Historian Career Guide

Historians research, analyze and interpret historical events, trends, eras and figures. They examine primary sources, such as historical documents, and develop interpretations with a consideration of context. Their work helps preserve historical knowledge, provide context for current issues and deepen understanding of past societies and events. They share their findings, such as by publishing, conference presentations and teaching.

Yes, historians may specialize in multiple, often overlapping areas of history. While some focus on a single field, many develop expertise across related disciplines to better understand historical events and trends. Common areas of specialization include social, cultural, political, economic and environmental history.^{(See disclaimer 5)} Because these fields frequently intersect, historians often draw on multiple perspectives in their research. For example, a historian studying the Great Depression might examine its economic causes, political responses and social effects to develop a more complete understanding of the period.

Historians primarily research and interpret historical documents, archival records and other primary sources to understand and explain the past. Archaeologists excavate, preserve and analyze physical artifacts, structures and sites to learn about past civilizations. Historians may focus primarily on historical documents, while archaeologists focus primarily on historical objects. Both professions study the past, but historians often rely on written records, while archaeologists rely more heavily on physical evidence recovered from excavation sites.

Historians and anthropologists both study human societies, but they differ in their primary focus and research methods. Historians primarily examine and interpret the past through historical records, documents, artifacts and other primary sources to understand people, events and historical developments. Anthropologists study humans, cultures and societies, using methods that may include observation, interviews, ethnographic research and fieldwork to explore human behavior and cultural practices. While the two disciplines can overlap in their interest in human experiences and social change, historians generally focus on interpreting evidence from the past, whereas anthropologists often emphasize understanding cultures and societies through direct research and observation.

Not always. Some entry-level, history-related positions may be available to individuals with a bachelor's degree in history. However, many professional historian positions require at least a master's degree, and some — particularly those in academia and government — require a PhD in history or a closely related field.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Historians work across several industries, including government, education, museums, archives, historical societies and research organizations. Many historians are employed by federal, state and local government agencies, while others work for museums, archives, historical societies and research organizations.^{(See disclaimer 3)} Many also pursue careers in higher education, teaching and conducting research at colleges, universities and academic libraries.^{(See disclaimer 5)}