History major
History: courses, careers, and where to study
History trains graduates in research, evidence, and argument — feeding into law, education, museums, government, and any field that values long-form analytical writing.
A History major covers a range of geographical and chronological fields — typically requiring a U.S. survey, a non-U.S. survey, methods, and a senior thesis. Programs emphasize primary-source research, archival work, and historiography. The major produces graduates who can synthesize large evidence bodies and write at length — both rare and valuable skills.
History pairs naturally with Pre-Law (top-3 LSAT-scoring major), Education, Political Science, or Foreign Languages. Graduates work in law, museums and archives, K–12 and higher-education teaching, journalism, government, and consulting.
What you'll study
- Survey courses across U.S., European, and world history
- Historical methods and historiography
- Primary-source research and archival skills
- Field-specific advanced seminars
- Senior research thesis
- A foreign language (often required for graduate-bound students)
Typical careers
- Lawyer (with JD)
- High School History Teacher
- Museum Curator / Archivist
- Editor / Journalist
- Foreign Service Officer
- Policy Analyst
Starting salary range: $42,000–$60,000 starting
Find a History program
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Related majors
Political Science
Political Science studies governments, political behavior, and policy — preparing graduates for law school, public service, journalism, and policy research.
English & Literature
English develops critical reading, analytical writing, and rhetorical skill — a flexible major that feeds into law, publishing, education, marketing, and any field that values communication.