Careers in History

Historians research and analyze the past through writing, teaching, and studying.

Historians as Educators:
To teach at the elementary or secondary level you need a single subject teaching credential, a B.A. in history or social sciences, and a passing score on the CBEST . Plan early -there are a few education classes that you can take as an undergraduate. To teach at a community college you need an M.A. as a minimal requirement. Most professors at universities have earned a Ph.D. For up-to-date information on teaching at the elementary or secondary school level consult with the CASE office in Chaparral Hall.

Historians as Managers:
The study of history provides a context within which to understand how people interact with each other in a wide variety of social/political/economic situations. Some academic fields “train” students for narrowly defined careers in specialty areas. History “educates” students to be effective generalists in a multitude of settings. The term “managers” suggests people who know how to deal effectively with other people, provide necessary leadership in difficult situations, and accomplish goals with purpose and intelligence. Broadly educated history majors have been encouraged to think critically and typically are able to articulate their thoughts well both orally and in written communication. Business and public service agencies actively seek the kind of people described in this category.

Historians as Communicators:
Included in this category are positions as writers, editors, journalists, documentary editors, and producers of multimedia material. Such jobs require conducting research to insure authenticity of a particular historical person or era. The field also employs researchers for news broadcasts and programming and production staffs. For more information, contact The National Association of Broadcasters, 1771 “N” Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.Visit The National Association of Broadcasters Wesbsite.

Historians as Information Managers:
Technological experience is helpful in the field of information management, which includes the acquisition, organization, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of information. History students can use their history education for positions as archivists, records managers, librarians, and information managers. For more information, contact the Society of American Archivists, 527 S. Wells Street, 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60607-3922. Visit Society of American Archivists website.

Historians as Researchers:
Work at museums, historical organizations, or work in cultural resources management or historic preservation. These careers require the ability to identify, classify, and preserve historical documents and other source material in museums, galleries, libraries, and historical societies. Larger corporations and government agencies also employ historical archivists. For more information, contact the Society of American Archivists, 527 S. Wells Street, 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60607-3922. Visit Society of American Archivists website. or American Association of Museums website, 1575 Eye Street, Suite 400, Washington, D.C..

Historians as Advocates:
The legal profession uses the historian’s skills for research, writing, analysis, and persuasion. A B.A. in history is an excellent springboard into law school, or employment as a paralegal, in litigation support, for legislative staff work, and in foundations. For more information, contact The American Bar Association, 750 15th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. Visiit The American Bar Association's website

Historians in Government Service:
Foreign Service Officers work to strengthen foreign understanding and support for U.S. policies and actions. Overseas service is required and officers are often placed in foreign embassies and consulates. For more information, contact The U.S. Department of State, HR/REE, SA-1, 2401 E Street, N.W., 5th Floor Highrise, Washington, D.C. Visit The U.S. Department of State's website.

For additional information about careers for history majors, see Careers in History a publication of the American Historical Association.

Visit also the CSUSB Career Center.