History majors pursue diverse careers, leveraging their skills in research, analysis, and communication. Many work directly in history-related fields like teaching, archival work, museums, and academia. Others enter law, business, technology, healthcare, and public service where their transferable skills prove valuable.
Teaching is a primary career for history graduates. Some teach history in high schools or colleges. Others become military history instructors or museum educators. For example, one graduate with a BA and MA in history now teaches Military History at the Air Force and collaborates with Air Force museums. Another teaches high school history and coaches sports. Some have shifted to roles supporting education technology or online learning.
Archives, libraries, and conservation offer another direct path. Graduates manage collections, conserve artifacts, or curate exhibitions. Roles include archivist, librarian, conservator, and records manager. One works in a city archive organizing and preserving documents. Another’s family member manages collections in the national archives. These jobs typically require specialized graduate training in information science or archival studies.
Museum and cultural resource management are common for those passionate about heritage. Graduates work as researchers, field technicians, and public historians. Positions range from archaeological technicians to researchers in military or Holocaust museums. Some combine history with anthropology or archaeology in preservation projects. Seasonal park rangers with public history degrees educate visitors during peak seasons.
Academic research and professorship remain a traditional ambition for some. This path usually requires a PhD. Graduates become university professors or government researchers. Others with doctorates diversify to careers in biotech or strategy management, showing the versatility of advanced humanities degrees.
Many history majors find careers outside traditional history fields by using their critical thinking, writing, and research skills. The law profession attracts many because history majors excel in analyzing complex texts and developing arguments. Some become attorneys, public defenders, or legal consultants. Their degree supports skills essential for legal research and persuasive writing.
In business and finance, history graduates work in consulting, sales, project management, or analysis. For example:
- A hedge fund worker credits history studies for mastering large volumes of complex reading and forming actionable conclusions.
- A renewable energy consultant uses analytical skills gained from historical research.
- Others take roles in marketing, commodity trading, or human resources.
Technology is another sector seeing history graduates thrive. Some combine history with computer science in double majors. A number have transitioned into software engineering, IT support, or cybersecurity. These roles utilize skills in research, problem-solving, and communication honed through history study.
Science and healthcare also attract history grads. Some pursue medical school after a history BA. Others work as biostatisticians, medical scribes, or biotech professionals with combined degrees in history and biochemistry.
Writing, journalism, and media careers are natural fits. Graduates write historical fiction, work as journalists, translators, or speechwriters. They apply their deep understanding of context and narrative to create compelling stories and communication.
Public service roles span nonprofits, consulting, public health advocacy, and government instructional design. A few graduates hold specialized positions in military history or defense-related technology.
Some history majors pursue unique or unrelated careers where transferable skills help. Examples include sound engineering, piloting, brewery management, construction estimation, or hospital administration. The ability to research, analyze, and communicate proves useful across these fields.
Challenges common among history majors include limited direct job opportunities without graduate degrees and variable salary prospects in academia or heritage jobs. Many advise cautious planning before pursuing advanced history degrees. The broad skill set of history majors is frequently highlighted as their main career asset.
| Career Area | Examples of Jobs | Skills Used |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching/Education | High school teacher, college professor, military history instructor | Communication, research, explanation, pedagogy |
| Archives & Libraries | Archivist, librarian, conservator, records manager | Organization, preservation, research, cataloguing |
| Museum & Heritage | Museum researcher, cultural resource manager, park ranger | Historical analysis, public engagement, preservation |
| Law & Legal | Attorney, public defender, paralegal | Critical thinking, argumentation, legal research |
| Business & Finance | Analyst, consultant, project manager, sales | Analytical reasoning, report writing, decision making |
| Technology & IT | Software engineer, IT support, cybersecurity | Research, problem-solving, technical communication |
| Science & Healthcare | Physician, biostatistician, medical scribe | Data analysis, scientific knowledge, precision |
| Writing & Media | Author, journalist, translator, speechwriter | Research, storytelling, writing, language skills |
| Public Service & Nonprofit | Research manager, public health consultant, government designer | Research, policy analysis, communication |
- History majors work in many fields, not only history-specific careers.
- Graduate degrees often necessary for traditional history jobs.
- Transferable skills like research, critical thinking, and writing open diverse paths.
- Teaching, archives, museums, and academia dominate direct history careers.
- Law, business, technology, and healthcare offer broad alternatives.
What jobs can history majors get directly related to their degree?
Many history grads teach at schools or universities. Others work as archivists, librarians, or in museums. Some become researchers or cultural resource managers. Roles often involve deep research and preservation of history.
Can history graduates work outside traditional history fields?
Yes. History majors often enter law, finance, technology, and healthcare. Their skills in research, critical thinking, and writing are highly valued. Many find success in roles unrelated to history content.
How do history degrees help in teaching careers?
History knowledge enriches teaching by providing content depth. It also helps connect with students through historical context. Some leave teaching for roles supporting education with new tech skills.
What roles exist in archives and libraries for history majors?
History grads work as archivists, collection managers, and librarians. They organize and preserve documents, curate exhibitions, and support research. Specialized studies can enhance opportunities in these areas.
How does a history degree benefit a career in business or finance?
History teaches data analysis and argument construction. Graduates use these skills in sales, project management, consulting, and trading. Understanding context helps in decision-making and client relations.
Do history majors pursue advanced degrees for certain careers?
Many history grads get master’s or PhDs to teach, research, or specialize. Advanced degrees improve chances in academia, museums, and archives. Some combine history with law or information science degrees.
