History — Analyze the Past to Navigate the Present and Shape the Future
What Is History?
History is the study of human societies, events, and ideas across time. Far from memorizing dates and facts, modern history programs emphasize critical analysis, research methodology, persuasive writing, and the interpretation of primary sources. Students learn to evaluate evidence, construct arguments, and understand the complex forces — economic, social, political, and cultural — that shape human civilization. History majors develop skills in research, analysis, and communication that are valued across industries, making the degree more versatile than its reputation suggests. The major provides excellent preparation for law school, public service, journalism, education, museum work, and corporate roles in research, compliance, and communications.
Why Study History?
History teaches you to think critically about complex problems, evaluate evidence carefully, and communicate your analysis clearly — skills that employers across industries consistently rank as their most desired qualifications. History majors score among the highest on the LSAT, making it one of the strongest pre-law majors. The research and writing skills transfer to careers in consulting, government, publishing, and corporate environments. History also develops cultural literacy and perspective-taking abilities that are increasingly valued in diverse, global workplaces.
Skills You Will Develop
Common Classes in History
Here are the 8 core courses you can expect in a typical History program:
Western Civilization Survey
Ancient Greece through modern Europe: the political, cultural, and intellectual developments that shaped Western societies.
U.S. History Survey
Colonial America through the present: revolution, slavery, westward expansion, industrialization, world wars, civil rights, and contemporary issues.
World History
Comparative study of civilizations across the globe: trade networks, empires, religious movements, colonialism, and globalization.
Historical Research Methods
How historians work: locating and evaluating primary sources, historiography, research design, and the ethics of historical interpretation.
Thematic Seminars
In-depth study of specific topics: the Civil War, the Cold War, women's history, environmental history, or the history of technology.
Non-Western History
African, Asian, Latin American, or Middle Eastern history. Understanding civilizations and perspectives beyond the Western tradition.
Digital History / Public History
Using digital tools for historical research, museum curation, oral history projects, and making history accessible to public audiences.
Senior Thesis
An original research paper based on primary sources. The capstone experience that demonstrates your ability to produce scholarly historical analysis.
Career Paths in History
Salary ranges are approximate national averages. Growth projections are from BLS through 2032 and will vary by location and experience.
Degree Pathways for History
Associate (A.A.)
Two-year introduction to history. Transfers to four-year programs; not sufficient for history careers on its own.
Bachelor's (B.A.)
The standard degree. Provides strong preparation for law school, teaching, and graduate programs.
Master's (M.A.)
For museum work, archival positions, community college teaching, and as preparation for Ph.D. programs.
Doctoral (Ph.D.)
For university professors and senior researchers. 5-8 years including dissertation. Academic job market is highly competitive.
Industry Outlook
While there are relatively few jobs with 'historian' in the title, history graduates find employment across a wide range of fields. The skills — research, writing, analysis, and argumentation — are transferable and valued. Museum and archival positions are projected to grow 10% through 2032. History remains one of the top pre-law majors, and history graduates consistently outperform other majors on the LSAT. The key is to pair your history degree with practical skills and relevant internships.
Expert Tips for History Students
- 1
Develop a secondary skill set alongside your history major. A minor in data science, business, a language, or digital media dramatically increases your marketability.
- 2
Write constantly and build a portfolio of published work. Blog posts, campus newspaper articles, and undergraduate research papers all demonstrate the writing skills that make history graduates valuable.
- 3
If law school is your goal, history is one of the best preparation majors available. Focus on maintaining a high GPA and begin LSAT preparation early.
- 4
Pursue internships at museums, archives, legislative offices, or media organizations. Practical experience is essential for translating your history skills into a career.
- 5
Consider public history and digital humanities as growing career paths. Museums, cultural organizations, and digital media companies increasingly need professionals who can make history engaging and accessible.