What Can I Do With a Major in History?

A Major in History is about more than the past. It also prepares you for a wide variety of fields as well as graduate school.

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People who majored in history had a mean salary of $63,000 in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).  That means that half of those surveyed earned less, and half earned more. History Majors were also more likely to earn a graduate degree than other majors as a whole (51% vs. 38%.) 

Getting a degree in history means studying humanities and social studies, and it's a great major for those who have always been curious about the past—and how it affects today. History Majors also learn about music, art, architecture, philosophy, and literature, plus writing and thinking skills that can help you do well in many fields.

Those fields include:

  • Academics
  • Museum work
  • Research
  • Law 
  • Public Administration
  • Business

Sources: BLS, Ashland University, Rutgers University

Career Options, Employers, and Transferable Skills

*Some may require further education or specialization.

Advocate
Anti-Terrorism Intelligence Agent
Archivist
Chaplain
Clergy Member
Community Relations Director
Congressional Aide
Consultant
Consumer Advocate
Diplomat
Editor
FBI/CIA Agent
Foreign News Correspondent
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Peacekeeping Specialist
Government Official
Historian
Historic Preservation Specialist
Historical Society Staff Member
Indexer
Intelligence Specialist
International Relations Specialist
Journalist
Labor Relations Advisor
Legal Assistant
Legislative Correspondent
Librarian
Lobbyist
Movie/Television History Producer
Museum Curator
Newspaper Editor
Park Naturalist
Peace Corps/VISTA Worker
Political Editor
Professor
Public Administrator/Manager
Public Relations Specialist
Publications Editor
Research Assistant
Social Welfare Administrator
Teacher, Social Studies
Travel Writer/Journalist
Urban and Regional Planner
Writer/Author

Private & Non-Profit Organizations

Advertising Agencies
Archives
Banks
Book/Magazine Publishing Companies
Civic Organizations
Collection Agencies
Colleges/Universities
Community Arts Centers
Community Organizations
Consulting Firms
Cultural Organizations
Educational Institutions
Foundations
Historic Sites/Historical Societies
Insurance Companies
Labor Unions
Law Firms
Libraries
Museums
Newspapers
Political Organizations
Professional Associations
Public Interest Groups
Public Relations Firms
Radio/TV Companies
Research Firms

Government Agencies

Department of Commerce
Department of Justice
Department of State
Drug Enforcement Administration
FBI/CIA
Federal/State Congressional Offices
General Accounting Office
National Archives and Records Administration
National Endowment for the Humanities
National Park Service
Peace Corps/AmeriCorps
Smithsonian Institution
US Customs Service
US Information Agency

General Skills
Concentrates for long periods of time
Possesses a broad background of general knowledge
Mindful of the reactions of others and understanding why they react the way they do
Teaches others
Composes and communicates ideas in written form

Problem-Solving Skills
Makes keen observations
Identifies a problem, reviews related information, develops and evaluates options, and implements a solution

Research Skills
Identifies and evaluates records of past events, ideas, and facts
Collects and organizes important historical data
Uses logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
Understands complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports

Communication Skills
Reads, writes, and speaks proficiently
Conducts and clearly explains scientific research
Listens to what other people are saying and takes time to understand the points being made
Conveys information, explains ideas, or gives instructions

Experiential Learning

  • Developing informational materials for historical museums
  • Serving as a page for a local congressman
  • Volunteering at a local historical society
  • Working at the public library in the genealogy department

Professional Associations

Enhancing Your Employability

Here are ways to improve your job prospects:

  • Join relevant student organizations to develop leadership skills.
  • Participate in internships and field experience placements.
  • Participate in a study abroad opportunities.
  • Become active in alumni and mentor networks.
  • Plan on a graduate degree for advancement.
  • Take part in mock interview opportunities.

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