You probably chose a major in History because you find the subject interesting and fun. But what about after graduation?
The study of history enables you to analyze social, economic, political land cultural change over time. You learn how to identify a problem, gather information, evaluate explanations and understand relationships. History teaches you how to place issues in context, investigate events and weigh alternatives. The content and skills gained from a major in History strengthen your professional abilities in all areas, and in all fields.
A History major opens the door to career opportunities in a wide range of fields. While many graduates find jobs as secondary school teachers, history majors are also employed in business and the public sector. Insurance and marketing companies need people who can analyze risk and profitability. Public relations and human resources need employees knowledgeable about ethnic and foreign cultures. Museums, libraries and civic organizations seek people with an appreciation for and commitment to learning.
The History major may also lead to graduate or professional school in preparation for law, business, information management, archival science, or even history as a profession!
History will help you understand the past events that connect us. If you enjoy studying history, you will enjoy the rich career possibilities to which it may lead.
The History Department offers a number of courses which stress the cultivation of skills. Among these are:
History 301 (which is an introductory course in historical methods and interpretive inquiry and considers history as a craft and as one of the liberal arts and a social science).
History 498 (which offers special topics, such as the computer and history, family history, and oral history).
History 497 (which deals with techniques of research, historiography, and criticism). There are also offerings in archival research, which can lead to the relatively new specialties of records management and public history.