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Why Earn a Degree in History?

A degree in history will prepare individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to examine past events, artifacts, documents and locations to piece together and analyze history. An education in history requires excellent analytical skills and memory, and tasks individuals with utilizing available information to derive conclusions about individuals, societies and cultures. Degrees in history are available from the associate's level onward, with masters and PhDs becoming more specialized, often focusing on a particular time or culture in history. Additionally, a bachelor's degree in history canĀ  be used to enter masters programs in other fields, such as law.

A curriculum in history may include:

  • Critical Thinking
  • World Civilization
  • American History
  • European History
  • Foreign Language (Student's Choice)

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$60,990

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

39.22%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

2,950

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best History Degree

One of the best universities in the world, this private Ivy League university is the oldest institution of higher learning in the USA. Its mainly located in Cambridge, Massachusetts spanning over 300 acres of land. It was named after the deceased John Harvard in 1639 of which was chartered as a corporation. Having the largest endowment from the US government and private institutions, the university funds its continuous research activities in different fields of study. Notable alumni from Harvard includes 161 Nobel prize winners, 8 American presidents, and 188 living billionaires.

This History program at Harvard is being offered by the Department of History and Sciences and Department of History of Art and Architecture. These two programs are comprehensively outlined to prepare students for research and fieldwork in museums, schools, and postgraduate programs. Moreover, both programs could be a requisite for taking law school and a doctorate in Philosophy. Degree programs could take at least four years. Taking the Ph.D. route, one will spend about six or seven years.

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Being the fourth oldest institution in the USA, this Ivy League university is founded in 1746 as a college. Later on, it was renamed Princeton University in 1896. Spanning about 500 acres, the university is situated in Princeton, New Jersey. Its main campus admits almost 8000 students yearly. This university is known for its artistic and architectural sought buildings, museums, and landscapes. Though mostly known as liberal arts and humanities school, it also offers engineering and natural sciences. Notable graduates from this university include 2 US presidents, 12 US Supreme Court Justices, and hundreds of US top government officials.

Princeton’s history degree program offers undergraduate degrees, doctorate, and certificates to students who finished the courses. Apart from its BA degree in History, the university also provides certificates to those who enroll in History and Science and History and the Practice of Diplomacy programs. Its faculty, composed of 60 are highly experience among different interdisciplinary programs. Students who are interested in enrolling in this program should look into the neo-Gothic Dickinson Hall as a start!

Acceptance Rate

5.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

The third oldest higher degree institution in the USA, this private Ivy League university was founded in 1701. Located in New Haven Connecticut, its name was originated through its largest benefactor back then, Elihu Yale. This institution was awarded the first Ph.D. program in the USA in 1861. Currently, the university is organized into 14 different schools on its 1000 acres of land. Just behind Harvard, it ranks second among the universities in the USA receiving the largest endowment. Notable alumni from this institution include 5 US Presidents, 65 Nobel laureates, 31 living billionaires, and hundreds of members of Congress.

The top ranked history degree of this university could be taken through various courses offered by the Department of History. Apart from the four-year undergraduate degree, it has three undergraduate majors provided for those who want to take either history of science, medicine, or art. Moreover, it offers specialized master's degree and doctorate programs to those who want to proceed for postgraduate courses. Nonetheless, the department has a rigid admission process and only those students who are highly qualified with credentials are often successfully enrolled into these degrees.

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Also known as Columbia by many, this Ivy League university is the fifth oldest higher education institution established in the USA. Its located in Manhattan, Columbia with a size of about 300 acres. One of the best universities in the world, it was the home of various discoveries in science including laser, nuclear magnetic resonance, and plate tectonics. Currently, this university is composed of 20 schools and 15 graduate programs. Alumni from this university include 3 US presidents, 53 living billionaires, 11 Olympic medalists, and hundreds of top government officials.

Managed by the Department of Art History and Archaeology, the history program in this university is organized into two majors, mainly Art History and History and Theory of Architecture. Moreover, a combination of visual arts could be given with pre-requisite courses taken. For graduate programs, master's and Ph.D. degrees are also accepted given with great credentials and recommendations. Entering class for Ph.D. is less than 10 and less than 50 for master's degrees.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The seventh-oldest institution in the USA, this Ivy League university is located in Providence, Rhode Island. Having a 7% student acceptance rate, the university admits about 10,000 students of which 7000 are undergraduate students. The university is divided into six schools including their renowned international programs. Its main campus, the College Hill, sits at 143 acres with magnificent sights of medieval and colonial architectures on various schools and buildings. Notable alumni in this university include 8 Nobel Prize winners, 8 billionaires, and 24 Pulitzer Prize winners.

