Are you fascinated by the stories of the past? Curious about the forces that have shaped our present? Or are you simply drawn to understanding the human journey through time? While your passion might be clear, you might also ask, "What kind of career can I actually pursue with a history degree?"
What You Can Do with a History Degree
The skills you gain from a history degree are highly valued across numerous industries. They prepare you not just for a job, but for a life of purpose and meaningful contribution. Here are some career paths a history degree can prepare you for:
Teaching
- Teacher/Professor: If you enjoy sharing what you know, you can become a history teacher. You could teach students in middle school, high school, or even college.
Curating
- Archivist/Librarian: If you like organizing information, you could work in a library or archive. You would manage and protect old records, documents, and important items.
- Museum Curator: You would be in charge of museum exhibits. You would research and select items to display to help bring the past to life for visitors.
Research and Writing
- Journalist/Reporter: This job is all about finding facts and telling stories. Historians are good at research and understanding how things fit together, which makes them great reporters.
- Market Researcher: You would study how people act and what they buy. Your skills in finding patterns and understanding information are key to helping businesses make smart choices.
- Content Writer/Editor: You could write for websites, blogs, or marketing materials. Since you are good at research and telling a story, you would be great at writing clear and correct content.
- Grant Writer: Many non-profit groups need money. You would research funding opportunities and write proposals that explain why a project deserves support.
- Genealogist: You would use your research skills to help people trace their family history.
Public Service
- Government Analyst/Policy Advisor: You could use your knowledge of past events to help make decisions for the government. You could work on shaping public policies or on international relations.
- Public Relations Specialist: You would help an organization build a positive relationship with the public. Your ability to understand different viewpoints is a big plus in this job.
- Lawyer/Paralegal: The legal field needs people who can research and argue a case well. A history degree gives you a strong foundation for this kind of work.
Strong Career Outcomes for History Majors
A history degree is a great investment in yourself and your future. It teaches you to think carefully and helps you become a valuable person in a changing world. It prepares you for many different jobs and helps you make a difference in the world.
Sources
“History (B.A.),” BYU-Idaho, (2025).
Stephens, Alexandra. “What careers can I go into with a history degree?” University of Essex, April 2, 2024, accessed 6/4/2025.