History Majors and Careers

Which Types of Jobs Are Available For Those Interested in History?

History majors are naturally curious individuals with a fascination with cultural trends, world events, and social evolutions or revolutions. Many students come to the history major out of a basic interest for the subject instead of a desire to pursue a specific career path. However, there are many careers available to history majors.

A day in the life of a history major may share a few similarities between careers. A researcher at a government organization may spend the day seeking historical context for a new law, while a lawyer spends the day finding legal context for a case. A historian working at an advertising agency might provide cultural context for a new line of women's products in a written report, while a writer pens an article about the history of advertising.

Across many professions, history majors contribute their special brand of training and ability. Employers often appreciate the broad base of knowledge and critical thinking skills history majors bring to their work.

Formal Training Required to Work in a Career Related to History

The history major is possible at each level of education, from brief self-improvement certificate courses to intensive doctoral programs. Your own career goals should help inform the program you choose. If you're looking for a brief educational program that could open up entry level jobs or prepare you for more advanced study, an associate's degree in history may be ideal. For a broader spectrum of history training, a bachelor's degree allows you to gain a fuller understanding of the discipline.

There are a number of specializations within the history major. Students may specialize in American, European, or non-Western history, focusing on elements within the scope they have chosen. Coursework depends on your specialization; options may include classical civilization, comparative and world literature, East Asian history and culture, history of economics, history of education, Latina/Latino history, medieval studies, and more.

Incoming history majors should expect to improve their research and writing skills, analysis of written records, and interdisciplinary thinking. Students often work in groups or teams, improving interpersonal communication and management skills.

The Typical Career Path of Someone Interested in History

The broad education you'll find in a history major can lead to a true range of historian jobs. The ability to write, contextualize, and manage information has a number of valuable applications. Jobs for history majors are often found in the following fields:

• Education: With a bachelor's degree plus teaching certification, a history major may advance to become a history teacher at the high school level. For college professors of history, a doctoral degree is typically required.
• Research: Graduates may go on to work as policy analysts or researchers for government organizations, nonprofit groups, historical organizations, and more. A research-oriented historian may work as a museum curator focusing on American history, European history, or art history.
• Writing and Editing: History majors often use their writing skills to write historical books or edit at publishing houses. Historians may become print or broadcast journalists or edit documentaries or government materials.
• Information Management: History is a popular undergraduate major for those considering working as information managers in libraries. With an additional master's degree in library science, history majors work with documents in archives departments, libraries, and more.
• Legal Professions: The major is also a popular preparation for law school and related legal professions. Additionally, historians may use their training to become paralegals.
• Business: Hiring managers in business often appreciate history majors for their skills in research, persuasive writing, and trend-tracking.

For the best job opportunities after graduation, history majors are encouraged to pair their major with related internships, paid work, and extracurricular activities. If you don't intend to go into teaching or research, real-world experience can help set the state for career success after graduation.

Job Outlook and Salary Information for History Majors

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports healthy earnings for careers linked to history majors. Secondary school teachers earned a median annual wage of $52,200 in 2009. That same year, paralegals earned $46,980 and editors earned $50,800. With an additional master's degree, librarians earned a median wage of $53,710.

Many positions linked to history majors are in high demand. The BLS notes that employment for secondary school teachers is expected to grow 13 percent between 2008 and 2018. Paralegals are expected to see 28 percent growth over the same time period, while editors can expect to see an 8 percent growth.