Welcome to the History Career Community!
As a graduate with a degree in History, you can pursue various rewarding careers that leverage your analytical and research skills. You may become Historians, conducting in-depth research, analyzing historical events, and contributing to our understanding of the past. More than dates and events, history gives us a broader view of our world. By understanding how people thought and acted across the ages and around the world, we can better understand the events of today and how we can influence tomorrow. History majors analyze and interpret information, write and share ideas about why events happened and develop the knowledge and skills that help them to succeed in today’s workplace.



What Can I Do With My Degree? History
A history degree gives you the skills that can take you into a variety of careers from museum and heritage work to teaching or accountancy!
- Archivist or Curator roles involve preserving and managing historical records, artifacts, or collections in museums, libraries, or archives.
- Graduates can also enter the field of Education, becoming history teachers or professors, imparting their knowledge to students at various educational levels.
- Careers in Public History involve working in settings such as historical sites, preservation organizations, or government agencies to make history accessible to the public through exhibitions, events, or public programs.
- Opportunities also exist in Journalism, where history graduates can become reporters, editors, or writers specializing in historical analysis or feature articles.
- Additionally, roles in Public Policy or Research positions allow graduates to apply your historical perspectives to inform policy decisions, conduct policy research, or work in think tanks and research institutions.
Explore Career Paths
Research Assistant: Entry-level research assistant positions allow graduates to contribute to historical research projects, assisting scholars, institutions, or organizations in gathering and analyzing historical data.
Museum Technician/Assistant Curator: Graduates can start as museum technicians or assistant curators, working in museums to assist in the curation and preservation of historical artifacts and exhibits.
Archival Assistant: Entry-level roles in archives involve assisting in the organization, cataloging, and preservation of historical documents and records within archival collections.
Teaching Assistant (History Education): Graduates can become teaching assistants, supporting history educators in classrooms, gaining practical teaching experience, and potentially pursuing careers in education.
Historical Interpreter/Guide: Entry-level positions in historical sites or museums as interpreters or guides involve sharing historical information with visitors, providing an immersive and educational experience.
Library Assistant (History Section): Graduates can work as library assistants in the history section, helping users access historical literature, documents, and resources within library collections.
Entry-Level Research Analyst: Graduates may find roles as entry-level research analysts, working in research organizations, think tanks, or policy institutes to contribute to historical research and analysis.
Junior Editor/Writer (Historical Publications): Entry-level positions in publishing or journalism involve working as junior editors or writers for historical publications, contributing to articles, essays, or features with a historical focus.
Historical Consultant: Mid-level professionals can become historical consultants, providing expertise on historical matters for projects, media productions, or organizations seeking historical accuracy.
Museum Curator: Advancing from entry-level roles, individuals can become museum curators, overseeing the curation and management of collections, exhibits, and educational programs in museums or cultural institutions.
Archivist: Mid-level archivists take on more significant responsibilities in managing and preserving historical records, overseeing archival projects, and ensuring the proper organization of historical documents.
Historical Preservation Specialist: Graduates can specialize in historical preservation, working on projects related to the conservation and restoration of historical buildings, landmarks, or sites.
Educational Program Coordinator (History Education): Mid-level professionals in education can coordinate educational programs related to history, developing curriculum, organizing events, and overseeing outreach initiatives.
Historical Researcher/Analyst: Mid-level researchers or analysts may work in research institutions, government agencies, or private organizations, conducting in-depth historical research and providing insights for various projects.
Policy Analyst (Historical Policy Research): Those with a background in history can become mid-level policy analysts, contributing historical perspectives to policy research, development, and analysis.
Public History Project Manager: Graduates can advance to mid-level project management roles in public history, overseeing the planning and execution of historical projects, exhibitions, or events aimed at engaging the public.
Chief Historian: At the senior level, individuals can attain the role of Chief Historian, providing strategic leadership in shaping historical narratives, guiding research projects, and representing historical perspectives within organizations.
Director of Archives and Special Collections: Senior professionals can become directors, overseeing archives and special collections in libraries or institutions, managing staff, and ensuring the preservation of valuable historical materials.
Historical Consultant (Senior Level): Graduates can reach senior positions as historical consultants, advising on complex historical matters for major projects, media productions, or institutions with a focus on historical accuracy and integrity.
Executive Director of Historical Society or Museum: At the senior leadership level, individuals can become executive directors of historical societies or museums, overseeing the overall operations, strategic planning, and community engagement initiatives.
Historical Preservation Director: Senior professionals in historical preservation can lead as directors, managing preservation programs, developing policies, and overseeing projects related to the conservation and protection of historical sites.
Senior Research Fellow: Those with extensive research experience can attain senior research fellow positions, contributing to significant historical research projects, publishing scholarly work, and providing leadership in research institutions.
Historical Policy Advisor: At the senior level, individuals can become advisors on historical policy matters, providing insights, analysis, and guidance to policymakers, government agencies, or organizations involved in policy development.
Professor of History (Senior Level): Senior academics may reach the level of full professorship, contributing to the field through advanced research, publications, and leadership within academic institutions, shaping the next generation of historians.


Join Professional Associations & Know Your Skills
Professional associations in history provide historians, researchers, and scholars with opportunities for networking, collaboration, and staying informed about developments in the field. These associations provide platforms for academic exchange, professional development, and collaboration within specific historical periods, regions, or thematic focuses. Joining these organizations can be valuable for historians looking to engage with their peers, stay updated on research, and contribute to the advancement of the field. Here are ten prominent professional associations for history:
- American Historical Association (AHA):
- Website: AHA
- Description: One of the largest and oldest professional organizations for historians, AHA promotes the study and teaching of history.
- National Council for Public History (NCPH):
- Website: NCPH
- Description: NCPH focuses on promoting public engagement with history and connects professionals involved in public history.
- World History Association (WHA):
- Website: WHA
- Description: WHA is dedicated to the study and teaching of world history, providing a platform for global perspectives.
- American Association for State and Local History (AASLH):
- Website: AASLH
- Description: AASLH supports professionals and institutions involved in state and local history initiatives.
- National Council for Public History (NCPH):
- Website: NCPH
- Description: NCPH is focused on advancing the field of public history, including museums, historic preservation, and community engagement.
- Society for American Music (SAM):
- Website: SAM
- Description: SAM brings together scholars and professionals interested in the study of American music history.
- Association for Asian Studies (AAS):
- Website: AAS
- Description: AAS is dedicated to the promotion of Asian studies and understanding the history and cultures of Asia.
- The Medieval Academy of America:
- Website: Medieval Academy
- Description: The Medieval Academy focuses on the study of the Middle Ages and supports scholars in this field.
- The Renaissance Society of America (RSA):
- Website: RSA
- Description: RSA is dedicated to the study of the Renaissance period, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
- International Congress on Medieval Studies:
- Website: International Congress on Medieval Studies
- Description: An annual conference that brings together medievalists from various disciplines to share research and insights.
While history is a field that traditionally emphasizes academic degrees and research, there are certifications and micro-credentials that can complement a historian’s skills and open up opportunities in related areas. These certifications and micro-credentials can be beneficial for historians looking to expand their skill set, specialize in specific areas, or explore interdisciplinary approaches. It’s essential to choose credentials aligned with individual career goals and areas of interest within the broader field of history. Here are some recommended certifications and micro-credentials for history professionals:
Certifications:
- Certified Archivist (CA):
- Offered by the Academy of Certified Archivists, this certification validates skills in archival management and preservation.
- Certification in Digital Archives Management:
- Various institutions and organizations offer certifications in digital archives management, essential for historians working with digital collections.
- Certified Genealogist (CG):
- Administered by the Board for Certification of Genealogists, this certification is valuable for historians interested in genealogical research.
- Certification in Museum Studies:
- Many institutions and professional organizations offer certifications in museum studies, providing expertise in museum management and curation.
Micro-Credentials:
- edX MicroMasters Program in History:
- Universities such as the University of Queensland offer MicroMasters programs covering various aspects of history, providing a credential for online learning.