The degree of history at this university could be taken through its two programs. Specifically, the BA History degree focuses on various world civilizations that existed and the BA History of Art and Architecture takes account of ancient, medieval, to recent forms of arts and architecture. An honorary degree could also be taken upon completion of 5 to 6 semesters. Pathways after graduation include Google, Amazon, Dreamworks, and different government agencies.

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, this Ivy League university is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It comprises four undergraduate schools and twelve graduate and professional schools which could be crossly enrolled by all students through Penn’s “One’s University Policy”. Spanning a total of 1085 acres, its University City campus sits at 299 acres and the rest are research centers, halls, and natural parks. Yearly, the university admits about 20,000 students. Famous alumni in this university include two US presidents and 64 billionaires.

The history major at UPenn is outlined through different geographical areas including Europe, East and South Asia, and the USA and Canada. The history program offers an undergraduate degree and certificates upon crediting on learning the course of ‘History of Art’. Being one of the first post-undergraduate programs on history to be introduced in the USA, the university strictly admits only a few students in this program. It's expected that postgraduate students will take research courses as part of their studies.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Also known as MIT, this private university is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and was established in 1859 through a land-grant from the federal government. Its urban campus spans about 166 acres offering five schools and 1045 Bachelor of Science degrees. A well-known research institution, MIT has been involved in military defense researches given by the government. Notable alumni in this university include 16 Chief Scientists of the Air Force, 41 astronauts, and 3 Mitchell Scholars.

To obtain a major in history, 180 credit units should be taken by graduates. For minor takers, it's required to take six subjects including two temporal periods, one pre-modern and modern. Unlike many other universities, history majors are expected to be immersed in research and analytical methods. For postgraduate studies, MIT offers a doctoral degree in collaboration with courses including Science, Technology, and Society, and Anthropology.

Acceptance Rate

6.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

This private university was originally founded by the American Baptist Society in 1890 and has continuously still been associated with the religious institution. Its main campus is located in Chicago, Illinois for which spans about 217 acres. Currently, student enrolment goes up to 16,000 catering to 6,000 undergraduate students and 10,000 post-degree students. It has one undergraduate college and five graduate research institutions including its law and medicine school. Apart from that, it has satellite campuses in various parts of the world including London, France, and Hongkong. Famous alumni from this university include 100 Nobel laureates and 29 living billionaires.

The history degree program at the University of Chicago offers undergraduate and post-graduate degrees to its students. The program has more than 80 courses for undergraduate students to choose from. Apart from these courses, seminars, training, and research works are expected upon entry into this program. Potential career prospective includes various related industries and government-affiliated services.

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Founded in 1885, this private university was named after the only child of back then, the US Senator Leland Stanford. Located in the part of Silicon Valley, it occupies about 8180 acres of land. It’s organized into seven schools with three, intended as graduate schools. Apart from that, it has 18 research institutes that have been funded by certain companies throughout the world. Many alumni of this university have started their own companies. Estimated revenue altogether for these companies is about $2.7 million. Notable alumni include a US president, 74 living billionaires, and 17 astronauts.

One of the undergraduate programs offered by the School of Humanities & Sciences, its history program offers major, minor, and honorary undergraduate degree options. Moreover, the history department accepts coterminal masters and undergraduate degrees to limited students. A recent addition to their majors includes an infusion of history with computer science.

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

This private Ivy League university is founded in 1769 by Eleazar Wheelock. It’s located in Hanover, New Hampshire, United States, and one of the nine colonial schools built in the United States before the American Revolution. Offered liberal arts on most of its courses, this school includes 39 academic departments and 56 major programs including few engineering degrees. It only has a single campus that spans about 30,000 acres with about 6,600 students admitted annually. Popular alumni in this university include a US Vice President, 2 US Supreme Court Justices, 10 billionaires, and 3 Nobel Prize laureates.

Obtaining a Dartmouth history degree, one should take history as a major or even minor. Otherwise, the student shall meet the requisite subjects before admitting into the course either as a major or minor. Moreover, the student has an option to study abroad and take a few courses through its partnership with the University of London. Graduates of this program are employed in different sectors including financial services, government, and health-related jobs. Otherwise, most graduates in this course proceed for post studies like law or master's degree.

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Constructed by Methodists and Quakers in 1838, this private university is now located in Durham, North Carolina. Formerly Brown School, this university changed its name after an endowment was made by James Duke. In total, this university spans about 8600 acres including its three sub-campuses and a marine lab. It admits about 15,000 students to its five existing colleges. Cited as eighth among universities in the world with highly cited researchers from its faculty, it’s the second-largest employer in North Carolina mainly due to its ongoing researches. Famous graduates in this university include a US president and 14 living billionaires.

Comprising of about more than 30 full-time faculty members, the history program offers undergraduate and post-graduate studies to potential students. History majors are required to take 10 history courses before graduation. Whereas, taking it as a minor requires only 5 history courses. The master's program in history takes about 2 to 3 years. The Ph.D. degree could be completed in 5 to 7 years.

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

This private liberal arts college was chartered in 1794 and began to be constructed in the 1820s. Its located in the coastal New England town of Brunswick, Maine about 200 acres in size. Apart from that, it has a 118-acre coastal studies facility in Orr’s Island and a 200-acre scientific field facility in the Bay of Fundy. Admitting about 1800 students yearly, this college is divided into 34 major and minor programs. More than half of its students usually study abroad for a semester to over 100 affiliated institutions in the world. Notable alumni in this college include former US President Franklin Pierce, and author, Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Enrolling in its history degree program, one could take it as a major or a minor course. History majors are required to finish 10 courses of the program. Whereas, history minors should pass only five courses. Amongst students admitted, few were selected to support financially the research of their choice. This program is offered by the department to allow students to expand their research activities outside school. Graduates of this program expect to be employed in certain fields including government-affiliated services, education, and research related works.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Also known as Caltech, this private university was founded as a vocational school by Amos G. Throop in 1891. Its 124-acre campus includes six academic divisions which comprise 24 majors and six minors. Being a science and technology-driven university, most of its research programs are centered on such courses. According to certain surveys, it’s the top-ranked university in engineering and physical sciences. It has a low acceptance rate admitting 2000 students including 950 undergraduate students and 1200 post-degree graduates. Famous alumni in this university include 76 Nobel laureates, 4 Chief Scientists in the Air Force, and certain top-ranked government officials.

Under the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences, history majors at CIT take at least 99 units of history courses. Science and engineering students are encouraged to take history courses to enhance their knowledge. Major takers will have an option to choose an area of concentration for various fields of study.  Also, the history program is great preparation for various careers including business, administration, law, or journalism.

Acceptance Rate

6.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Established 200 years ago, this private liberal arts college is situated in Amherst, Massachusetts. This college offers only 38 programs, mostly focus on liberal arts such as humanities, social sciences, and languages. It has an open curriculum system of education, without having a lot of requisites on several courses. About 1000 acres in size, this university is highly selective in admitting its students. In recent years, the college enrolls about 1855 students. Notable graduates from this university include a US president, winners of Academy, Tony, and Grammy awards, and various high ranked US government officials.

This university’s top rated history degree is composed of nine courses. A student taking this as a major should take four courses in the area of concentration, one course in different geographical areas, and two courses in the pre-1800 era. Without offering a post-degree course, the course is credited to multiple colleges around the USA. During graduation, prizes and awards will be given to exceptionally amazing history students. Other than that, its students could cross-enroll into different colleges and universities around the world including China, Lebanon, and Argentina. 

Acceptance Rate

11.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Founded by a group of Congregationalists in 1887, this private liberal arts college is situated in Southern California, particularly in the Claremont area. Its located in a suburban area near the San Gabriel Mountains measuring about 140 acres with approximately 1700 students enrolled. Currently, this college has the lowest acceptance rate in the USA on any liberal arts degree. Nevertheless, it has the most diverse college in the USA for which 61% of students are a person of color and 56% receive financial aid.

The history program in this college focuses on any period before 1800. It has five existing courses with different specializations and three of these courses discuss western and non-western civilizations. Apart from that, its four-year undergraduate history degree concentrates on lectures, training, and research. Graduates of this program will prepare them for proceeding to other fields of study including law, education, public affairs, and business.

