A history degree is a versatile credential that can help power careers across a variety of fields and industries. History majors can work in publishing or in the classroom. They may also decide to become public servants. Another potential path is to go on to law school and become an attorney. Additional possibilities include marketing, copywriting, public relations, editing and social services.2
Other careers that are more closely focused on the field of history include the following:
- Archivist
- Public historian
- Museum curator
- Middle or high school history teacher
- History tutor
- History textbook writer
Take a more in-depth look at some of the career possibilities below.
The American Historical Association (AHA) reports that about 18% of history degree graduates go on to work in the education sector.3 With a solid background in historical research and writing, you may choose to pursue a career as an elementary or high school teacher. If you opt to earn a graduate degree, you can teach at higher education institutions.
In addition to taking on a role as an instructor, history graduates can reach a broader audience by writing textbooks or non-academic history books. Historical nonfiction is a major market in the book publishing industry. According to an article published in EPJ Data Science, 33% of Americans identify historical nonfiction as their favorite nonfiction genre.4
Earning a history degree involves an intensive regimen of reading and writing. Students can expect to do a great deal of research, fact organization and academic writing. These skills can lend themselves to a career in journalism. Furthermore, students of history are taught that accuracy is important above all else. This pursuit of the truth is a natural precursor to a career in journalism. The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) has established a code of ethics for the profession,5 which requires journalists to:
- Verify information prior to release
- Provide context to avoid misrepresentation
- Avoid the deliberate distortion of facts or context
- Encourage a civil dialogue while supporting the open exchange of views
Journalism is a highly varied career path. Some journalists work at the local level, contributing to small newspapers and other local publications. Others work for nationally distributed publications, including digital productions. Furthermore, some journalists specialize in reporting on a particular sector, such as agricultural, health or political news. If you pursue a career in journalism, you can forge a path that best fits your own interests.
Students who study history may choose to pursue writing-intensive careers. Copywriters are professionals who write informational or entertaining material intended to encourage sales by presenting the client’s products or services in a positive light. An understanding of political trends and history of business practices may help copywriters create content that resonates with a diverse audience of readers. It is important to write in a way that is inclusive of people with varying viewpoints and from diverse backgrounds. For this reason, history majors may be suitable for a career in copywriting.
Copywriting can also be an excellent choice for people who enjoy doing something new or different every day. Many copywriters work for marketing agencies, rather than within one company — which means they may write for multiple industries.
Some students enrolled in a history degree program may apply to law school. A background in history can provide a foundation in the legal field, as students develop their research, writing and oral communication skills. History students are also taught about political thought and movements, which can provide a strong basis for deeper explorations into constitutional law and the Bill of Rights. If you graduate from law school and pass the Uniform Bar Exam, you may choose to become an attorney who represents plaintiffs or defendants in civil law or criminal cases.
However, there are other career possibilities in the legal field that do not all require going to law school. Instead, you might decide to pursue a career as a law librarian or paralegal. Law librarians manage legal information and research, working for entities such as municipal or federal courts, law school libraries or major corporations. Alternatively, paralegals provide research and other support services to lawyers, working on cases behind the scenes.
Pursue your passion and prepare for a career in history by earning your degree at Grand Canyon University. We offer several degree programs for students who love history, including the Bachelor of Arts in History, Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education (which leads to initial teacher licensure) and the Master of Arts in History with an Emphasis in Education. Complete the form on this page to explore our learning community.
1 U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, September 8). Occupational Outlook Handbook, Historians. Retrieved June 8, 2023
2 U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, September 8). What Historians Do? Retrieved June 8, 2023.
3 Sturtevant, P. (n.d.). What can you do with that history degree? American Historical Association. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
4 Yucesoy, B., Wang, X., Huang, J. & Barabási, A. (2018, April 6). Success in books: a big data approach to bestsellers. EPJ Data Science. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
5 Society of Professional Journalists. (2014, September 6). SPJ Code of Ethics. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
Approved by the assistant dean of the College of Humanities and Social Science on July 7, 2023..