Why Study History

The study of history has long been recognized as an essential element of a liberal education, designed to provide students with fundamental intellectual skills of analysis, reasoning, and communication. Amidst the rapid technological and social developments of the modern world, when most people can expect to change careers at least once in the course of their lives, the study of history is all the more relevant. Not only does history teach versatile skills applicable to many careers, but students of history learn to understand and appreciate processes of historical change.

Numerous careers are open to students of history. The skills that history teaches in researching and examining evidence, analyzing information and drawing connections, and writing and effectively communicating the results of that analysis are highly valued in many fields. The study of history has traditionally been regarded as excellent preparation for careers in law, government and public service, journalism and media, and many areas of business, as well as, of course, education. Some history majors will go on to teach history in elementary and secondary schools, and a small number will pursue advanced degrees in the subject in order to teach at the college and university level, but many others will enter into a wide variety of careers.

Potential areas of employment for history majors include:

Business

• Banking and investment firms
• Financial and insurance agencies
• Market research agencies
• Public relations firms
• Travel and tourist agencies

Education and Preservation

• Elementary and secondary schools
• Colleges and universities
• Historical societies (local, state, or federal)
• Libraries and archives (public, private, or corporate)
• Museums and historical sites

Government

• Cultural heritage agencies (such as the Smithsonian, National Endowment for the Humanities, state or local agencies)
• Environmental preservation and protection agencies
• Intelligence services (such as CIA, NSA)
• Legislative staff (federal, state, or local)
• Law enforcement agencies (FBI, state, local)
• Military and Defense Department
• State Department and foreign service

Journalism and Media

• Advertising agencies
• Broadcasting companies
• Media consulting firm
• Newspapers and magazines
• Publishing houses

Law

• Law firms (as lawyers or paralegals)
• Corporate legal departments
• Government agencies

Public Policy and Public Service

• Lobbying firms
• Philanthropic institutions
• Political parties (as analysts and organizers)
• Public interest advocacy groups
  
• Research foundations and “think tanks”

For more on careers to which the study of history can lead, see the booklet Careers for History Students. The history department undergraduate advisor, Kevin Hill, has a copy in his office (659 Ross Hall), which can be signed out and read on the sixth floor of Ross.