History Careers

What Can I Do with a History Degree?

Most history majors become teachers, lawyers, librarians, businesspersons, writers, archivists, politicians and even entertainers.

Archivists work in museums, government, universities, corporations and other institutions that require experts to preserve important historical records.

Historians need a master’s degree or Ph.D. for most positions. Curators oversee collections, such as historic items for museums, archives, historical societies, research organizations, nonprofits and consulting firms. Museum technicians work in museums, while conservators mostly work in laboratories.

Graduate Studies

A degree in history is good preparation for graduate study in history, as well as international relations, archives management, museum studies, law, library science, public administration or business.

Job Opportunities

For detailed information about history degree career opportunities, see also Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Historians and Curators, Museum Technicians, and Conservators.

Among the jobs you can consider are:

• Museum Technician
• Journalist
• Campaign Worker
• Congressional Aide
• Public Administration
• Foreign Service Officer
• Foundation Staffer
• Information Specialist
• Intelligence Agent
• Legal Assistant
• Lobbyist
• Public Relations Staffer
• Teacher
• Writer