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 Archivists are responsible for researching, storing, and displaying artifacts and historical documents.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]

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, Economic Development, Culture, 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, Physical Science, Anthropology, Timelines, Social Sciences, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Environment, Environmental Science, Biology, Physics
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, Socioeconomics, Cultural Sensitivity, 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, Liberal Arts, Cultural Diversity, Governance, 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, Social Studies, World History, Cultural Diversity, Research Methodologies, Creativity, Interviewing Skills
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
108 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, General Medicine, Medical Science and Research, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Medical History Documentation, Ancient History, World History, Cultural Responsiveness, Public Health
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
80 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

Start my career

Change my career

Grow in my current role

Explore topics outside of work

Status: Free
University of Washington
Ukraine: History, Culture and Identities
Skills you'll gain: Cultural Diversity, Community Development, European History, Social Studies, World History, Ancient History, International Relations, Sociology, Policty Analysis, Research, and Development, Political Sciences
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
299 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
University of London
Global Diplomacy: the United Nations in the World
Skills you'll gain: Diplomacy, International Relations, Emergency Response, Crisis Intervention, Social and Human Services, Human Services, Political Sciences, Public Policies, Social Justice, Public Safety and National Security, Governance, Policy Analysis, World History
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · 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
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
686 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 Virginia
Plagues, Witches, and War: The Worlds of Historical Fiction
Skills you'll gain: Public History, Writing, Storytelling, Writing and Editing, World History, European History, Creativity
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
618 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months