- Coursera Specializations in Historical Studies:
- Platforms like Coursera offer specializations in historical studies, allowing learners to explore specific themes or periods in history.
- Digital Public Humanities Micro-Credentials:
- Programs that focus on digital humanities and public engagement in history, offering skills in digital storytelling and public history.
- Public History Micro-Credentials:
- Specialized programs in public history that cover topics such as museum studies, archival management, and community engagement.
- Digital Archives and Preservation Micro-Credentials:
- Programs that focus on digital archives and preservation techniques, essential for historians dealing with digital collections.
- Historical Research and Writing Micro-Credentials:
- Programs that emphasize advanced research and writing skills in historical studies.
- GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for Historians:
- Micro-credentials that focus on using GIS tools for historical research and spatial analysis.
- Online Teaching and E-Learning Certificates:
- Certificates that focus on online teaching strategies and e-learning methodologies, relevant for historians involved in education.
- Language Proficiency Certifications:
- Certifications in specific languages relevant to a historian’s area of expertise, demonstrating language proficiency for research purposes.
- Research Methodology and Analytics Micro-Credentials:
- Programs that focus on advanced research methodologies and analytical skills, enhancing a historian’s ability to conduct rigorous research.
History professionals use a variety of software tools and skills to conduct research, analyze data, and present their findings. History professionals often use a combination of these skills and software tools to conduct in-depth research, contribute to academic discourse, and engage with wider audiences through public history initiatives. Continuous learning and adaptability are key in this field, given the evolving nature of historical research and scholarship. Here are some recommended software and skills for history professionals:
Software:
- Research Databases:
- JSTOR, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost: Platforms offering access to academic journals, articles, and primary source materials.
- Digital Archives and Libraries:
- Library of Congress Digital Collections, National Archives, and Digital Public Library of America (DPLA): Online repositories of historical documents and images.
- Reference Management:
- Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote: Tools for organizing and citing sources in research projects.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS):
- ArcGIS, QGIS: GIS tools for mapping and spatial analysis, useful for historical geography.
- Data Analysis:
- Excel, SPSS, R, and Python: Statistical and data analysis tools for quantitative research.
- Text Analysis:
- Voyant Tools, AntConc: Text analysis tools for examining patterns and trends in large volumes of text.
- Visualization Tools:
- Tableau, RAWGraphs: Creating visualizations to represent historical data and trends.
- Digital Storytelling:
- StoryMapJS, TimelineJS: Platforms for creating interactive digital narratives and timelines.
- Digital Editing and Preservation:
- Omeka, Archivematica: Tools for digital curation, exhibit creation, and preservation of digital collections.
- Documentary Editing:
- TEI (Text Encoding Initiative), Oxygen XML Editor: Used for encoding and editing historical texts.
- Reference and Citation Management:
- Microsoft Word, LaTeX: Tools for writing and formatting academic papers with proper citations.
Skills:
- Critical Thinking:
- Analyzing historical evidence, evaluating sources, and drawing well-reasoned conclusions.
- Research Methodology:
- Designing and conducting historical research using both primary and secondary sources.
- Archival and Source Analysis:
- Proficiency in evaluating and interpreting historical documents, artifacts, and archival materials.
- Historical Writing:
- The ability to communicate research findings effectively through scholarly writing.
- Data Literacy:
- Understanding and interpreting quantitative data for historical analysis.
- Digital Literacy:
- Familiarity with digital tools and platforms for research, analysis, and presentation.
- Public History and Outreach:
- Engaging with diverse audiences through exhibitions, public talks, and digital outreach.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
- Collaborating with scholars from other disciplines to gain broader perspectives.
- Language Proficiency:
- Proficiency in relevant languages for primary source analysis.
- Teaching and Communication:
- Effectively conveying historical knowledge to students and the public.
- Adaptability:
- Staying updated on new methodologies, technologies, and historiographical trends.
- Project Management:
- Organizing and managing research projects efficiently.
Explore Careers By Major

What Can I Do With This Major? features 100 major profiles with information on common jobs and career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and strategies to maximize opportunities. Scroll to the bottom of each profile for links to professional associations, occupational outlook information, and job search resources.