What Can You Do With A History Degree In 2023? Jobs and Opportunities

The fact is that history repeats itself, and in addition, it’s the knowledge of history that can assist you to understand the world as it is today and forecast changes in the world prior to its occurrence, but are there history degree jobs? We will try to find out!!

Those who get to study history often say their degrees don’t only let them learn about the lives of individuals in the past. But also assist them to gain a more abundant understanding of human behavior and societal tendencies.

This knowledge is also relevant in a broad array of jobs and sectors.

In addition, although sometimes discharged as a bunch of things that have already happened, the study of history is absolutely vital in modern society, not only to recall the past but also to structure the future by accumulating knowledge from it.

You should understand that whatever has occurred is “history”, and what does this imply? This means that history plainly affects us each day, with today’s society structured by noteworthy periods of colonialism, industrialization, disease epidemics, and so on.

History cuts across all cultures, seasons, eras, and environments. Besides that, it is an impassive factor that can be called upon for knowledge and perception of how the world got to the point it’s at now and how it will keep developing in the future.

To better understand this, we put the following questions into consideration:

  1. What are jobs for History Graduates?
  2. What can you do with a history degree – what are the typical careers with a history degree?; and what are the less typical careers with a history degree?
  3. Why study history for your bachelor’s degree?
  4. How much do history majors make?
  5. What are some examples of historical issues?

What Are Jobs For History Graduates?

Experts on careers for history program alumni state the following kinds of jobs are usual among these graduates:

  1. High school history teacher
  2. Community college history lecturer
  3. College or university history professor
  4. Government historian
  5. Historical consultant
  6. Political advisor
  7. Museum curator
  8. Archivist
  9. Lawyer
  10. Researcher
  11. Analyst
  12. Diplomat
  13. Journalist
  14. Writer

What Can You Do With A History Degree?

The answer to this question is extended and should not surprise you when you realize the omnipresence of history in society.

Those who actually study a history degree ought to be observed in applying lessons of the past to help resolve the problems of the current, and can apply an analytical mindset to all kinds of situations and challenges.

This problem-solving and skills in analysis apply to just about any sector that has a focus on present societies and future developments, especially in the discipline of politics, business, and academia.

Typical Careers With A History Degree

1. Careers In Teaching And Research

Various history degree graduates distribute their interest in the subject as they become teachers, at the secondary level or within the tertiary institutions.

The very first of these alternatives normally calls for a finish in a professional teaching qualification, while the second course often calls for a finish in studies up to the Ph.D. level.

Various history careers within tertiary institutions merge both teaching and research, with faculty members rendering services as lecturers and tutors, while also controlling original research in their region of great skill. 

Academic history careers can lead also to writing or broadcasting careers, with the provision of outlets for historians to distribute their impressive skills to public audiences and/or readerships.

The principal character traits you ought to have for careers in academia are a deep inquisitiveness about the world, almost desperately wanting facts and a belief that history can inform the current and structure the future.

2. Careers In Archiving And Heritage

Galleries, libraries, museums, and other historical archives actually offer opportunities to pursue history careers in storing historical materials and heritage.

Which differs from academic research, careers in archiving and heritage focus on the maintenance and organization of historical artifacts. These objects shaped by human hands (artifacts) can range from taxidermy animals to famous paintings and all that’s in between.

History degree graduates have the prospect of standing out in these roles as it concerns their knowledge of the essence of history and a desire to preserve it for the benefit of humankind, today and in the future.

Functions or positions in these areas can also be distinct. Some of them will be administrative and curator and others will be in research, which is focused on excavating deeper into the knowledge of history (sometimes actually digging, or going on archaeological trips) so that you add to the body of knowledge about human inheritance and history.

Other related roles include museum curation, pedigree, museum education, and archeology (conversion courses for history graduates are available).

Less Typical Careers In History

1. Careers In Politics

Fact is History and politics are tightly intertwined, except a ‘less typical’ career line for history graduates, political careers are perfectly cool for history scholars.

Particularly those who desire to focus on evaluating key political events, the historical development of governmental systems, and the complicated set of factors that are involved in political leadership and its opposition.

This is, however, different from various research and inheritance functions. Careers in politics will permit you to make use of your knowledge for political development and change.

2. Careers In Media

Careers in media may include writing, editing, journalism, broadcasting and all things media-inclined, alongside jobs as broad-ranging as TV scheduling or radio DJing.

Media functions are incredibly popular careers for history graduates and this is often because of the function that media plays in circulating information and news to enormous audiences.

Knowledge of history in these functions will give you the comprehension of culture and sensitivity and also inform your knowledge of present political and social issues.

3. Careers In Business And Commerce

Asides from being open to all graduates, careers in business and commerce would suit history graduates with a specific interest and knowledge of how business and capitalism have grown and adapted throughout history, and with ideas about how these markets and systems will keep growing.

4. Careers In Marketing, Advertising And Public Relations

History graduates commonly for possessing powerful analytical and communication skills, making them a perfect match for communications-based functions.

