Career Opportunities for History Majors

What can you do with a history degree?

Recent graduates from the Pacific University Department of History are engaged in a variety of interesting endeavors. Several have become teachers and lawyers, one is an intelligence agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and another is an archivist at the Freer + Sackler Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. Others still have pursued graduate study in a variety of fields including history, archives, film, optometry, education policy, and management, while some have gone abroad to work in the Peace Corps or teach English in China.

Potential Careers

In short, a degree in history offers a wealth of opportunities, not limited to those below.

Communications, Media Industy

  • Publishing companies
  • Magazines
  • Newspapers
  • Film companies
  • Television
  • Radio
  • Trade, technical, professional publishers

Corporations/Manufacturers

  • Research departments
  • Administration
  • Public relations
  • Human resources

Business

  • Insurance agencies
  • Law offices
  • Banks
  • Financial institutions

 

Transportation & Travel

  • Travel agencies
  • Travel lines
  • Tour agencies

Organizations

  • Museums
  • Galleries
  • Historical societies

 

Educational Institutions

  • Secondary schools
  • Junior colleges
  • Four-year universities and colleges

 

Cities & Counties

  • Libraries
  • Chambers of commerce
  • Personnel administration
  • Welfare departments
  • Cultural centers

 

Federal Government

  • Legislative committee staffs
  • National Archives
  • Library of Congress
  • Departments of Interior, Defense, and State
  • National Park Service
  • Smithsonian Institute
  • NASA
  • National Security Administration
  • Bureau of Prisons
  • Central Intelligence Agency

Related Job Titles 

The following are examples of occupations that utilize the skills and knowledge developed by this major. Some may require additional specialized education or training beyond the bachelor's degree.

  • Biographer
  • Editor
  • Librarian
  • Research Assistant
  • Newscaster
  • Special Agent
  • Cataloger
  • Museum Registrar
  • Tour Guide
  • Correspondent
  • Customs Inspector
  • Archivist
  • Cultural Affairs Officer
  • Curator
  • Teacher/Professor
  • Art Appraiser

A college major does not determine your career. Achievement of any college degree represents to employers the ability to learn, think critically, organize, and present information. This combined with your particular collection of skills and experience makes you qualified for a much wider range of positions.