A bachelor’s degree in history is often misunderstood as a narrow path toward becoming a teacher or professor. This perception overlooks the wide-ranging applicability of the skills acquired through studying the past. A history degree provides an intellectual foundation valued across many industries, preparing graduates for a dynamic job market and a variety of professional journeys.
Valuable Skills Gained from a History Degree
The core of a history education is learning how to assess complex information, evaluate the validity of different sources, and formulate meaningful conclusions. This practice hones critical thinking, enabling graduates to approach problems in any field with a methodical and discerning mindset. Employers value these analytical skills in individuals who can look beyond surface-level details and understand the deeper context of a situation.
The degree is centered on research and evidence. History students spend their academic careers locating, evaluating, and synthesizing information from a wide array of sources. This research expertise is transferable to a data-driven world that requires managing and interpreting large volumes of information. It prepares graduates for tasks that require meticulous investigation and distinguishing between credible and unreliable data.
History majors also develop strong skills in written and verbal communication. Coursework consistently demands the ability to construct a coherent argument, supported by evidence, and present it in a clear and persuasive manner. This involves crafting compelling narratives and articulating complex ideas logically, skills that are valuable in any setting that requires reporting, presentations, or internal communications.
Common Career Paths for History Majors
Education
While many graduates teach, opportunities in education extend beyond the classroom. Roles include instructional coordinators who develop educational materials for school districts and corporate trainers who lead professional development programs. Other paths include educational administration, helping to shape policy and manage academic institutions.
Museums, Archives, and Libraries
Careers in museums, archives, and libraries are a natural fit for those passionate about preserving the past. Roles include archivist, curator, and collections manager. While some entry-level positions are available with a bachelor’s degree, many specialized roles like research librarian often require a master’s degree in library science or museum studies.
Government and Public Service
Government agencies at all levels employ history majors. Roles include policy analyst, researching and evaluating proposed legislation; legislative aide, supporting elected officials; and intelligence analyst, applying historical context to national security. An understanding of different cultures and political systems is also beneficial for careers in diplomacy and the foreign service.
Law and Legal Support
The analytical skills from a history program are excellent preparation for law school and a career as an attorney, and history majors consistently perform well on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). For those not attending law school, roles like paralegal or legal assistant involve supporting lawyers by preparing documents and investigating cases.
Business and Finance
The business world values the analytical capabilities of history graduates. In roles such as market research analyst, individuals study consumer behavior and industry trends to guide company strategies. Positions in consulting and project management require synthesizing complex information and presenting it clearly to clients and team members.
Journalism and Media
A history degree provides a strong foundation for careers in journalism and media. Positions include journalist, editor, or fact-checker, while documentary researchers use their skills to uncover stories for film and television. These careers rely on the ability to research, verify sources, and present information accurately and engagingly.
Marketing and Communications
The ability to craft a persuasive narrative is valuable in marketing and communications. History graduates can excel as content strategists developing brand stories, copywriters creating advertising messages, or public relations specialists managing public perception and media relationships.
Non-Profit and Advocacy
The non-profit sector offers opportunities for cause-driven work. Grant writers use their skills to secure funding, while program managers plan and execute initiatives. Advocacy groups also employ researchers to gather and present information that supports their policy goals.
Leveraging Your History Degree in the Job Market
Translating a history degree into a job offer requires communicating the value of your skills to employers. On your resume and in cover letters, move beyond simply listing your major and instead highlight transferable skills. Use phrases like “analyzing complex data,” “conducting in-depth research,” and “crafting persuasive written arguments.” Frame your academic projects as real-world experience, describing how you managed long-term research and synthesized diverse sources to produce a final report.
Gaining practical experience through internships is another important step. An internship provides an opportunity to apply your academic skills in a professional context and demonstrate your capabilities to future employers. Seek out opportunities in fields that interest you, whether it’s a local museum, a government office, or a corporate marketing department. This experience builds your resume and helps you create a network of professional contacts.
Networking is a powerful tool for any job seeker, and it can be particularly beneficial for liberal arts majors. Talk to professionals who work in the fields you are considering to gain insights about their career paths and offer advice. These informational interviews can provide valuable information about what employers are looking for and may even lead to job opportunities. Use university alumni networks and professional organizations to connect with people in your target industries.
Pursuing Advanced Education
For some career paths, an advanced degree is necessary. The decision to pursue further education should be guided by your professional goals and an understanding of the different types of graduate programs.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in a field like public history or library science can provide the specialized training needed for careers as archivists, curators, or specialized librarians. These programs focus on practical skills and can often be completed in one to two years. Other relevant master’s programs for history graduates include those in education, public policy, and international affairs, which can open doors to more advanced roles in those sectors.
A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in history is primarily for those who aspire to careers in academia as university professors and researchers. A Ph.D. program is a multi-year commitment that involves intensive research and the completion of a dissertation. While some Ph.D. holders find careers outside of academia, the main focus of the degree is preparation for a life of teaching and research.
Professional degrees are another option for history graduates. A Juris Doctor (J.D.) is required to practice law, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can be a valuable credential for those aiming for leadership positions in the corporate world.