Written By
Kim Kennedy
Instructor, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
We're here to help.
Speak with a University Counselor today.
1 Andrews, T. & Burke, F. (2007). What does it mean to think historically? American Historical Association. Retrieved on June 14, 2024.
2 American Bar Association. (n.d.) Pre-law: Preparing for law school. Retrieved on June 14, 2024.
3 Gorman, J. L. (2019). Why study history? Virtue via dialogue. Fides et Historia, 51 (2), 157. Retrieved on June 14, 2024.
Approved by faculty for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences on June 16, 2024.
Through the study and practice of history, historians can both naturally and intentionally develop essential skills that contribute to their long-term success in their field.
The essential skills of an historian may also include:
If you’re interested in developing these historian skills, check out GCU’s Bachelor of Arts in History program. If you’re interested in becoming a history teacher or professor and inspiring the next generation with the examples and lessons of the past, check out our Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education and Master of Arts in History: Education Emphasis programs. To learn more about these and other programs offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, fill out the form on this page to get started.
So, what are the skills of an historian? Beyond these foundational concepts, historians wield a toolkit of skills they must continue to practice and refine throughout their careers:
As a bonus, any subject that the historian enjoys can be pursued productively, adding further depth to their understanding of history. Interested in political science? Add a government minor and be taught the theoretical and practical knowledge to study political history, as well as possibly gain additional career opportunities in public service, government work, law and military leadership. Interested in psychology? Add a psychology minor and work to develop a fresh perspective on human behavior in past, as well as career opportunities in social services and non-governmental organizations. Interested in literature? Add a literature minor to work to gain a better understanding and appreciation of cultural history, as well as career opportunities in journalism and secondary education. Interested in different cultures? Add a cultural studies or language minor, where you will have the opportunity to explore a specialized area of knowledge in your historical research, as well as further skills in cultural competence and language.
At the heart of every historian’s journey lies a deep passion for uncovering the truths of the past. Historians are driven by a profound curiosity about the human experience, relentless pursuit of knowledge, and dedication to the preservation of collective memory. As a discipline, historians are committed to ensuring that the past remains alive, informing and guiding the present so that we can create a better future. The breadth of skills and knowledge that Grand Canyon University history graduates can develop grants them the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to their communities as historians and to pursue diverse career paths and opportunities.
Thinking historically is not an innate skill; it is cultivated by mastering core concepts that shape the historian’s approach to truth-seeking and interpretation.
These concepts include:
When you think about studying history, do you imagine memorizing thousands of facts, dates and details? While studying history can certainly give you a leg up playing Trivial Pursuit, becoming an historian involves a great deal more than memorization. History is not merely a collection of self-evident truths. The past is an intricate tapestry woven from countless details, perspectives and interpretations, often handed down to us in incomplete or biased form. To transform this raw material into history, historians carefully select, arrange and interpret these details, creating interpretations and narratives that are as far as possible significant and true.
At its core, history is about understanding change over time, discerning patterns, and exploring the development of all facets of human society, including political, cultural, social, economic, scientific, intellectual, religious, military, medical, legal and so many others. It’s about breathing life into the past and applying its lessons to navigate present challenges and shape a better future. While we all dabble a bit in history by engaging with our personal and collective pasts, the pursuit of history as a discipline requires honing a unique set of skills and intellectual habits. You may be wondering, what are the skills of an historian? In this blog, we’ll explore and answer that question about the role and skills historians have.