If you want to learn about the complex relationship between humankind and the material world, cultures, societies, civilizations, and more, in a way that combines facts with storytelling, a degree in history may be the option for you.

Students of history learn to develop critical-thinking and strong analytical skills. As history is a research-intensive subject, it can also refine research and writing skills. Students develop strong communication abilities and learn how to make convicting, cohesive arguments. This flexible skill set can enable them to work across sectors like law, education, research, politics, government departments, writing, and even business.

Career options for history majors based on degree levels

A love for history isn’t enough of a reason to declare a major — you also need to consider what careers you can pursue with a degree in history, and whether those careers are right for you. Luckily, you’ve got plenty of options.

History majors can work across industries, career options and positions. Certain career paths may require students to pursue further education. Here are some common occupations for history majors, along with their projected job growth and average annual wages, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2017).

Postsecondary History Teacher:

With an increasing number of students seeking higher education to enhance their careers, colleges and universities are expected to hire more full-time and part-time teachers to meet this increase in demand.

• Projected employment growth rate (2016-26): 10 percent
• Average annual wage: $82,900

Archivist

Public and private organizations require people who can organize large volumes of records and information, preserve them, and make them easily accessible. For this purpose, archivists are needed in a variety of organizations such as in museums, universities, government institutions, libraries and hospitals, to name a few.

• Projected employment growth rate (2016-26): 14 percent
• Average annual wage: $55,470

Curator

Curators are responsible for the selection, storage, and exhibition of artifacts in cultural institutions, such as museums and galleries. Their job responsibilities often include duties such as marketing, managing public relations, and fundraising, among others.

• Projected employment growth rate (2016-26): 14 percent
• Average annual wage: $58,830

Jobs with a history major by degree level

Associate degree in history may lead to a job as a:

• Teacher’s assistant
• Library assistants,
• Administrative assistant
• Tour guides

With a bachelor’s degree you may be able to work as a:

• High school teacher
• Museum technician
• Writer
• Editor
• Public relations manager

A master’s degree in history may lead to occupations like:

• Historian
• Archivist
• Museum curator
• Teaching positions in colleges

A doctoral degree in history can lead to careers in academia and research.

These are just a few of your options after earning a degree in history. Individuals with history majors have gone into diverse occupations, from standup comedians to U.S. presidents.

Benefits of an online degree program in history

Online degree programs can provide students with the time flexibility they need to balance studies with work, family or other responsibilities. Such programs use the power of technology to provide a rigorous education that is at par with their on-campus equivalents. As most online degree programs are self-paced or asynchronous in nature, they are ideally suited for subjects like history, which involve extensive reading, writing, and research work.

With features such as online libraries, online submissions, and downloadable lectures, students can access learning resources according to their convenience. Most online programs also facilitate interactions between faculty members and students through communication tools, such as videoconferencing, email, web-based lectures, bulletin boards, and chat rooms.

To know more about the various industries and positions for history majors, browse through the visual below: