History

Career Opportunities with a Major in History

Many jobs require a college educated individual. College graduates can use their education in a wide variety of occupations.

History programs involve the study of past events. Emphasis is usually placed on the social and political impact of these events. A better understanding of current happenings can be gained through the examination of historical events. The study of history gives students the foundation for a solid education and prepares them for careers ranging from business to politics. Many history majors enter the teaching field. Others work for libraries and museums, and some pursue legal careers. The discipline also prepares students for graduate study.

 

SKILLS RELATED TO HISTORY

• Ability to research, analyze and interpret both past and present events

• Knowledge of principles and methods of analysis and decision-making

• Ability to remain objective and open-minded

• Ability to concentrate for long periods of time

• Ability to appreciate diverse perspectives

• Proficiency in writing and speaking

• Ability to conduct and explain research

• Proficiency for accurate details

The following list is a representative sample of job titles for individuals with a history major. The list represents some, but certainly not all, careers which history majors may consider.

Some of these jobs also require education beyond a bachelor's degree.

 

Anthropologist	Archeologist	Archivist
Biographer	Caseworker	City Manager
Clergy	Consultant	Criminologist
Curator	Economist	Editorial Assistant
Educator	Foreign News Correspondent	Foreign Service Agent
Genealogist	Historian	Human Service Worker
Journalist	Judge	Lawyer
Lecturer	Librarian	Newspaper Reporter
Peace Corps Volunteer	Policy Evaluator	Political Scientist
Politician	Preservation Specialist	Public Administrator
Research Analyst	Research Assistant	Tour Guide
Travel Agent	Urban Administrator

 

EMPLOYERS IN HISTORY

• Advertising firms

• Archives

• Chambers of Commerce

• Colleges/Universities

• Film companies

• Government agencies

• Historical societies

• Hotels

• Libraries

• Museums

• National Parks

• Publishers

• Research firms

• Social service agencies

• Travel industry

• Volunteer agencies

• Zoos

 

WEB SITES RELATED TO HISTORY

Metro State Department of History Website

• Guide to History Departments Around the World

• Historical Text Archive

• History Channel

• International Council on Monuments and Sites

• Job Link - Historic Preservation and Public History Employment Sources

• Jobs resources, links and websites for museum professionals via MuseumStuff.com

• Library of Congress

• Women in World History

• World History Archives

• World History Compass

 

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS FIELD

• American Antiquarian Society

  http://www.americanantiquarian.org/

• American Association for State and Local History

  http://www.aaslh.org/

• American Cultural Resources Association

  http://www.acra-crm.org/

• American Historical Association

  http://www.historians.org/

• American society for History and Computing

  http://www.theaahc.org/

• Organization of American Historians

  http://www.oah.org/

• History of Science Society

  http://www.hssonline.org/

• Social Science History Association

  http://www.ssha.org/

• World History Association

  www.woodrow.org/teachers/world-history/

The above information is collected from alumni surveys of numerous colleges, professional associations, and multiple print and online resources.