History majors have many options when it comes to careers. Depending on your degree, you may be able to work as a teacher or researcher; teach at the high school or post-secondary level; write for local, national, or international publications; or work as a museum curator. Some employers even require that you have completed some kind of graduate degree in order to apply for the position. The following are some of the most common career paths that history majors can pursue:
Teaching History
If you were to become a teacher, you would probably begin by teaching high school history classes. You could also teach at a post-secondary institution and earn your Master’s degree in education before starting your career in teaching. Once you have earned your teaching license and certificate, there are many opportunities for growth within this field—including openings at public schools and private institutions across the country.
Writing for Media
If writing is what interests you most about history—and if writing is something that interests others—you could start by working as an intern or freelancer for local newspapers or magazines. From there, it’s just a matter of growing up in your craft: if it doesn’t feel right yet (because maybe it
History majors have a number of options when it comes to their career paths.
A history major can pursue a career in academia, working as an instructor at a college or university. This is often the most common career choice for history majors because it allows them to teach students about the past and make a difference in their lives by influencing future generations’ decisions and actions.
Careers for a history major
Another option for history majors is to pursue a career in the media or public relations field. These careers often require knowledge of history and familiarity with current issues, so those with a history degree are well-positioned for success here.
Many students also choose to become journalists or editors, which requires excellent communication skills but doesn’t necessarily require a bachelor’s degree.
Most history majors choose to pursue a career in teaching, but there are other options—including law and medicine.
Teaching History
A history major can teach in the secondary or postsecondary education system, including:
- Public schools (elementary through high school)
- Colleges and universities
- Businesses that offer courses on history
- Museums and historical sites that offer tours and activities for visitors.
Lawyers and Historians
The legal profession requires a strong knowledge of history, which can be applied to legal cases by lawyers who specialize in judicial law making. Lawyers who specialize in historical research may also want to consider becoming historians or professors at law schools. Professors at law schools may teach classes on legal subjects like constitutional law or civil procedure, but they will also have opportunities to teach classes on history topics like the Constitution itself or the War of 1812. Some professors also publish research papers based on their own research into historical events as well as legal cases that have been decided by courts throughout American history.
History majors have many career options, and many of them are just as interesting as their core field. More often than not, history majors end up pursuing their passion for the past by becoming professional archivists, librarians, museum curators, or even historians themselves.
But if you’re looking for something new, there are plenty of opportunities outside the realm of academia. You can take your love of history and apply it to any number of careers that focus on the past—from writing about historical figures to researching and curating exhibitions about them.
If you’re interested in studying history beyond the classroom, consider taking classes at local community colleges or state universities. If you’re looking to pursue a career in teaching, consider getting certified through an organization like National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). The NCTE offers certification programs in elementary education and secondary education that prepare you for teaching positions in high schools or colleges.
If you want to make a name for yourself as an author or blogger who writes about historical subjects, there are plenty of opportunities available through publishers like Penguin Random House Random House Publishing Group Inc., Simon
A history major teaches you analytical and problem solving skills. It also gives you an array of other skills that can help you in the workplace, including written and oral communication, self-discipline, time management, and working in teams. But what kind of careers can history majors pursue? And how do you translate your studies into a job tomorrow?
History majors will be best prepared for any career path after obtaining a degree in the subject. With their liberal arts education and critical thinking skills, they are sure to make the most of their undergraduate experience. While diverse opportunities will be open to them, history majors may also choose to take a few courses in preparation for law school which could lead them into careers like being an attorney or politician. History majors will also benefit from obtaining additional skills if they wish to gain entry into graduate programs or pursue teaching positions.
Ultimately, a history degree helps you learn how to think critically, communicate effectively, and be prepared for almost any career. Plus, with the rise in popularity of shows like HBO’s “Vinyl,” it’s safe to say that the entertainment industry will continue to search for talented applicants with a history degree.
Regardless of what you choose to do, choose something that will require history knowledge. I’m in a marketing and advertising program, but am not just interested in getting my certificate and then finding a job where I sit behind a desk all day. I hope to pursue further education after my undergraduate education (I’m only a few years in), and if I can find anything that can draw on my history background (political science and sociology double-major) then so much the better. A degree with practically-applicable skills will always trump one without them in my opinion.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m available to answer questions you may have, if needed. Feel free to include my resume or this letter in a follow-up email.
