Historians research and analyze the past through writing, teaching, and studying.
Upcoming Spring Events, 2025 Careers for History Majors
Spring 2024 Careers for History Majors, Information Sessions, Recordings
Historians as Educators
To teach at the elementary or secondary level you need a mulitple subject teaching credential (for elementary) or single subject teaching credential (for secondary level), a B.A., and a passing score on the CSET and 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 the education building. See this page for a regularly updated set of links and resources for future educators in history and the social sciences, specific to CSUSB students and the IE region.
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.
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.
Additional Resources
- AHA "Careers for History Majors"
- AHA "Careers for Students of History"
- AHA blog
- Find the CSUSB Career Center at this link
- Learn about "Informational Interviews" here
- Reaching out to professionals in the field that interests you is a common best practice for applicants to learn about a career path and get to know some people working in that area.
- This short video may also help.
- CSUSB 2024 "Careers for History Majors" Page with Panel Recordings
- This series included panels with educators, archivists, State and National Park workers, editors, lawyers, museum workers, grad school students, and more.