[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]A degree in history teaches critical reading, writing, and thinking skills, all of which are highly transferable in the workplace.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]History majors learn about the fall of Rome, the rise of colonialism, and the founding of the United States. While studying the past, history students build strong writing, critical thinking, and research skills. Many industries value these abilities, which means history majors have varied career options after graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]But what can you do with a history degree? This article explores common career paths for history graduates, including opportunities in education, business, academia, and the public sector.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online Schools[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Careers in History[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Thanks to the strong analytical, research, and writing skills gained during a history degree, graduates can find work in many industries, including education, law, management, and administration. With a graduate degree, they can even work as lawyers, archivists, historians, or history professors.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This section explores common career paths for history majors, including job growth data and required education level.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Associate or Bachelor’s Degrees Required[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”secondary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Career and Technical Education Teachers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Salary (2023): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/career-and-technical-education-teachers.htm/”]$63,580[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/career-and-technical-education-teachers.htm/”]0%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Career and technical education teachers specialize in subjects like culinary arts, auto repair, and business. CTE teachers must bring experience in their vocational area, and they need strong writing, critical thinking, and communication skills, which can come from a history program.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Middle School Teachers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Salary (2023): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm/”]$64,290[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm/”]-1%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Middle school teachers educate young learners in their specialty subjects. They present material, assess student learning, and help students build skills like analysis and reading comprehension. With a history degree, middle school teachers can teach social studies, history, or civics.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”High School Teacher”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Salary (2023): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm/”]$65,220[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm/”]-1%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]High school teachers educate students on subjects like language arts, science, and mathematics, emphasizing skills that prepare learners for college or the workforce. A graduate with a history degree could teach high school history, government, or social studies.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Master’s or Doctoral Degree Required[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”secondary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Salary (2023): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/curators-museum-technicians-and-conservators.htm/”]$57,120[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/curators-museum-technicians-and-conservators.htm/”]11%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Archivists, curators, and museum workers preserve material with historical or cultural value. Archivists catalogue and maintain records, while curators manage collections of objects and materials, often working within acquisitions. Museum workers also prepare collections and exhibits.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Instructional Coordinators”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Salary (2023): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm/”]$74,620[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm/”]2%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Instructional coordinators create educational material to meet curriculum goals. They train teachers in how to implement curriculum, analyze test data, update materials, and mentor educators on improving their teaching skills. The critical thinking and analysis skills gained in a history degree serve instructional coordinators well.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Salary (2023): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/OOH/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm/”]$103,460[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/OOH/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm/”]-1%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]K-12 principals oversee daily operations and long-term planning for schools. They manage teachers and staff, promote a productive learning environment, and implement curriculum plans. Principals also report to superintendents and the school board.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”History Teachers, Postsecondary”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Salary (2023): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm/”]$84,380[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm/”]8%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Postsecondary history teachers, also known as history professors, teach history classes and conduct historical research. They also advise students, assess student work, and present their own work at conferences. History professors typically need a doctorate.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Lawyers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Median Salary (2023): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm/”]$145,760[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033): [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm/”]5%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Lawyers advise clients on legal issues and represent them in court cases. They analyze legal issues, interpret laws and regulations, and prepare legal documents. A history degree builds the analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills necessary for law school.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kinds of History Degrees Are There?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What you can do with a history degree it depends on which degree you get. A bachelor’s in history, for example, meets the requirements for many entry-level opportunities in education, business, and the public sector. With a master’s degree, graduates can pursue careers as historians, museum curators, or educators. Finally, a doctorate leads to academic positions, like history professor.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accreditation for History Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Regionally accredited colleges and universities meet the highest standards for educating students and granting degrees. To earn accreditation, schools must undergo a rigorous review of their student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and graduation requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Credits earned at an accredited school are more likely to transfer to other schools, and accredited institutions can distribute federal financial aid to students. As a result, prospective history majors should look for a regionally accredited institution when applying to programs. Learn more about accreditation by visiting our [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]accreditation guide[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Professional Organizations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.historians.org/” target=”_blank”]American Historical Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Founded in 1884, the AHA advocates for historians and students of history by setting professional standards, encouraging scholarship, and sharing teaching resources. The AHA also provides job and professional development resources, including mentoring opportunities, career resources for history majors and historians, and career path guides for graduates with a history degree[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.thewha.org/” target=”_blank”]World History Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] The WHA brings together scholars, teachers, and students who work on world history. The association promotes scholarship and teaching in the field while also hosting a conference with networking opportunities. Members can access academic publications and discounts on registration fees. The WHA also awards prizes, including prizes for undergraduate and graduate papers[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.oralhistory.org/” target=”_blank”]Oral History Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] An international association, the OHA promotes the field of oral history and sets standards for using oral testimony and documentation. The association also offers awards and grants to support teaching, research, and publications in the field. Members can access remote interviewing resources, web guides on oral history, and educator’s resources[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://wawh.org/” target=”_blank”]Western Association of Women Historians[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Founded in 1969, the WAWH is a regional historical association that promotes women historians. The WAWH hosts conferences, publishes a newsletter, and offers access to online archives and history resources. Members can also network and connect with other women historians[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in History?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in history prepares graduates for careers in fields like education, public relations, marketing, business, and journalism. It is a versatile liberal arts degree that builds transferable skills, like critical analysis and writing.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a History Degree Worth It?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A history degree builds strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills, which are all highly transferable career skills. Employers in diverse fields, including the public and private sector, seek out candidates with these skills.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Much Do History Majors Make?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Arts_(BA)%2C_History/Salary/”]According to PayScale[/hen-ui-link], history majors earn an average salary of nearly $74,000 per year. Many history majors also pursue a graduate degree to increase earning potential and career options.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is the Highest Paying Job With a History Degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]History majors pursue careers in many high-paying careers, including roles like lawyer, principal, manager, higher education administrator, and public relations manager.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online Schools[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”1309,1214,665″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]