Careers in History

Many students in our program continue their studies at some of the best graduate schools in the country. Others become outstanding primary or secondary teachers of history or social studies. But those choices are only the beginning. The study of history can help prepare you for exciting careers in business, law, government, journalism, publishing, politics, historical preservation, museum management or curatorship, military officer, archive management and much more.

Resources List

Perspectives occasionally publishes ads for public history positions.

Museum jobs:
The American Alliance of Museums

Jobs at historical societies:
The American Association for State and Local History

Jobs in the federal government:
Office of Personnel Management. This web site lists all available federal jobs, so job seekers will have to do a subject search to find relevant listings. Many (but not all) history positions are classified under the “G5-170 Historian” job classification.

Archives jobs:
Society of American Archivists

The National Council on Public History and the Society for History in the Federal Governmentalso post employment advertisements.

Humboldt Career Center
  • Make an appointment with your career counselor to learn about the job market.
  • Use a computer guidance program to assist with educational and career planning.