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Why History?

History teaches culture, community, and historical perspective. History teaches time, place, and events of the past. History is used in almost every academic field, and is needed for everyday understanding of the world around us.

A degree in history provides background and training to enter any number of professions. Below are a listing of jobs that are focused in history and jobs that use a BA graduate of history's skills. Also, check out this web site: The Princeton Review College Major and Job Help and The American Historical Association for more help and in-depth information about the major, jobs, and even an online test to see what your interests are.

Jobs that use History Directly*

  • Archives
  • Communications media
  • Consulting and freelance assignments
  • Historical organizations
  • Libraries
  • Museums
  • Publishing
  • Research institutions
  • Religious and philanthropic organizations
  • Teaching

Jobs that Indirectly use History's Skills*

  • Management

  • Advertising

  • Archival and record-keeping services

  • Banking

  • Insurance

  • Law

  • Market research

  • Journalism

  • Public relations

  • Staff training

  • Travel and tourism

  • Politics

  • International Relations

  • Business

Some Famous History Majors

  • Theodore Roosevelt

  • Henry Cabot Lodge

  • George McGovern

  • Woodrow Wilson

  • George W. Bush

  • Michael Palin (Monty Python, etc.), at Brasenose College, Oxford
    University

  • Chris Berman

  • Carly Fiorina, best-known as the CEO of Hewlett Packard

  • Newt Gingrich

  • Richard Nixon

*Some of this information was taken from a flier published by the Sernus Press, 6 Old Meserve Lane, Limington, ME, 04049. Designed by Sernus and Bruce Kennet Studio.