?

Learning about world history can prepare you for a career as a historical consultant, archivist, historical author, journalist, or professor. Historical consultants use their research skills and in-depth knowledge of past events to offer guidance and information to clients. Their clients may include artists, businesses, and people who are researching their own lineage. Archivists are responsible for researching, storing, and displaying artifacts and historical documents. These professionals often work in museums, libraries, or other facilities that collect and maintain historical records. Historical authors research historical events and present them as clear narratives. Authors aim to give readers unique insights and fresh perspectives on the past or argue in favor of a particular viewpoint. Journalists are tasked with reporting on recent events; however, a strong understanding of history allows them to put newer events into clearer context for audiences. Professors pass on their knowledge to students in colleges and universities. Professors may specialize in the history of a particular region or a specific time period.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn about world history?

Online courses on Coursera can help you learn about broad time periods in history or specific events. Some courses focus on consequential events, such as the French Revolution and the Holocaust. Others look at the long-term evolution of regions such as Egypt, Israel, and the American South. You can also find lessons that focus on historical shifts in art, war, politics, and language.

What are the benefits of taking an online World History course?

Online World History courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new World History skills. Choose from a wide range of World History courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What World History courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in World History, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Best World History Courses & Certificates [2025]

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Explore the World History Course Catalog

Status: Preview
University of Virginia
The Modern World, Part One: Global History from 1760 to 1910
Skills you'll gain: European History, World History, International Relations, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Economics, Socioeconomics, Cultural Diversity, Governance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of Amsterdam
Big History - From the Big Bang until Today
Skills you'll gain: World History, Ancient History, Cultural Diversity, Anthropology, Timelines, Social Sciences, Environmental Science, Biology, Physics, Economic Development
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
253 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of Virginia
The Modern World, Part Two: Global History since 1910
Skills you'll gain: World History, International Relations, European History, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Culture, Economics, Governance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Ancient Egypt and Its Civilization
Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Art History, Anthropology, Social Studies, Timelines, World History, Cultural Diversity, Research Methodologies, Investigation, Storytelling
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.9K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of London
Applied Public History: Places, People, Stories
Skills you'll gain: Public History, Storytelling, Program Evaluation, Media and Communications, Research, Community Outreach, Timelines, Case Studies, Cultural Diversity, Research Methodologies, Creativity, Interviewing Skills
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
111 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of London
Global Diplomacy: the United Nations in the World
Skills you'll gain: Diplomacy, International Relations, Crisis Intervention, Sustainable Development, Political Sciences, Public Policies, Social Justice, Governance, Advocacy, Policy Analysis, Human Development, World History, Case Studies
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Free
University of Washington
Ukraine: History, Culture and Identities
Skills you'll gain: Cultural Diversity, Community Development, Cultural Responsiveness, Culture, European History, Social Studies, World History, Art History, Economic Development, Ancient History, International Relations, Policty Analysis, Research, and Development, Political Sciences
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
308 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
Yale University
A Journey through Western Christianity: from Persecuted Faith to Global Religion (200 - 1650)
Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, World History, European History, Cultural Diversity, Art History, Liberal Arts, Storytelling, Higher Education
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
690 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Wesleyan University
The Ancient Greeks
Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, European History, World History, Art History, Political Sciences, Anthropology, Cultural Sensitivity, Governance, Scientific Methods
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of California, Santa Cruz
Russian History: from Lenin to Putin
Skills you'll gain: World History, European History, International Relations, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Economics, Governance
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
805 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
University of Pennsylvania
Reconstructing America's Story
Skills you'll gain: Case Law, Social Justice, World History, Political Sciences, Storytelling, Policy Analysis, Diversity Awareness
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
21 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of California, Santa Cruz
The History of Medicine: Philosophy, Science, and Psychology
Skills you'll gain: Healthcare Ethics, Pharmacology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, General Medicine, Medical Science and Research, Culture, Medical Equipment and Technology, Behavioral Health, Ancient History, Medical Practices and Procedures, World History
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
81 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

World History learners also search

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular world history courses

The Modern World, Part One: Global History from 1760 to 1910: University of Virginia
Big History - From the Big Bang until Today: University of Amsterdam
The Modern World, Part Two: Global History since 1910: University of Virginia
Introduction to Ancient Egypt and Its Civilization: University of Pennsylvania
Applied Public History: Places, People, Stories: University of London
Global Diplomacy: the United Nations in the World: University of London
Ukraine: History, Culture and Identities: University of Washington
A Journey through Western Christianity: from Persecuted Faith to Global Religion (200 - 1650) : Yale University
The Ancient Greeks: Wesleyan University
Russian History: from Lenin to Putin: University of California, Santa Cruz

World History Courses Online