Types of History Degrees & Careers

History is the study of the past, but it can also be a key to understanding our present and shaping our future. Whether you are interested in politics, culture, or the environment, history majors provide many opportunities for specialization.

Below, we discuss the levels of history degrees you can earn, what type of history you can specialize in, and then what careers you can pursue after you earn your degree to help you decide if a history degree is right for you.

History Degree Levels

Your education level can significantly impact your career opportunities as a history major. From a foundational bachelor's degree to advanced graduate studies, each history degree type offers unique benefits and opens different professional doors. Here's a breakdown of the various history degree levels and what they can offer in terms of academic and career advancement.

Bachelor's Degree in History

A Bachelor of Arts in history is the most common undergraduate degree option and provides a solid foundation in historical analysis, research, and writing skills. You'll study a broad range of historical periods and regions, but if you pursue a Bachelor of Science, you'll have the flexibility to take more electives instead of focusing on foreign languages.

Master's Degree in History

A master's degree in history focuses more on doing your own historical research. This degree allows you to specialize in a particular field or region, developing expertise that can lead to advanced careers or academic positions. Often, a Master of Arts in history serves as preparation for doctoral studies or research-oriented jobs.

Doctoral Degree in History

A PhD in history is the highest level of study, focusing on original research and contributing new knowledge to the field. Doctoral candidates typically focus on a niche topic and work closely with faculty on advanced research. You'll usually have to have earned this degree to teach at the university level.

Types of History Degrees

At each degree level, you can specialize in a certain type of history�whether that be regionally focused or thematically focused. We break down your options below.

General History Degree

A general history degree offers a broad overview of the human past, covering different regions, time periods, and themes. This degree emphasizes critical analysis and research skills, preparing you for a wide variety of careers. You'll study a range of historical topics and develop an understanding of how past events shaped societies, cultures, and political systems.

Regional Focus

Many history programs offer regional concentrations if you're interested in specific geographical regions. These specializations allow you to focus on a particular area of the world, studying its unique history, culture, and impact on global events. Popular regional focuses include:

• Europe
• America
• Latin America and the Caribbean
• Asia
• Middle East

Thematic Focus

Some history programs offer thematic concentrations, allowing you to explore a specific area of historical study. These thematic focuses dive into specific aspects of society, politics, or culture and can provide a deep understanding of particular historical phenomena. Common thematic specializations include:

• Economic history: examines economic systems, trade, labor, and development over time, highlighting the role of economics in shaping societies
• Cultural history: explores the art, literature, philosophy, and customs of past societies, helping us understand their worldviews and societal values
• Environmental history: studies the relationship between humans and the natural environment, investigating how the environment has influenced history and vice versa
• Intellectual history: examines the development of ideas, philosophies, and ideologies that shaped societies and movements
• Jewish history: specializes in the history of the Jewish people, including religious, cultural, and social developments
• Military history: focuses on the strategies, battles, and advancements in warfare throughout history
• Political history: focuses on the development of political systems, ideologies, and the roles of leaders throughout history
• Science, technology, and medicine: looks at the history of scientific discoveries, technological innovations, and medical advancements and their impact on society
• Social history: studies the lives of ordinary people, exploring class, gender, family, and daily life in past societies
• War and diplomacy: investigates military history, examining major wars, strategies, and the role of diplomacy in shaping world events
• Women, gender, and sexuality: focuses on the experiences, roles, and contributions of women, gender dynamics, and sexuality throughout history

History Major Career Opportunities

Many history majors go on to pursue graduate school, particularly in fields such as law, management, and education, where advanced degrees are essential. However, even with a bachelor's degree, numerous career paths are available in various sectors. Here are some key options for entry-level and advanced careers for history majors.

Journalist

A degree in history equips you with research and communication skills that directly apply to journalism. As a journalist, you will leverage your understanding of historical events to provide context for current events.

Many journalists specialize in a particular field, which could be informed by your historical knowledge, such as political history or cultural affairs. Experience from internships or involvement in your college's media outlets can help you build a strong portfolio.

Paralegal

History majors often thrive in legal fields due to their strong research, organizational, and writing skills. Paralegals assist lawyers by gathering case facts, researching legal precedents, and organizing documents.

You can pursue a career as a paralegal with a certification, or many employers will provide on-the-job training if you have a bachelor's degree in history.

