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in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in History?
The study of history has long been recognized as central to a liberal arts education, providing a broad and diversified curriculum to stimulate cultural awareness and refine personal perceptions of the cultural conditions of humankind. This major also serves as a foundation for successful careers in law, education, private nonprofit organizations, or public agencies. Because history and other liberal arts graduates develop important analytical and communication skills, they are increasingly attractive to private businesses. Along with a major in history, students in other majors can choose to minor in history.
Interests
An interest in analyzing and understanding the impact of historical forces on societies as well as perceiving how groups cope with changing circumstances
Competencies
- Research
- Analyzing ideas/information
Organizing materials/ideas
Compiling information
Comparing/contrasting ideas and information
Working with details
Adapting ideas
Understanding/interpreting the present/past
Interviewing
Examining all pertinent evidence - Understanding Society
- Analyzing impact of problems on society
Knowledge of how societies cope with changing circumstances
Explaining the present by referring to the past
Developing a world view - Communication
- Informing/explaining ideas
Describing and evaluating issues/problems/events
Observing people/data/things/reports
Comparing/compiling research reports
Interpreting events/ideas
Summarizing
Using written and spoken media - Project Development
- Developing/generating ideas and projects
Planning
Organizing materials/information
Seeing relationships between factors
Decision-making
Opportunities - Careers
- Government
- Policy evaluator
Public opinion pollster
Customs port investigator
International law and relations researcher
Public information coordinator
Foreign service officer
Intelligence specialist
Politician
Legislative aide
Paralegal
City manager
Departmental historian
Researcher (policy history and effectiveness) - Communications
- Public relations representative
Technical writer
Research/technical adviser (films/television)
Columnist/journalist
Editor (textbook, newspaper)
Costume designer
Visual aids reviewer
Publicationist - Education/Human Services
- Primary or secondary teacher
University teacher/researcher
College administrator
Clergy
Tour guide
Education agency and/or foundation employee
Adult education or corporate training program instructor
Historical program coordinator
Social service director - Research Preservation
- Archivist
Archives manager
Museum curator
Historic sites supervisor
Exhibit preparation coordinator
Historical background analyst
Genealogist (producing family histories)
Librarian
Biographer
Preservation specialist
Museum specialist - Business/Industry
- Market research analyst
Personnel officer
Sales/marketing representative
Investment researcher
Data processor
Loan administrator
Insurance agent
Underwriter
Manpower planner
Operations research analyst
Organizational planner
Management trainee
Textbook sales representative
Sales campaign planner
Travel agent
Corporation historian/archivist
Consultant/research, writing
Consultant/cultural resource management
Banker
Stockbroker
Account coordinator
Customer supply analyst
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Students can go on to academic history programs, public and applied history programs such as archival management, cultural resource management, historic preservation, historical archaeology, museum studies, policy studies, as well as professional programs such as those in business, communications, law, public administration.
Opportunities - Experiential
Internships and summer and part-time work with historical associations and societies, historical projects, museums, research institutions, service institutions, genealogical service companies, governmental agencies, public archives and libraries, publishing companies, etc; independent study or research in an area of interest, and involvement in student groups.
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of History (254 Upham Hall, 529-5121)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Student Counseling Service (195 Health Services Center, 529-4634)
- * Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making - Office of Career Services (241 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.