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Home >> Degrees >> Social Science >> History

History Degree

History students study past events, chronologically, as they relate to the human race. History refers to the big picture, comprising all that has been recorded of the human past and all that can be taken from artifacts. It also includes many subfields, such as chronology, demographics, historiography, genealogy, paleography and cliometrics and many special areas, often focusing on a range of dates (America 1492-1600), a geographic location (History of France), a subject matter (History of Photography). Historians are those who devote themselves to the study of history and do so as a profession.The history major is designed to provide students with historical research and analysis skills, a chronological understanding of the past, and factual knowledge of specific historical periods. Students can expect to learn the histories of most peoples, places and cultures, enhancing multicultural understanding in the workplace and in everyday society. Completion of a history degree can prepare students with the knowledge and skills for careers in education, law, government, business, management, public relations, writing, and research.

Today�s History Students

The study of history can be classified under either humanities or social sciences, but can be a combination of both, incorporating methodologies from each field of study. Generally, the sources of historical knowledge can be separated into three categories: written records, verbal records and preserved artifacts.History students study all three, emphasizing the importance of written records.In addition to the history of the world, continents, countries and states, a history student may study ancient and cultural history, the history of pubic events, or even developmental history of disciplines like science and medicine. Students majoring in history spend a considerable amount of time reading accounts of the past written by others in order to expand their knowledge and understanding of other nations, peoples, cultures and times.Most history students should possess the ability to read and write at length, as many higher-level history professors require the completion of an essay or thesis toward the end of their term. Students can expect more intense study at the graduate level. When choosing a history program, students should always take into consideration what resources are available nearby such as libraries, archives and state and local resources.

Career Opportunities in History

The history degree can be applied in a variety of workplaces and under a variety of fields including education, law, government, business, management, public relations, writing, and research.However, if one were to use their history degree for a career as a historian, they could work as a researcher, educator, writer, editor, information manager, advocate, businessperson, or simply as a history professional. Professional historians should possess diverse skills, as they often carry out multiple historical activities in any particular environment.For example, historians in museums manage and interpret collections of objects but are also called upon to serve as researchers, writers, editors, and educators. Likewise, archivists trained as historians will process and protect collections of historical source materials, but will also need to research, educate, write, edit, and provide advocacy information.Some historians share their research through written formats, such as books, articles, reports, and essays.Others may do so quite differently.For instance, their end product could be a script for a film or video documentary, the syllabus and assignments for a college course, or simply a verbal argument stating their findings.Overall, many men and women have been able to create satisfactory careers based on their interest in the past.