Careers for History Majors

A variety of career opportunities are available to historians. After completing the undergraduate program in history, a graduate may wish to seek employment in the private sector in fields such as publishing, journalism or communications. A history graduate may also seek careers in private museums and research institutions. In addition, many private companies maintain their own archives, research and editing services.

In the public sector, positions in local, state and federal agencies and branches of the government are open to the history graduate. Historical associations or societies, service institutions and foundations, libraries, archives, historical projects, genealogical services, preservation and restoration all employ history graduates. Federal agencies such as the Smithsonian Institute, the National Park Service and the National Archives, utilize historians in a in a variety of capacities.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in history is also excellent preparation for graduate or professional level study in law, international relations, history, political science, public administration, communications and journalism. With additional graduate level work, a degree in history would enable a student to move into positions in higher education