What Jobs Can You Get With a Bachelor’s in History?

A bachelor’s degree in history doesn’t map to a single vocational path like engineering or nursing, leading many to question its utility in the job market. The degree’s value lies in cultivating a versatile skill set. A history degree provides a foundation for professions that require in-depth research, nuanced analysis, and the ability to construct a compelling narrative.

Valuable Skills from a History Degree

A history degree cultivates transferable skills that are attractive to employers. The curriculum moves beyond memorizing dates, focusing instead on developing an analytical framework. Students learn to deconstruct complex events, identify patterns of cause and effect, and evaluate evidence from primary and secondary sources. This process sharpens critical thinking, allowing graduates to approach problems with a methodical mindset.

The discipline is rooted in research. History majors become adept at navigating archives, databases, and textual sources to gather and organize large quantities of information. They develop a meticulous approach to sourcing and verification, learning to question the origins of information and identify potential biases.

The study of history is also an exercise in communication. Students are tasked with articulating their findings and arguments in writing and oral presentations. They learn to construct clear, persuasive, and well-supported narratives from complex data. This ability to communicate with clarity, coupled with attention to detail from citation and source analysis, makes them effective communicators.

Popular Career Paths for History Majors

Educator

One of the most direct career paths is in education, particularly at the secondary level. These roles involve designing lesson plans, instructing students, and fostering critical inquiry in the classroom. A history graduate’s deep content knowledge and training in making the past relevant are directly applicable. To become a teacher in a public school, a graduate will need to complete a state-approved teacher education program and obtain the necessary licensure.

Archivist or Museum Curator

For those passionate about the tangible remnants of the past, a career as an archivist or curator is a natural fit. Archivists work in government agencies, corporations, and universities to appraise, process, and preserve documents and records. Curators perform similar work in museums with a focus on artifacts and are often responsible for developing public exhibits. A bachelor’s degree can open the door to entry-level positions like museum technician.

Journalist

Journalists are investigators who gather information from multiple sources, evaluate their credibility, and synthesize findings into a narrative for the public. A history major’s ability to understand context and uncover underlying issues is a significant asset. This background prepares them to cover current events with a deeper, more informed perspective, whether in print, broadcast, or digital media.

Paralegal or Legal Assistant

The legal profession is a common destination for history graduates. Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers by conducting research, drafting legal documents, organizing evidence, and preparing for trials. These responsibilities are central to a law office, corporate legal department, or government agency and align well with the skills of a history major.

Policy Analyst

History graduates are well-suited for careers as policy analysts for government agencies, non-profits, and think tanks. They research societal problems, analyze the impacts of proposed legislation, and evaluate existing policies. Understanding historical precedents and the long-term consequences of past policy decisions provides a unique and valuable lens for this work.

Librarian

A career as a librarian is a strong option for those who excel at research and information management. Librarians work in public, academic, and special libraries where they organize materials, assist patrons with research, and teach information literacy skills. A history bachelor’s degree provides an excellent foundation for the graduate-level study often required for this profession.

Writer or Editor

The strong writing and research skills from a history program are a direct qualification for a career as a writer or editor. These roles exist across publishing, corporate communications, marketing, and online media. History graduates can research topics thoroughly, synthesize complex information, and craft clear, engaging, and accurate prose for articles, book manuscripts, or corporate reports.

Marketing Manager

A history degree can be effective in marketing. Marketing managers are tasked with understanding consumer behavior, identifying trends, and building a brand narrative. A history major’s ability to analyze cultural contexts, understand societal evolution, and recognize long-term patterns provides a unique perspective for developing strategies that connect with broader cultural trends.

Strategies for Landing a Job

Tailor your resume for each application. Use bullet points with strong action verbs to highlight specific research projects, analytical papers, and presentations. Quantify your achievements when possible, such as the size of an archive you helped organize, to give employers a concrete sense of your capabilities.

Use your cover letter to tell a story that connects your historical training to the specific needs of the organization. Explain how your ability to analyze evidence, understand complex contexts, or communicate nuanced arguments makes you a strong candidate for the role, whether it’s in marketing, policy, or law.

Seek out internships in fields that interest you, such as at a local museum, a law office, a non-profit, or a political campaign. This hands-on experience not only builds your resume but also allows you to apply your research and analytical abilities to real-world problems and begin building a professional network.

Connect with alumni from your history department who have entered fields you are considering. Conduct informational interviews to learn about their career paths and seek advice. These conversations can provide insights, uncover unadvertised job opportunities, and help you find advocates who can champion your application.

The Role of Graduate School

While a bachelor’s degree in history opens doors to many professions, certain career paths require or are enhanced by an advanced degree. Graduate school is a consideration for roles that demand specialized knowledge and research capability. It is often a necessary step for career advancement in several fields.

For instance, becoming a university professor necessitates earning a master’s degree and ultimately a Ph.D. in history. Practicing law requires the completion of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree after your undergraduate studies. Senior positions in archives, museums, and libraries also call for advanced credentials, such as a Master of Arts in History, Museum Studies, or Library Science (MLS). Pursuing graduate studies involves weighing your career goals against the required time and financial investment.