High School History Teacher

If you're passionate about sharing your love of history, becoming a high school history teacher might be a great fit. While a bachelor's degree is required, you may need to complete state certification or licensure requirements to teach in public schools. However, some private schools may not require certification.

Writer

As a history major, your ability to research and write about historical topics can lead to a career in writing. You might write historical fiction, provide research for films or TV shows, or even write historical biographies. Try to gain experience through internships or contributing to college publications so that you can show this on your resume when applying for jobs post-graduation.

Public Relations Specialist

History majors can excel in public relations (PR) because of their strong communication and writing skills. A PR specialist manages a company or organization's image, works with the media, and crafts press releases.

Event Planner

An event planner coordinates, designs, and executes events like conferences, weddings, and corporate functions. History majors can excel in event planning because their organizational, research, and communication skills are invaluable. Additionally, if you specialize in cultural history, you may plan historical-themed events or provide consulting for museum exhibits.

Museum Archivist or Curator

Museum work is an excellent fit for history graduates, as archivists and curators play a key role in managing and preserving historical artifacts and documents. Keep in mind that many museums and galleries require a master's degree in history, art history, or museum studies.

Librarian

A librarian's role includes organizing information, cataloging materials, and helping others find the resources they need. History majors are particularly suited for these tasks because they are trained to research and organize information.

To become a librarian, you typically need a master's degree in library science. You may also pursue specialized librarian positions related to history or archival work.

Historian

Historians research and write about historical events, people, and periods. Most historians have a PhD and work in academia, government, or research institutions. They may also specialize in particular regions, time periods, or aspects of history, such as social, political, or cultural history.

Editor

An editor's job involves reviewing and revising written content to ensure clarity and accuracy. History majors with strong writing skills and a knowledge of historical topics can find success in editing, especially for specialized publications.

If you gain experience through college publications or internships, you will be a better candidate for editing positions once you graduate.

Anthropologist/Archaeologist

Anthropologists and archaeologists study past cultures and civilizations through research, excavation, and the analysis of artifacts. A master's degree or PhD is required for most roles in this field, but a history degree provides a strong foundation for further study in anthropology or archaeology.

History Professor

If you want to teach at the college level, becoming a college history professor might be your ideal career. Professors need at least a master's degree, but many institutions require a PhD. You will need to develop expertise in a specific historical area, create lesson plans, assess student work, and potentially conduct original research.

Political Scientist

Political scientists analyze government systems, political trends, and public policies. A history major provides valuable insight into how political systems evolve and how past events shape contemporary policies. To pursue a career in political science, you typically need a master's or doctoral degree in political science or public policy.

Lawyer

A history degree is a popular stepping stone for aspiring lawyers. It helps develop research and writing skills that are essential in the legal field. However, to practice law, you must attend law school and earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Foreign Service Officer (Diplomat)

History majors with an interest in international relations may want to consider a career in the foreign service. Diplomats represent their country abroad, handling relations with other governments and international organizations, and assisting citizens living overseas.

Genealogist

Genealogists trace family histories, often for individuals seeking to learn more about their ancestry or for those working with historical societies and archives. A history degree provides an excellent foundation for this work, particularly in research and archival methods, as genealogists rely on historical documents, records, and research to build family histories.

Cultural Resource Manager

A cultural resource manager works to preserve important historical and cultural sites. This role often involves assessing the cultural and historical significance of buildings, artifacts, or sites, ensuring they are preserved or protected. History majors, especially those with an interest in preservation, can work with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or private companies to manage these resources.

FAQs about History Degrees and Careers

Trying to figure out what to major in is a difficult choice. Use these frequently asked questions to help you figure out if a history degree is the best choice for your future.

Is a Bachelor's in History Worth It?

A bachelor's in history is worth it for careers in law, journalism, education, and public policy. It provides strong research, writing, and analytical skills and serves as a foundation for graduate studies.

Is There a Demand for History Majors?

The demand for history-related jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics will continue to steadily increase over the next decade. However, keep in mind that there are not many historian, museum curator, or anthropologist jobs available in the first place. As a history major, you'll need to keep your options open and be willing to develop skills that can be applied to many different fields.

What Skills Should I Develop as a History Major?

As a history major, focus on developing research, writing, critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. These abilities are key for careers in law, journalism, education, public policy, and research-based roles.

Find a History Degree

Now that you understand your degree and career options as someone interested in history, reach out to one of the colleges highlighted here on Learn.org to get more information about enrolling in a program.