History Major
What does a history major do?
A history major analyzes and studies the past through the use of all available records and resources. Being a history major can be somewhat like a detective, in that you are using clues to piece together people and events from the past.
What types of jobs do history majors take after graduation?
There are a variety of career paths available to history majors, including:
- Teacher/Professor
- Curator
- Researcher
- Records/Information Manager
- Archivist
- Lawyer
- Politician/Legislative Work
What degrees do history majors pursue?
Most history majors first earn a Bachelor’s of Arts in History, and may later decide to pursue a Master’s of Arts in History.
How much does a history program cost?
School costs vary widely, depending on the type of school you choose and what type of program you are pursing. You can find average school costs for public history colleges and private history colleges in our compare colleges section.
How do I pay for a history program?
Whether you are paying for an undergraduate or graduate history program, it’s important that you complete the FAFSA and review your financial aid options. You should start by trying to obtain college scholarships and college grants (free money) to pay for your History program. Then use federal student loans, such as the Federal Stafford Loan. If free money and federal loans are not enough to pay for your History program, you can begin to research private student loans to cover the remainder of your school costs.
What is the average salary for history majors?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual wages in May 2008 were $45,020 for archivists, $47,220 for curators, and $36,660 for museum technicians and conservators1.
A history major probably performs well in or enjoys the following subjects:
- Reading/Literature
- American or European History
A history major generally possesses the following skill sets:
- Reading skills
- Writing skills
- Research skills
- Critical thinking and analysis