What Can I Do With A Major In History?

Introduction

"Studying History helps you develop important skills such as critical thinking and writing."

History is the study and research of major social, political, cultural, and economic events of the past, and provides a perspective on events that have shaped the contemporary world. The study of history has long been recognized as central to a liberal arts education. Although the study of history is more often associated with careers in law, public service, teaching and the academic world, the skills learned through historical study have proven useful in a wide variety of career fields.

Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Regardless of your career choices, increase your marketability to employers through internships, responsible work experience, good grades and involvement in college activities.

A Sample of Related Occupations

Related Occupations Related Occupations Related Occupations
Anthropologist Archeologist Archivist
Biographer Caseworker City Manager
College Administrator Consultant Criminologist
Curator Economist Editor
Educator Foreign News Correspondent Foreign Service Officer
Genealogist Historian Human Services Worker
Journalist Judge Lawyer
Legislative Aide Librarian Newspaper Reporter
Peace Corps Volunteer Policy Evaluator Political Scientist
Politician Preservation Specialist Public Administrator
Research Analyst Sales Representative Technical Writer
Administrator Business Executive Politician
Novelist Advocate
   
 

Types of Employers  

Private and Non-profit Organizations

 

Archives

Libraries

Banks

Magazines/Newspapers

Chambers of Commerce

Museums

Colleges/Schools

Public Relations Firms

Consulting Firms

Publishing Companies

Foundations

Research Firms

Historical Societies

Social Service Agencies

Insurance Companies

Travel Industry

YWCA

Women's Opportunity and Resource Development (WORD)-Missoula

Working for Equality and Economic Liberation (WEEL)- Montana

Historical Research Associates (HRA)-Missoula

Nationwide Non-Profit Groups

 
Government Agencies
 

Department of Commerce

National Archives & Records Admin.

Department of Justice

National Endowment for the Humanities

Department of State

National Park Service

Drug Enforcement Administration

Peace Corps/VISTA

FBI/CIA

Smithsonian Institution

Federal/State Congressional Offices

U.S. Customs Service

General Accounting Office 

U.S. Information Agency

Related Web Links

Professional Associations

For additional career information, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook