What it is
History is the study of the human past — events, people, societies, and change over time — and how we interpret evidence to understand it. It builds exceptional research, analysis, and writing skills, and a deep understanding of how the world came to be.
Where it leads: this is a broad, analytical humanities degree. There isn't one job title attached to it — instead it builds reading, writing, argument, and critical-thinking skills prized in law, education, writing/publishing, business, nonprofits, and government. It's a leading pre-law major, and its value grows when paired with internships, a second skill, or graduate/professional study.
What you'll study
Coursework spans periods, regions, and methods:
- SurveysBy region and era (US, European, world, and thematic history)
- MethodsHistorical research, using primary sources, and historiography
- SeminarsFocused topics and a substantial research paper/thesis
Concentrations & focus areas
- US / American HistoryNational history
- World / Global HistoryCross-cultural
- European HistoryWestern tradition
- Public HistoryMuseums & archives
- Thematic (social, political, etc.)By theme
- Pre-LawLaw-school preparation
Skills you'll build
- ResearchFinding and evaluating sources
- AnalysisInterpreting evidence
- WritingClear, argued prose
- Critical thinkingWeighing perspectives
- CommunicationExplaining the past
Careers & job titles
- Teacher / professorWith certification/graduate study
- LawyerVia law school (common)
- Writer / researcher / editorMedia & publishing
- Archivist / museum / public historyCultural institutions
- Government / analyst / policyPublic sector
- Business, nonprofit, commsBroad paths
Job outlook & demand
The historian occupation is small and master's/PhD-level. Most history graduates apply their skills elsewhere: education, law, writing, government, and business. It's among the strongest pre-law majors, prized for research and writing.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, historians had a median around $72,000 (a small occupation). More typical outcomes — teaching, law, writing, and analysis — vary widely; law (via law school) is among the highest-paying paths.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A bachelor's is broadly useful and a top pre-law major; the historian title and teaching/academic roles require a master's or PhD.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you love the past, enjoy research and writing, and want a flexible degree for law, education, or analysis.
Be strategic: pair history with internships, a second skill (data, languages), or professional/graduate study (especially law) to translate its strong analytical skills into a clear career.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- FocusThe human past and how we interpret it
- SkillsResearch, analysis, writing, critical thinking
- CareersTeacher, lawyer (via law school), writer, archivist, analyst
- Popular forPre-law and graduate study
- Pay~$72,000 (historians, BLS); varies by path
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: