At a Glance
- Strong pre-law and pre-graduate major.
- K-12 teaching requires licensure in most states.
- Federal agencies hire history BAs for analyst roles.
- Historian median wage (BLS May 2024): $72,890 (small field).
What It Is
A history major trains in primary-source research, argument construction, and synthesis across time periods and regions.
Who It Suits
- Strong readers and writers.
- Pre-law, pre-government students.
- Future teachers and archivists.
Levels and Credentials
DegreeOpensBA HistoryTeaching (+licensure), government, analyst rolesMA History/Public HistoryArchives, museums, historical consultingPhDAcademia (tight)
Online vs Campus
Online BA history programs at public universities are solid for working students; on-campus offers better research mentorship.
Careers and Salaries
Wages below are May 2024 national medians from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
RoleMedian wage (BLS May 2024)Historians$72,890High School Teachers$64,580Archivists, Curators & Museum Workers$57,120Lawyers (after JD)$151,160
What Programs Cost
Public in-state BA: $40k-$80k. Private: $120k-$220k. MA: $15k-$50k.
How to Choose
- Pair with a career-facing minor (business, data, education).
- Target programs with strong internship/placement support.
- Build writing and research artifacts.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming PhD leads to tenure track — market is tiny.
- Skipping internships in policy, museums, or government.
Glossary
Public historyApplied history in museums, archives, policy, and media.
FAQ
Can I get hired with just a history BA? Yes — analyst, teaching, government paths are all open.
Key Takeaways
- Pair history with a skill or minor.
- Expect to build career via pairing, not credential alone.
History graduates do fine — when they pair their major with internships, a complementary skill, and an intentional career plan.
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