History

The majority of people that earn a history degree work as researchers or analysts for the governments, while others look to go into teaching at the secondary and post-secondary levels.

We as a species cannot move forward until we understand our past—or so the saying goes. Do not write off the subject of history as dull or boring, as the truth is far to the contrary. The field of history is a fascinating, perplexing and socially relevant field. Every day, historians get to enjoy the pleasure of delving into the past, listening to stories and interpreting the images and artifacts of those who came before them. A good historian enjoys a good mystery, doing whatever is needed in order to fill in the gaps and put together the puzzle pieces left behind by our predecessors. As more questions are answered and the story begins to come together, our findings can tell us not only about the past, but also about our modern society.

Students enrolled in history degree programs will waste no time learning the fundamental techniques and practices of a good historian, like researching, making accurate inferences and thinking objectively. Once such skills have been adequately achieved, history degree programs allow and encourage participants to consider a variety of historical genres, regions and time periods. After exposure to a number of different subject areas (i.e. South African history, the Middle Ages, the industrial revolution or the WWII era), students pursuing history degrees can, and should, discover where their strengths and interests lay, so that they can move forward into a more specialized course of study. Employment opportunities for historians generally fit into six categories; Historians typically work as educators, researchers, legal advocates, business consultants or communicators. Four-year history degree programs in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree are an excellent idea for students interested in working as research assistants, or lower tier positions at museums of historical societies. Some people with history degrees also go on to teach secondary education, though many schools will also require a teaching certificate as well. In order to teach at the college level, a masters, or in many cases, a PhD is required. The vast majority of scholars with history degrees do go on to teach at the collegiate level, where they can easily enhance their teachings with independent research, writing and publishing.

While the majority of people with history degrees work as researchers or analysts for the government, many others look to go into teaching at the secondary and post-secondary levels. Other historians will go on to work as writers or consultants for magazines, museums or local historical societies. That said, because the essential techniques of a good historian can so easily be applied across a number of genres, History degree programs can often open up the door to opportunities in business, management and government. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for historians is expected to grow as fast at the average for all occupations. In May 2008, the middle percent of historians earned between $33,570 and $77,290.