Overview of History

History is the study of past events, including those of human activity. It is a source of knowledge, a form of narrative, and an essential component of our understanding of our place in the world. History provides us with the context to base our visions of the future upon. It helps us to better understand the present by considering how it came to be.

What Are the Career Opportunities Associated with History?

The career opportunities associated with History are expansive and can provide meaningful work in a variety of professions and industries. Career opportunities may include positions in government agencies, such as archivists, museum workers, and policy analysts. Historians may also work in educational institutions, such as teaching in K–12 schools or researching and developing educational materials in universities. Writers, editors, and publishers also regularly utilize histories to create books, magazines, educational materials, and web content. Other histories go on to work as curators, conservationists, public historians, and in media, information technology, and legal aspects of the industry.

Are There Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to History?

Yes, there are a number of internship and co-op opportunities available in a variety of disciplines related to History. Depending on the area of interest, internships can provide students with the valuable experience necessary to gain entry-level employment in their field. Common internships are available in museums, libraries, archives, education foundations, historical societies, government agencies, publishing houses, and even digital media. Co-op opportunities can provide students with practical workplace experience and allow them to apply their studies to a real-world context.

Are There Specialized Tracks or Concentrations Within History?

Yes, there are specialized tracks or concentrations within History. Depending on the educational institution, these may include: Ancient History, Asian History, Colonial America/Early America, Economic/Business History, European History, Gender/Sexuality, Race/Ethnicity, Digital History, Environmental History, Medieval History, Modern History, Political History, Public History, Religious History, Technology/Science/Medicine, U.S. History, and World History.

How History Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education?

Studying History can provide students with valuable skills, knowledge, and experience to prepare them for graduate or further education. Through an education in History, students can develop research abilities, gain an understanding of different historical concepts, develop critical thinking skills, and specialize in a particular area of interest. This knowledge can lead to various opportunities in the public or private sector, such as consulting, teaching, writing, making policy decisions, or engaging in a variety of other activities that involve the analysis and interpretation of historical sources.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on History?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the field of History by empowering historians to process and analyze large amounts of data much faster and, in turn, gain insight into new relationships and areas of research. AI also allows for more accurate translations, automated research, and improved access to digital archives. Automated research tasks can be assigned to systems in a fraction of the time it would take a human, enabling greater productivity and more rapid discoveries.

The Career Outlook for History?

The job outlook for History professionals is good. Historical skills are in high demand, and many employers seek degree-holders in the field. With the continued development of technology and AI, the demand for history professionals is likely to remain strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of historians is expected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all other occupations.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in History:

Yale University, Salary: $52,357

Princeton University, Salary: $50,775

Harvard University, Salary: $50,411

University of Pennsylvania, Salary: $50,380

American Public University System, Salary: $48,988

University of Notre Dame, Salary: $47,439

Tufts University, Salary: $47,243

Georgetown University, Salary: $46,691

New York University, Salary: $45,990

Boston College, Salary: $45,345

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in History.