Should you major in history?

If you're captivated by the stories of the past, enjoy piecing together how events and decisions have shaped the world today and love digging deeper into cultural, political and social movements, pursuing a history degree might be the perfect fit for you!

But before you decide to major in history, you need to know what to expect and where it can lead you career-wise.

What does a history degree involve?

A history degree isn’t just about memorizing dates, battles or famous figures. It’s a deep dive into understanding humanity’s past and how it informs our present and future. As a history major, you'll build skills that translate easily to any field, preparing you to thrive in careers in foreign service, teaching, research, law, museum work and beyond.

Classes you’ll take as a history major

One of the best things about a history degree is the variety of classes you can take. Most programs require core courses in world history, U.S. history or historical methods, but you’ll also have the flexibility to explore specific eras, regions and themes that interest you. Here are some examples:

• Ancient civilizations: Learn about the rise and fall of empires like Rome, Greece or Mesopotamia.
• Modern European history: Explore the Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution or the World Wars.
• Social movements in the U.S.: Dive into the Civil Rights Movement, women’s suffrage or labor history.
• Cultural history: Study how art, literature, and music reflect and shape societies.
• Digital history: Learn how historians use technology and digital tools to analyze and present historical data.

History majors at Central Michigan University can customize their course selections, travel to Italy and France to study the culture of the Renaissance and conduct research at CMU's own Museum of Cultural and Natural History.

Skills you’ll develop with a history degree

Majoring in history equips you with a broad skill set that is applicable to many careers. Some of the most valuable skills include:

• Critical thinking: You’ll learn to assess the credibility of sources, identify biases and form balanced conclusions.
• Research abilities: Delve into archives, libraries and digital databases to uncover and analyze information.
• Communication skills: Whether you’re writing a research paper or giving a presentation, you’ll learn to express complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Problem-solving: By studying past challenges, you’ll gain insights into how societies have navigated crises—skills that are valuable in decision-making roles.
• Cultural awareness: Engaging with diverse histories will deepen your understanding of different cultures, perspectives and global contexts.

Preparing for a history major

If you’re still in high school and thinking about majoring in history, there are a few ways to prepare.

• Take as many history and social studies classes as possible: Courses like world history, U.S. history and government can expand your foundational knowledge.
• Join a history club or participate in National History Day competitions.
• Practice research and writing: Read historical books or articles, visit museums or watch documentaries to expand your understanding of historical events and themes.

These activities will help you form a curious and analytical mindset, which is key for excelling as a history major.

What jobs can you get with a history degree?

When people think about history majors, teaching is often the first career that comes to mind. While becoming a history teacher or professor is a popular path, it’s far from the only option. Let’s break it down into teaching and non-teaching jobs:

Teaching careers

• K-12 educator: Teach history or social studies in middle or high schools.
• University professor: Pursue advanced degrees to teach and conduct research at the collegiate level.
• Education consultant: Develop curricula, educational materials or training programs for schools and organizations.

Non-teaching jobs

A history degree opens doors to a wide range of careers beyond the classroom. Here are just a few examples:

• Archivist: Work in museums, libraries or government agencies to preserve and organize historical records.
• Museum curator: Plan exhibits, manage collections and educate the public about historical artifacts and stories.
• Historian: Conduct research for organizations, write publications or work in public history settings.
• Lawyer: Many history majors continue on to law school, as the degree hones research and debate skills.
• Journalist: Use your knowledge and writing skills to report on current events with historical context.
• Policy analyst: Help shape public policies by researching and understanding their historical implications.
• Content creator: Write for historical websites, podcasts or YouTube channels to bring history to a wider audience.
• Genealogist: Assist individuals or organizations in tracing family histories and uncovering personal stories.

The value of a history degree

One of the biggest misconceptions about a history degree is that it doesn’t lead to lucrative careers. While it’s true that you might not start out with a six-figure salary, history majors have the flexibility to enter many industries, and your earning potential can grow significantly with experience and specialization. In addition, the critical thinking, research, and communication skills you develop as a history major are highly transferable and valued by employers.

If you’re passionate history, a degree is a rewarding investment that provides intellectual fulfillment, diverse career opportunities, and a lifelong appreciation for learning.

Tips for success as a history major

• Stay organized: History involves a lot of reading, research, and writing. Use planners, apps, or other tools to manage deadlines and assignments.
• Engage with professors: Building relationships with your instructors can lead to mentorship, research opportunities and strong letters of recommendation.
• Network: Join history clubs, attend lectures or conferences and connect with alumni to learn about different career paths.
• Seek internships: Experience in archives, museums or historical organizations can boost your resume and expand your career interests.
• Keep an open mind: You might start your major interested in one topic but discover new passions along the way—embrace them!

Exploring history at Central Michigan University

A history degree is more than a path to a career; it’s a journey into understanding the world and your place in it.

By exploring history at Central Michigan University, you’ll have the opportunity to study everything from pre-modern history to history of Native Americans, as well as American business history and even rock and roll history.

Whether you’re dreaming of teaching, preserving historical artifacts or applying your skills to a completely different field, the possibilities are endless. By pursuing a history degree at Central Michigan University, you’re not just studying the past—you’re preparing for a future full of opportunities.