Career pathways and opportunities for History majors
Considering a degree in History? Here, you’ll find information on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and the in-demand skills you’ll develop as a History major. You’ll also learn steps you can take as a History student to maximize career opportunities.
The study of History prepares you for jobs that involve people skills and an understanding of cultural differences.
- a broad range of historical knowledge and understanding, including a sense of development over time, and an appreciation of the culture and attitudes of societies
- the significance and utility of a large body of material, including evidence from a variety of sources and the interpretations of other historians, and how to critically evaluate them
- The historical forces that have influenced groups, societies, and nations in the past, as an essential framework for addressing and resolving contemporary challenges
- Organize data and analyze and interpret its authenticity and relative significance.
- Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.
- Present historical accounts of individuals or social, ethnic, political, economic, or geographic groupings.
- Trace historical development in a particular field, such as social, cultural, political, or diplomatic history.
- Articulate historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
- Gather relevant historical data and evidence from sources (e.g. archives, court records, diaries, news files, photographs, books, pamphlets, and periodicals) to inform and support well-written, clearly expressed, coherently organized arguments.
- Local and state government: Policy, planning, administration
- Federal government: research, intelligence, foreign service
- Politics: campaigns, advising, advocacy, lobbying
- Sales
- Law
- Education
To best prepare to enter or advance in your career field of interest, prioritize gaining specialized knowledge and experiences most valued by employers. This might include internships, on- or off-campus jobs, research experience, a minor, or a certification.
- Pursue research experience by working on faculty projects through independent study classes, as a student employee, or through other departmental programs.
- Learn about grant writing, budgeting, and legal issues surrounding archival and other historical research.
- Join professional associations to gain exposure to the field and expand your network.
- Join the Patriot Pre-Law Program if you hope to apply to law school.
- Enhance your credentials based on your career goals.
- Earn the “Certified Archivist” designation to demonstrate competence in established professional standards.
- Prepare for graduate study in certain fields by maintaining a high GPA and developing your network for strong. recommendations.