04/08/2025
If you're considering a history degree, you're probably wondering how it can translate into a career. While many envision teaching or research roles, the skills acquired through a history program can be applied to a surprising range of professions.
From law and government to digital tech and media, history grads frequently find themselves in unique spots where they can shape conversations, solve problems, and dive into fields that require an understanding of past events and human behavior. If you're passionate about preserving the past, making an impact on public policy, or analyzing business trends, a history degree opens up plenty of possibilities to explore.
Traditional Career Paths for History Degree Graduates
History graduates may pursue careers that directly relate to their academic program. There are roles that may tap into research, analytical and communication skills which may allow graduates to explore history more in depth.
Teaching and Education
A common career path for history majors is teaching. From elementary or high school to college, teaching can provide an opportunity to share a passion for history with others.
This career path allows history majors to explore their interests further while inspiring new generations of learners.
Museums, Archives, and Historical Sites
For those interested in preservation, museums, historical site or archives, there are career opportunities as curators, archivists and researchers.
These professional roles deal with:
- Preserving historical artifacts
- Interpreting history for the public
- Ensuring that valuable records are safeguarded for future generations
Careers in these fields often allow history majors to engage directly with primary sources, bringing history to life for other people to experience.
Public Service, Government and Law
Government and public service roles are also common for history majors. Their understanding of historical context, and their ability to analyze information critically are helpful in fields like public policy, diplomacy and law. History degree holders may bring a particular understanding of how far history has evolved over time, which can be valuable when working in roles that require negotiation, legislation and advocacy.
Public history, which involves engaging the broader public in historical conversation through documentaries, podcasts and online content, is another way history majors can have a voice in culture. This field may allow them to bring history into everyday conversations and offer perspectives on contemporary issues through a historical lens.
Non-Traditional Career Paths for History Majors
While traditional roles may be a fit for some history majors, other may choose to explore alternative career paths. Some skills learned through history studies may be more transferable to digital technologies and other fields.
Technology and Digital Humanities
The digital humanities field merges a history education with technology to create opportunities in software development, data analytics and data archiving. Technology gives graduates innovative opportunities to share and preserve history.
Historians in these spaces may use their skills to:
- Develop online resources
- Create virtual museum experiences
- Engage with digital archives
Business and Marketing
Common skills that are valued in business include critical thinking skills and research skills. History majors are often skilled at identifying trends, understanding human behavior and putting data into a bigger context.
These skills may be useful in fields like corporate strategy, marketing and consumer research where understanding historical patterns may lead to more informed decision-making and better strategic moves.
Journalism, Publishing and Media
History graduates may pursue careers in publishing, journalism or other types of media. History graduates may apply writing, research, and analytical skills to careers in journalism, documentary production or online media.
Whether it's covering a historical story or providing a perspective on environmental history or current events, history majors may be well-suited for careers that involve well-informed storytelling.
Diplomacy and International Relations
Having a background in history may be helpful in roles like diplomacy and international relations. From knowing about different cultures, political systems and historical events, understanding these in-depth historical subjects may be valuable in navigating global affairs.
History degree graduates' ability to think critically and understand historical context may transfer well to a career in foreign service on international relations.
Skills and Knowledge Acquired Through History Studies
Pursuing a history degree may help develop a wide range of essential skills that are transferable to many career paths.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: History students are trained to analyze complex situations, assess different perspectives, and develop logical conclusions. This ability may be helpful to professions that requires careful decision-making.
- Research and Analytical Skills: History majors learn how to sift through a lot of information, identify sources, and distill key insights. These research skills may be applicable to multiple fields, from law to business to technology.
- Foreign Language Skills: History students may review materials in different languages. Studying a secondary language outside of English may be helpful during research and within specific career fields.
- Communication Skills: History students often write research papers, give presentations, and engage in discussions, all of which hone their ability to communicate clearly and persuasively. These skills are critical in professions that require effective written or oral communication.
- Cultural and Contextual Awareness: History provides a deeper understanding of different cultures, societies, and historical periods. This cultural awareness may be beneficial in industries like business, diplomacy, and international law.
Specializing Within the History Discipline
History is a vast field, and many students choose to specialize in a specific area. Specializations could focus on geographic or cultural history of regions or thematic topics.
History majors can engage with their area of focus by publishing research, presenting at conferences, and collaborating with other scholars or professionals. Establishing a specific area within the history field may help graduates find which targeted career opportunities may be a good fit for their interests and goals.
The Role of Technology and Digital Media in History Studies
Technology and digital media have transformed the way history is studied and shared. Digital archives have made many historical records and resources more accessible, allowing students, educators, and researchers to explore collections of primary sources without the need for travel. Social media platforms may also foster collaboration among historians and facilitate discussions about history in a more accessible, public space.
For history majors, these advancements could provide new tools for research, preservation, and outreach. Digital platforms and national archives like the British Library’s Digital Collections or the U.S. National Archives enable historians to access vast amounts of material, making historical research more efficient and expansive.
Practical Experience and Professional Development for History Majors
Gaining hands-on experience may be helpful for history majors. Internships with museums, historical societies, government agencies, or media organizations have the potential to provide valuable real-world exposure to history-related work. Contributing to academic journals or collaborating on research projects may also be good professional experience for history graduates.
Building a professional network is equally important. History majors may have opportunities to attend conferences, join academic societies, and participate in online history communities to connect with other professionals and advance their careers.
Is a History Degree Right for You?
What can you do with a history degree? A history degree may prepare graduates for a wide range of career opportunities, from traditional paths in education, research, and public service, to non-traditional roles in the business world, technology, media, and more.
Undergraduate programs may hone critical thinking, research and communication skills and could prepare graduates for a variety of professional challenges.
If you're curious about how history compares to other fields, view our guide on "History vs. Social Studies" to explore the key differences.