Careers in marketing, advertising, and public relations (PR) are well-suited to history graduates who have a specialty in comprehending how past events and trends have shaped contemporary society and culture, which now prepares them to evaluate and forecast the behavior of markets and target audiences in current times.

5. Careers In Law

They value history graduates within the legal profession because of their powerful skills in analytical or logical and critical reasoning. Several roles will call for further qualifications.

However, history graduates may be fit for administration and office positions in the legal industry.

Why Study History for Your Bachelor’s Degree?

By taking a close study of basic sources, analyzing secondary sources, and translating historical materials, history majors possess invaluable skills for a diverse career path.

For instance, history learners strengthen their convincing writing, communication, and logical reasoning skills.

Graduates with a history degree can aim for careers in the nonprofit field, in government agencies, at libraries, and in education. They can also find opportunities in law and management.

How Much Do History Majors Make?

For instance, history majors can work as high school teachers, earning a median salary of about $63,000 per year.

Authors and writers, another common career line for history degree graduates, earn median annual salaries of around $67,000.

The communication skills gained during a history degree also lead to public relations specialist roles, which pay a median annual salary of about $62,000.

History majors with a professional degree can work as lawyers, historians, librarians, and professors. Historians make a median annual salary of about $63,000, while experts or professors make around $80,000 per year, which depends on their discipline and experience.

Some of these jobs are : 

1. Park Ranger

Average hourly wage in the United States is $14.33.

Park rangers are experienced naturalists and outdoor guides with a historical background. A career as a park ranger can be a good fit for you if you have a history degree and want to work at historical places sharing information with visitors.

As a park ranger, you might be in charge of a historical site’s visitor center, give guided tours of a historic building or complex, or create items for tourists to consume.

Park rangers have access to some of the top history degree employment in government settings because they find many of the accessible opportunities in this sector in county, state, and national parks.

You can also locate park ranger employment at historical non-profits if you prefer to work for a private or public group.

2. Museum Archivist

The average annual wage in the United States is $52,389 dollars.

Museums are dedicated to the display and interpretation of historical artifacts.

No matter which function you choose, working at a museum will provide you with hands-on experience with art, artifacts, and historical records.

Museum archivists, who are also in charge of storage and processing appraise and research artifacts.

Archivists are masters of organization, and they track essential artifacts and records using databases and classification systems. Curators of museums collect objects and create collections of antiques or artwork for their institutions. They may also investigate or write on historical issues, as well as design exhibitions for the public or select groups to examine.

3. Librarian

The average annual wage in the United States is $56,275.

You most likely developed skills in acquiring information and assessing sources because of your history degree.

Librarians employ these abilities to assist customers in locating content, resources, research books, and other publications, as well as to respond to client questions.

You can also create databases for patrons and institutions, as well as curate collections around certain themes. Librarians may also provide educational sessions or show how to use tools and resources to patrons.

You could work as a librarian for a school or university, a highly specialized institution, or a government agency if you choose a career as a librarian.

Libraries may hire for entry-level history employment or advanced positions that need a Master’s Degree in Library Science, depending on their areas of specialty and the history majors they employ.

As research goes to the digital realm, librarians who can quickly adapt to new technology are more competitive candidates.

4. Writer or Editor

The average annual wage in the United States is $56,366.

You will develop abilities in conducting research, presenting facts, and disseminating historical material in an entertaining manner as you write research papers and historical essays for your degree.

Writing and editing jobs might be a suitable fit for your historical knowledge and writing abilities.

You can work as a factual writer who focuses on specific historical persons, events, or locales, or as a novelist who draws inspiration from the past to create fictitious stories.

You can also write speeches for politicians and other leaders, as well as articles for periodicals and online sites.

A job as an editor may be an option if you excel in conceptualizing stories and perfecting the content that others have produced in this profession.

5. Business Consultant

The average annual wage in the United States is $70,134.

Museums, organizations, and historical sites sometimes seek the advice of business consultants with a history speciality.

You’ll be an expert on a specific topic, such as archives and preservation, or a specific time period, such as the prehistoric era or the Civil War, in this type of position.

As a consultant, you’ll work with different organizations for weeks, months, or years at a time, contracting your services on a per-project basis. Consultants have a great earning potential since they give their skills and take on leadership roles.

Historical consultants may see significant job growth in the next few years, as many organizations have financing that is insufficient for full-time hires but sufficient for project-based contractors.

6. Lawyer

The average annual wage in the United States is $73,352.

Attorneys and law firms benefit from the help of paralegals and legal assistants. Your history degree can help you excel in this profession by assisting you with legal research, getting and analyzing evidence, and creating legal papers.

You could also file briefs and appeals, as well as look at court transcripts. Working as a paralegal might be a suitable entry-level employment for history students because most professionals at this level have a bachelor’s degree.

You’ll interpret laws and regulations, as well as research and analyze legal precedents, as a lawyer. You can also give clients advice, represent them in court, and argue for them.

Besides that, you’ll need an additional degree to augment your Bachelor of Arts in History if you want to work as a defense attorney, prosecutor, or legal counsel. You’ll also need a J.D. from an accredited law school, which takes three years of graduate study.

7. Researcher

The average annual wage in the United States is $73,587.

