The History major combines research and communication skills with the study of U.S. and world histories, including coursework in cultural, political, and environmental historical perspectives. Graduates will be prepared to work as educators, researchers, contract historians, or preservationists for employers as varied as schools, museums, political campaigns, cultural centers, and tourism sites. This major is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in history, cultural studies, law, or English.
History, like many majors, teaches content and skills that can be applied to a wide variety of career fields. This major does not restrict you to a specific field. Following are career possibilities that may most closely relate to this major.
Potential Career Areas:
- Research
- Education
- Program coordination
- Curriculum design
- Cultural promotion
- Curating
- Archiving
- Historical preservation
Sample Employers:
- Schools
- Colleges and universities
- Museums
- Research institutes
- Historical sites
- Tour companies
- Archival libraries
- Legislators
- Park services
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Historian
|
$40,500 - $57,500
|
|
High School History Teacher
|
$35,000 - $53,200
|
|
Middle School History Teacher
|
$35,000 - $52,000
|
|
Legislative Assistant
|
$25,000 - $50,000
|
|
National Park Service Employee
|
$27,431 - $33,979
|
|
Tour Guide
|
$16,500 - $23,300
|
|
Archivist
|
$26,600 - $45,020
|
|
Research Associate
|
$21,000 - $61,000
|
|
Historical Interpreter
|
$18,026 - $31,500
|
|
Museum Education Director
|
$18,000 - $45,790
|
|
Aviation Museum Curator
|
$20,000 - $66,000
|
|
Curatorial Assistant
|
$12,000 - $20,000
|
|
Historic Preservationist
|
$25,670 - $54,530
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).