12 Jobs You Can Get in the Military With a Military History Degree

Military history majors often use their degrees to pursue a career in academia or work with non-profit historical societies, but there are many other jobs to do with a military history degree. Military historical research includes studying tactics, political science, and international relations which can prepare graduates to work in roles as educators, but also in more command and advisory roles.

Online military history degree programs involve studying American and world history through the lens of military conflict. Students in these degree programs research past military action which can be applied to modern military and homeland security actions.

Military science and history is a field of study that can be studied at a bachelor's degree level, but many students continue to graduate school with a military history master's program.

Top Military Careers for Military History Degree Holders

Studying military history has many applications for members of the U.S. military. Military history roles are just a few examples of jobs in the military you can get with a bachelor's degree. These positions involve advising strategy, conducting research, and serving as educators at military academies.

1. Military Historian

Each branch employs military historians to conduct research and preserve the history of the armed forces, both in America and throughout the world. The U.S. Army, and other branches, use Unit Historical Officers to tell the history of a given unit, brigade, or battalion.

These historians are either commissioned or non-commissioned officers who are responsible for presenting the findings of their research and historical data collected yearly to higher-ranking officers.

2. Strategic Analyst

Strategy is the methodology that the armed forces use to achieve goals. Strategic analysts review these plans and make recommendations to improve efficiency.

Military historians complete research projects through their schooling that involve in-depth study of strategies from armies in other countries. This understanding of what has worked and what hasn't worked historically separates military historians from other strategy advisors.

3. Historical Advisor

Historical advisors are sometimes called historical consultants, but the role is essentially the same. These professionals inform organizations and groups about historical landmarks and locations, cultures, and artwork. Military involvement around the world, especially in historically significant locations, has increased the demand for these advisors.

4. Intelligence Analyst

Military history majors are highly skilled in research and data collection with years of coursework. Intelligence analysts use these skills to gather information on foreign and domestic threats. This information is then compiled into reports to present to senior officials and decision-makers.

You can become an intelligence officer without a military history degree, but the skills earned in this degree program will be highly applicable.

5. Military Educator

Branch-specific military academies require instructors with specialty knowledge. Military historians can use their degrees to become instructors to share knowledge of military history, including global tactics and strategies. They may cover concepts in American history (e.g., Revolutionary War and Civil War) or more modern involvements (e.g., World War II, Vietnam, and the Middle East).

6. Research Specialist

Historians of any discipline perform extensive research to improve the quality of their teaching and writing. Decision-making in military service is the result of research on both foreign military capabilities and past domestic strategy. Military historians have the skills needed to research these topics. These research skills can also be used for many tasks within the armed forces that are associated with research.

7. Archivist

Archivists work to collect, organize, and preserve artifacts and records. These professionals often work in museums, universities, or libraries; they may work in full-time or part-time roles. Military archivists study and preserve artifacts gathered by members of the armed forces throughout the world. These artifacts and historical documents are saved at the military academies or national museums.

8. Military Museum Curator

Military museums home artifacts from the American military. These military museums are generally coordinated through The Department of Defense and branches like the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Historians can join the Army Museum Enterprise to earn eligibility to be a curator in a U.S. Army museum.

9. Military Analyst

Military analysts research foreign militaries and their capabilities to be used in global relations and possible military involvement. Military analysts need to have an understanding of both research methods and historical perspectives to gain the deepest understanding possible of our allies and potential threats.

10. Historical Consultant

Historical consultants research on behalf of organizations to help develop real-world strategies. In the military, historical consultants research the landmarks and culture of an area where military involvement may occur. Historical consultants also discuss the cultural elements of given regions.

For example, involvement in a European theatre would require a different skill set of history knowledge than a theatre in Asia.

11. Cultural Resource Manager

Cultural resource managers maintain artifacts, landmarks, and other pieces. These professionals preserve the historical pieces and learn their history for cultural and military purposes. This profession includes research, hands-on archeology, and reading and writing reports.

12. Combat Historian

Combat historians study the specific tactics and strategies of individual battles and wars. These historians can extrapolate their findings to help inform new strategies by looking at similar battles and seeing what past generals could accomplish. Comabt historians will often serve similar roles as strategic advisors and historical advisors.

FAQs About Military Careers for Military History Degree Holders

Military history degrees aren't as common as some other degrees, but there are many applications within the military for the lessons learned. Whether you have a military history degree, are looking to join the military, or are on active duty looking to return to school, there are many career paths for you to follow.

What are the Benefits of a Military History Degree in the Military?

Military history degrees provide a deeper context for military actions of the past and craft modern strategies. Military history majors also develop highly applicable skills like research, cultural and political awareness, and expanded knowledge of strategy and tactics.

What Can I Do With a Military History Degree in the Air Force?

Members of the Air Force with military history degrees can pursue nearly any posting outside of highly specialized roles like engineering. Military history degrees will satisfy the degree requirement of attending officer status.

Is a Military History Degree Required for Specific Roles in the Military?

Some specialized historical roles, like historical advisors or workers in armed forces museums, will require a military history or general history degree. Officer status requires a bachelor's degree, but there generally aren't requirements about what field of study the degree must be in.