For history majors, professional researchers and market analysts are two of the most popular entry-level careers.

As a research assistant, you’ll work as part of a team to gather data and find knowledge on specific themes. To make observations and form conclusions, you’ll use your analytical and critical thinking skills.

You can work in a range of industries and in the public, private, and government sectors in this position.

Market analysts keep track of market trends and changes and are specialists on certain target markets and rivals. You’ll gather information, analyze it, and turn figures and patterns into reports.

For market analysts and researchers, having a history background can be a tremendous benefit because your taught abilities can help you understand data and uncover patterns that signal future trends.

8. Historian

The average annual wage in the United States is $74,158.

Many of the abilities you developed while earning your history degree will be useful in this field, from researching and analyzing to writing and speaking about historical topics of interest.

Professional historians research information from texts and artifacts, connect historical events, provide preservation advice, and write reports or books on a variety of themes.

Historians can work for a variety of groups, including private corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and individuals. They compel many historians to travel widely as part of their jobs, especially if they are analyzing original documents or objects.

While many historians work behind the scenes, many of them have public personalities. Historians, for example, can write books, give talks and workshops, and consult with professional groups.

Professional historians specialize in specific time periods, geographic places, or historical topics, and act as experts in these areas.

9. Reporter or Journalist

The average hourly wage in the United States is $37.66.

A history degree can also prepare you for a career as a reporter or journalist. While several historians write fiction or nonfiction, a history degree can also prepare you for a career as a reporter or journalist.

You get to possess a great awareness of the context of the issues you’re investigating if you have a history degree, which will enable you to perform high-quality investigations.

Although newspaper circulation and employee numbers are declining, journalists can still pursue fascinating careers in the news profession. Reporters frequently provide investigative content for web and print publications, whereas multimedia journalists frequently develop video-based articles for news organizations.

You can work as a reporter, correspondent, or journalist full-time or part-time, depending on your preferences. Most professionals in this industry have a bachelor’s degree and related writing, reporting, and multimedia experience.

10. History Professor

The average annual wage in the United States is $76,135 dollars.

Teaching could be a wonderful career choice for you if you have exceptional leadership abilities and enjoy presenting historical topics to others.

History teachers work at all levels of education, so you may be a high school history teacher at a public or private school or a history professor at a public or private institution.

They often plan lessons, assist students with homework, and they administer examinations and assignments to gauge student progress. At this level, history professors may deal with pupils in sizeable groups or small groups. They may also be in charge of working with specific students and talking with their parents.

In general, university instructors offer lectures and meet with small groups of college students. They may also be in charge of advising students on their academic progress and objectives.

In contrast to high school instructors, university professors frequently conduct history-related research and publish their findings besides teaching. Professors often require a master’s degree or a Ph.D., whereas high school instructors typically only a bachelor’s degree.

What Are Some Examples Of Historical Issues?

We have:

  1. GREAT DEPRESSION. Great Depression History. Dust Bowl. Stock Market Crash of 1929.
  2. WWI. World War I. Woodrow Wilson. Battle of the Somme. Christmas Truce of 1914.
  3. IMMIGRATION. Ellis Island. U.S. Immigration Before 1965. Tenements. Irish Potato Famine. U.S. Immigration Since 1965.

Queries

  1. Benefits Of A History Degree

Some of its benefits are : 

  1. Strong Analytical Skill Development.
  2. Advanced Oral and Written Presentation Skills.
  3. Ability to apply Historical Insight to Business Success.
  4. Foundation for History-Related Careers.
  5. Diverse Professional Opportunities.
  1. Entry Level Jobs For History Graduates

Some of the entry-level are:

  1. Fund development assistant.
  2. Assistant prospect researcher.
  3. Entry level grant writer.
  4. Assistant curator.
  5. Social media marketing coordinator.
  1. History Degree Jobs In Government

They are : 

  1. Anthropologists and Archeologists.
  2. Librarians.
  3. Political Scientists.
  4. Historians.
  5. Archivists, Curators and Museum Workers.

FAQs

Is a history degree easy?

The fact is, they could regard History majors as easier than other majors because of the paucity of lab work and technical writing called for.

Is knowledge of the past useful for us today?

Yes, it is. Knowledge of our past assists us in seeing how humans return an impression and deal with situations. As a person simply learns from their mistakes, the knowledge we have of history assists us learn from our mistakes, which gives us discernment of the future. Several events which have occurred in our past do not any longer cause grave calamity in today’s world.

What are the grade requirements for the History Major?

Students who are after a major in History must maintain an accumulative GPA of 2.0 in the 27 credits counting by History major. 

Can I take a History course as a pass or fail?

Yes, you can take a History class as a pass or fail. However, you cannot apply any pass or fail course to the HIST major or general education requirements.

Do you need a history A level for a History degree? 

The fact is there are no specific A-levels necessary for a history degree, however, common choices may include history, English literature, classics, and ancient history. Even a history A-level isn’t necessary.

Conclusion 

You should know that for history and certifications gained, there are many career opportunities which are available for individuals with abundant arts degrees. Individuals with majors and minors in history can fill in those positions. 

References

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