Career outlook
What can I do with a degree in history?
A history degree prepares you to conduct research, evaluate information, think critically, and communicate clearly and persuasively, skills valued in most industries. In fact, college planning resource BestColleges reports that history is one of the most versatile degrees. According to Payscale, the average salary for someone holding a bachelor's in history is $68,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a similar mean salary for people working as historians.
History majors commonly work in education, museums, libraries and archives, government, international relations, business and finance, nonprofits, tourism, publishing, and the law (some of these career paths require additional training through certificate, professional, or graduate programs).
Learn more:
- The Value of a History Degree (BestColleges)
- What Can You Do With a History Degree? (U.S. News & World Report)
- Best Jobs and Career Advice for History Majors (Glassdoor)
- 10 Popular History Degree Jobs (Indeed)
- 10 Perfect Jobs for History Majors (That Aren't Historian or Professor) (The Muse)
Transferable skills
Analytical thinking
History students synthesize primary and secondary sources to build evidence-based arguments and identify and analyze trends.
Communication
History students are adept storytellers who develop strong verbal and written communication skills by writing persuasive essays, engaging in class discussions, and giving oral presentations.
Research
History students are proficient in basic research skills, including identifying reputable sources, locating relevant information, and analyzing data.
Project management
History students design and execute complex projects for which they must develop feasible timelines and determine incremental steps to move from initiation to completion.
Careers insights by degree
- Bachelor of Arts in History
- Master of Arts in History
- Master of Arts in Public History
- Ph.D. in History
- Joint Master of Arts in History and Juris Doctor
- Joint Master of Arts in History and Library and Information Science
- Joint Master of Arts in Public History and Library and Information Science
- Graduate Certificate in World History
Still want more information about what degree is right for you? Visit our career insights explorer tool to learn more.
Career outcomes
See where our alumni work:
Graduate study
A history major provides a solid foundation for graduate study in:
Notable history majors
- Joe Biden (U.S. president)
- Alexis Ohanian (Reddit founder)
- Sonia Sotomayor (Supreme Court justice)
- Jasmine Guillory (Writer)
- Susan Wojcicki (CEO of Google)
- Grant Hill (former basketball player and sports analyst)
- Louis Theroux (documentary filmmaker)
- Steve Carell (actor and comedian)
- Susan Rice (U.S. national security advisor)