Acceptance Rate

7.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Founded more than 155 years ago, this private liberal arts college is one of the earliest coeducational colleges in the USA. It was formerly affiliated by a religious institution, however, later on, separately became non-sectarian in 1906. Its 425-acre campus is located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania with almost 1,600 student admission. It currently offers more than 40 study programs to 300 courses it has. It’s a highly renowned liberal arts college with five alumni winning Nobel Prize awards.

 This college’s history degree is designed for its students to hone their skills in historical research and writing. Its courses cover summer internship programs in different museums and learning a foreign language. Also, an option to study abroad is given to all its students. Financial grants on research are provided to students with excellent academic research performance. Future prospective careers after entering this program include fields in law, education, business, and many more.

Acceptance Rate

8.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

One of the oldest higher education institutions in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, this private liberal arts college was founded in 1793 through the endowment of Sir Ephraim Williams. Its rural campus sits at 450 acres for which accepts about 2,000 students annually. Its 25 academic departments are divided into three branches, social science, arts and humanities, and science and mathematics. Having a low acceptance rate, this university boasts that it’s the best college for liberal arts in the USA. Notable alumni in this college include a president in the USA, 3 prime ministers, and a Nobel Prize Laureate.

The majors in history at William College history program should be able to enroll in seven or more courses available. Additionally, a student should take a single course on the Pre-modern Period before graduation. The college awards financial grants and book prizes for those who deliver the best essays during the year. Also, each of the students will be assigned to a faculty that will help him assist in learning or studying.

Acceptance Rate

12.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Established in 1965 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew White, this Ivy League university is located in Ithaca, New York. Its Ithaca campus spans about 4,800 acres and its New York Campuses shares postgraduate degree courses and research institutions. Also, it has a Qatar campus, as a joint initiative with its government to improve the country’s educational status. It has currently 24,000 students of which 15,000 are taking undergraduate degrees and about 9,000 are studying for post-graduate degrees. It consists of seven undergraduate schools and colleges including the highly acclaimed College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Architecture. Being a research university, this institution has facilitated unmanned trips to Mars and other space explorations.

Cornell has a robust history degree pathway with both undergraduate and postgraduate courses for qualifying students. History majors should able to take 9 history courses for which studies on world history would be the concentration. For history minors, only 5 courses are required to be enrolled. Its Ph.D. program admits only a few applicants, those who are very qualified for the position. Scholarships, research funding, and honorary awards are available and given to deserving students which excel in this program.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Ranked successively on various publications as one of the best universities in the world, this private university is located in Evanston, Illinois. This institution is founded in 1851 through an endowment of nine Chicago based businessmen. Its main campus spans about 240 acres where undergraduate degrees are offered. Postgraduate programs are separately located in a 25-acre facility in NU’s campus. Outside Chicago, it has mobile campuses including California and Qatar. Admitting 20,000 students annually, this university comprises 11 undergraduate and professional schools. Recognizable alumni of this school include 20 Nobel Prize laureates, 10 living billionaires, and various known personalities and government officials.

The history degree program could be taken as a major or minor course at this university. For getting it as a major, one should take 12 history courses for which six courses will be taken to the geographical concentration preferred and additional six courses on other areas. To credit for a minor degree, one should accomplish seven courses. Also, the school offers a doctorate in various fields of history. Several research grants and funding are also given to a few students enrolled. Graduates of this course could enter the finance and banking industry, education, communications marketing, and proceed to law school.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Founded by Edward Sorin in 1842, this private Catholic university is located in Notre Dame, Indiana. It admits almost 12,000 students annually including undergraduate and post-graduate students. Highly acclaimed as one of the best universities in the USA, it consists of seven schools and colleges, with more than 50 programs for postgraduate degrees and certificates. Its 1261 acre campus is surrounded by medieval architectures mostly religious buildings and sites. This research university receives a financial endowment annually, which is one of the largest in the USA.

Under the Humanities Department, its history program composed of more than 200 students enrolled in its graduate and undergraduate programs. History majors should admit on breadth and concentration areas conformed to his/her geographical interests. Those taking history as a minor course are allowed to enroll in four or more courses available. Nonetheless, a workshop or seminar will be given to all of its students upon entry. Future career perspective on those who graduated with this course include jobs in technology, consulting, and government.

