09/03/2026
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Exploring Skills, Career Pathways, and Academic Options
Choosing a major may come down to how it connects to your future. If you’re considering studying history, you might be wondering, "What can you do with a history degree?"
History is a broad field that examines how people, societies, and events have shaped the world over time. In addition to exploring historical topics and perspectives, history students may spend time researching, analyzing information, and developing written communication skills. These experiences may help students build knowledge and transferable skills that apply in a variety of academic and professional settings.
While history is rooted in the past, the perspectives and skills it offers may be applied in modern settings, from education and public service to business and media. Explore how history majors develop transferable skills, what career paths they may consider, and how a degree in history may connect to graduate study and professional development.
What Students May Learn in a History Degree Program
A history degree typically explores a wide range of topics, including political developments, cultural shifts, and human behavior across time periods. Students may examine historical artifacts, social movements, and global events to better understand how societies evolve.
A bachelor's degree in history may include coursework in world history, specialized topics like art history, and opportunities for hands-on experience through internships or projects. History programs may also encourage students to study history through original research and analysis, and may support helping them build confidence in conducting research and interpreting complex information.
Wondering how history differs from a related field? Explore " History Vs Social Studies" to compare the two areas of study and better understand their distinct focuses.
Transferable Skills Developed by History Majors
History majors typically spend much of their time studying history through research, reading, and writing. This process may help develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and communication skills. By evaluating different perspectives and interpreting historical context, history students may learn how to form evidence-based conclusions.
These transferable skills may be useful in many career pathways. For example, conducting research, analyzing historical events, and writing research papers may support roles that require problem-solving, data interpretation, and clear communication. History majors might also gain experience presenting ideas, which may be valuable in both academic and professional environments.
Typical Career Paths for History Graduates
Typical career paths for history graduates vary depending on interests, education level, and additional training. Some pursue roles directly related to history, while others apply their skills in different fields.
Some individuals with history degrees pursue opportunities in fields such as public service, journalism, marketing, consulting, or administration. Others may explore roles in foreign service, public administration, or nonprofit leadership. These career paths may involve long-term projects, research, and collaboration across teams.
How a History Degree May Apply to Different Industries
Many history majors do not follow a single defined path after graduation. Instead, they may explore career opportunities across different industries. This flexibility may come from the broad academic background and transferable skills developed during a history program.
History graduates may work in educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or the business world. These skills may be applicable in fields such as corporate strategy, communications, and research, depending on an individual’s experience, interests, and qualifications.
Law School and Legal-Related Opportunities
Some history majors choose to explore law school or other graduate education pathways after completing their undergraduate degree. Their experience with critical thinking, research skills, and writing may support the demands of legal education.
Legal-related roles may include litigation support, compliance, or paralegal work. These positions may require strong analytical skills and attention to detail. History students’ ability to interpret complex information and construct arguments may be helpful in legal settings.
Art History, Cultural Work, And Public Engagement
Some history majors choose to specialize in art history or related fields that focus on visual culture and historical interpretation. These paths may involve working with historical artifacts, exhibitions, or archives.
Public historians may engage audiences through museums, documentaries, or digital media. Roles in historic preservation or cultural institutions may involve protecting historic sites, interpreting historical context, and supporting community education.
Working in Historic Preservation and Public History
Working at a historical site or with historic sites may involve education, preservation, or research. These roles may require an understanding of historical context and the ability to communicate that knowledge to others.
Professionals in historic preservation may collaborate with government agencies, historical societies, or granting agencies. Their work can include documenting historical resources, supporting conservation efforts, and contributing to public history initiatives.
Career Communities and Networking Opportunities
Career communities may provide support during the job search and beyond. These networks may include alumni groups, professional associations, or academic communities connected to history education.
Engaging with career communities may help history students explore different career opportunities, learn about industry trends, and connect with professionals in a particular industry. Networking may also provide insight into how others have applied their history degree in various roles.
Professional Development and Continued Learning
Professional development is an important part of many career pathways for history graduates. This may include attending workshops, pursuing certifications, or continuing graduate study.
Some history majors attend conferences, join career communities, or pursue additional training in fields such as library science, data analytics, or archival management. These steps may help individuals refine their interests and build specialized knowledge over time.
Graduate Degrees You May Pursue With a History Degree
A degree in history may also serve as preparation for graduate study in a range of disciplines. Many history majors pursue a master’s degree or other graduate work in areas such as American history, public history, education, business, or communications.
History programs often emphasize research, writing, and analytical thinking skills that may support graduate-level study. Graduate study may allow students to focus on a particular industry or area of interest.
Considering the Next Steps With a History Degree
Understanding what you may be able to do with a history degree involves looking at both skills and interests. History majors develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills that may apply across a wide range of settings.
A history degree may encourage students to engage with different perspectives, examine historical context, and strengthen analytical and research skills through continued study. Exploring academic programs, career pathways, and professional development opportunities may help prospective students determine how a history degree aligns with their long-term goals.