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

This private institution was founded by the real estate businessman, William Marsh Rice in 1891. Its located in the fourth largest city in the USA, Houston, Texas, and sits on a 300-acre urban campus. Its campus enjoys the greeneries with more than 4,000 trees and shrubs scattered throughout the campus. Consequently, it’s divided into eleven residential colleges and eight schools of academic study with more than 20 academic research centers and institutes around the campus. One of the most selective universities in the USA, it admits around 7,000 students with over 50 majors for them to choose from. Renowned alumni from this university consist of two dozen Marshall Scholars, 12 Rhodes Scholars, scientists, astronauts, and politicians.

The Department of History provides undergraduate and graduate programs in history. Its BA degree teaches its students the early and modern history of Europe, the USA, South Asia, and many more. This 120 credit hour program provides emphasis on political and cultural history concerning other subjects including literature, political science, and sociology. Its MA program is selectively chosen to focus on research work and expanding knowledge on a particular specialization. An opportunity to study in Brazil or Mexico is offered in this graduate program.

Acceptance Rate

8.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

This Jesuit university is the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in the United States. It was established in 1791 through the efforts of the Jesuit community in Maryland with the leadership of Bishop John Carroll. Though the school is still affiliated with the Catholic Church today, the majority of students attending are non-Catholics. Located in Washington DC, the university has four existing campuses including its 104-acre main campus and satellite campus in Doha, Qatar. It is organized into four undergraduate schools offering more than 48 major programs. Having known to have a low student acceptance rate, the university receives about 21,000 applications yearly with only 15% admitted to study.

Georgetown’s Department of History has undergraduate and graduate programs for its students to enroll in. A History major should take not less than 11 major courses, which should consist of four courses in a specific group selection of an area’s history, three courses from another group, and two electives at any region. The MA program is highly selective and small, working closely with faculty mentors and Ph.D. students. It comprises mainly of research activities, field workshops, and presentations in preparation for the Ph.D. program also being offered in this university.  

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Often known by people as Vandy or VU, this private university was founded in 1873 through an endowment by Cornelius Vanderbilt. Its owned and governed by 45 regular members called ‘Board of Trust’ which also includes the chancellor. It’s primarily located in the urban place of Nashville, Tennessee spanning about 330 acres of area. It admits 13,500 students and has 1800 academic staff which include teachers and school personnel. Being known as a liberal arts university, it also offers engineering, business, and natural sciences courses. Currently, it has nine existing colleges for undergraduates and posts degree graduates to choose from.

Comprising of more than 150 available courses, Vanderbilt’s history department offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to its students. One of the largest numbers of faculty in the College of Arts & Sciences, it comprises 40 full-time faculty with high competencies in various fields of study in history. Majors taking history are obliged to take elective courses with a concentration in geographical history. Moreover, the university offers a post-graduate program. Dual-degree students are permitted, though a limited number of credits should be taken. Before admission, all students need to read and understand the University Catalog to know more about the policies and rules upon studying.

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Named after the first president of the USA, George Washington, this private university is founded in Greater St. Louis, Missouri in 1853. It sits on 346 acres of land holding about 15,000 students and 3800 academic staff. It composes of seven undergraduate and graduate schools organized into its four available campuses. Ranked 7th in the World’s most cited researches, the university is affiliated with 25 Nobel laureates.

Washington’s history degree program offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses for history majors and minors. Its courses are organized to histories of different parts of the world including Asia, the USA, and Europe. It only offers a Ph.D. program that could take six years, centered on historical research with a close working relationship between the faculty and its students. Financial grants and scholarships are also being offered to well-deserved students. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Tailored through German’s system of university education, this private research university is situated in Baltimore, Maryland with various satellite campuses and research centers scattered throughout the USA. This university was established in 1876 through the major funding of Johns Hopkins. Consistently ranked as one of the best universities, this institution is excellently recognized for its health-related degrees including public health, nursing, and medicine. This university offers more than 1500 bachelor’s degrees, including 52 academic majors and 48 minors on its Homewood campus.

Part of Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Johns Hopkins’ history degree program emphasizes history topics involving research, writing, and improved thinking. Its courses are designed mainly on global history with an option to participate in interdisciplinary courses like women studies, Jewish literature, and much more. Nonetheless, the university offers the completion of bachelor's and master's programs in only four years. However, an applicant must meet the qualifications upon enrollment.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

What Can I Do with a History Degree?

The study of history provides students with a unique set of analytical skills and an invaluable sense of perspective. Students considering earning a degree in history or graduating from college with a history degree may wonder what jobs can I get with a history degree?. A cross-section of industries you can find yourself working in include: banking, colleges, publishing, retail organizations, consultant firms, museums, broadcast organization, and law firms. Below we have outlined a number of opportunities that exist for history majors, some expected and some unexpected for your consideration.

Teaching College graduates seeking to teach at the middle school or high school level will generally earn a bachelors degree or masters degree plus state-required certification and licensure. On the other hand, teaching at a college or university will typically require a PhD. Higher education history professors will often balance teaching with research projects within a defined area of expertise.

Research and Development History majors may find themselves working for a private corporation, non-profit organization, state government, or local government agency performing research. Research organizations of all types provide insight and analytics into a number of areas from pharmaceuticals to genealogy.

Museums One of the more commonly associated jobs for those earning a degree in history is to work with or for a museum. Graduates can work as an educator, manager, gallery exhibition officer, or a similar capacity as a customer-facing representative or administrative specialist.

Historical Sites Individuals passionate about history are a natural fit to work for a national or state historical site. Positions may include performing duties as a historical building inspector or conservation officer at a variety of historically designated sites across the country.

Librarian Historians may find themselves working in libraries of all types. The important work or cataloging, indexing, and preserving historical works is an important job function.

Journalist A history major may elect to enter the field of journalism as a writer, photojournalist, editorial manager, copywriter, social media manager, or digital editor. For those passionate about communicating and publishing aesthetically pleasing, informative pieces of news could excel as a journalist.

Politics Many history majors have found themselves working in the political arena as a political manager, political assistant, lobbyist, political analyst, or political historian. The insights and perspective of a political specialist with historical bent can be viable across political parties for public or private enterprises.

Business History majors may also find themselves in business, helping organizations understand local business history or evolution of commerce through a macroeconomic or capitalistic lens. Demand for history students with a concentration in business (economics, finance, marketing, public relations, etc.) can be a boon to large and small businesses of all types.

Law Individuals with a history degree may also find themselves working for a law firm providing consulting services or research to large and small legal firms. A history majors analytical skills, research acuity, and critical reasoning skills can be an important resource for law firms in a variety of industries.

Career Outlook for History Majors

Individuals with a degree in history can find jobs in a variety of fields, including business, consulting, foreign service, journalists and more. Individuals who wish to pursue a career in history specifically may choose to become a researcher, teacher, editor or advocate. Post-graduate degree holders will have more jobs available to them within the field of history. Jobs in history are limited, and often with education being the primary source of job opportunities. Most positions are occupied by post graduate degree holders, as are majority of research positions and programs. Bachelor degree holders may be able to find work teaching history in a high school or elementary school setting after obtaining the appropriate certification.

The job of historian typically requires a master's degree. Historians are responsible for gathering data, analyzing said data, educating and presenting information to the public, participate in preservation projects and write articles and papers among other tasks. Historians are often employed by a variety of agencies, including government, private business and schools in order to maintain records and track information. Historians are also known to provide political advice by putting policy issues into a historical perspective.

Historians make on average approximately $55,110 per year which translates to $26.49 per hour. The growth of jobs for historians is expected to be average over the next decade. The largest employers of historians in the United States are local government agencies, federal executive branch, state government agencies, scientific research centers, and museums. Individuals interested in earning a degree in history may also be inclined to consider a degree in anthropology, art history, archaeology, or liberal arts.

Top Paying States for Historians

  1. Maryland $78,900
  2. Colorado $78,600
  3. California $75,460
  4. Virginia $72,930
  5. New Jersey $72,760

List of Historian Associations

Associations and organizations may be worthy of further research for those serious about the field of study. Organizations and trade groups help its members with targeted tools, resources, and research regionally and nationally. An association will often provide networking opportunities to help connect like-minded individuals within this sector. Such connections help extend your career opportunities and establish working relationships with other professionals within this domain. A list of the top five associations include:

  • American Historical Association (AHA)
  • Organization of American Historians (OAH)
  • Western History Association (WHA)
  • Association of Ancient Historians (AAH)
  • National Council for History Education (NCHE)

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