Bachelor of Arts in History: Career Path

Overview of Bachelor of Arts in History (BA History)

A Bachelor of Arts in History is an undergraduate program studying past events and societies. The program typically covers many historical periods and regions, and students learn about the political, social, economic, and cultural factors that have shaped the world. 

The curriculum may include courses on specific periods, such as ancient history or modern history, as well as on particular regions or themes, such as European history or the history of science and technology. Students may also be required to take classes in research methods, critical thinking, and writing. 

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in History may go on to careers in teaching, research, or the public sector, or to pursue graduate studies in history or related fields.

Course Outlines

The course outlines for a Bachelor of Arts in History program can vary depending on the institution and specific program. However, some common courses that may be included in a typical program are:

• World History: This course overviews major historical events and societies, focusing on global connections and interactions.

• Western Civilization: This course explores the history of Western Europe and its impact on the world. It covers the political, economic, social, and cultural developments from ancient Greece to the present day.

• United States History: This course examines the history of the United States, including the colonial period, revolution, the Civil War, and the nation's development through the present day.

• Research Methods in History: This course teaches students the skills needed to conduct research in history, including primary and secondary sources, historiography, and research design.

• Historical Writing and Analysis: This course teaches students how to analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources and write historical essays and papers.

• Special Topics in History: Courses on specific historical periods, regions, or themes, such as medieval Europe, Africa, or the history of women and gender.

• Senior Seminar: This capstone course brings together all of the skills and knowledge learned throughout the program and allows students to conduct original research on a topic of their choice.

This is a general overview; different institutions may have different requirements and electives.

Objectives, Goals, and Vision

The objectives, goals, and vision of a Bachelor of Arts in History program can vary depending on the institution, but some common ones are:

• Objectives: To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of historical events, societies, and cultures and to develop students' critical thinking, research, and writing skills.

• Goals: To prepare students for careers in teaching, research, public service, or related fields and for graduate studies in history or related fields.

• Vision: To produce graduates who are informed, engaged citizens and leaders, who have a deep understanding of the past and its impact on the present, and who have the skills to make sense of the complexities of the world and contribute to society in meaningful ways.

Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in History program can vary depending on the institution, but some common ones are:

• A high school diploma or equivalent: This is typically the minimum requirement to be considered for admission to an undergraduate program.

• Minimum grade point average (GPA) : Some institutions may have a minimum GPA requirement for admission to the program.

• Standardized test scores: Some institutions may require the submission of standardized test scores.

• Prerequisite courses: Some institutions may require students to have completed certain prerequisite courses in high schools, such as history or social studies.

• English language proficiency: International students may be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency

• Additional requirements: Some institutions may have additional admission requirements, such as essays, letters of recommendation, or interviews.

It is essential to check with the specific institution for admission requirements as these criteria may vary.

Knowledge and Skills

A Bachelor of Arts in History program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of historical events, societies, and cultures and to develop knowledge and skills useful in various careers and fields. Some of the knowledge and skills that students can expect to gain from a history program include:

• Knowledge of historical events, societies, and cultures: Students will learn about the political, social, economic, and cultural factors that have shaped the world throughout history.

• Critical thinking skills: Students will learn to analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources and develop arguments and perspectives based on historical evidence.

• Research skills: Students will learn how to conduct research in history, including how to locate and evaluate primary and secondary sources and how to design and execute a research project.

• Writing skills: Students will learn how to write historical essays and papers and develop the ability to communicate historical ideas and arguments effectively.

• Interdisciplinary perspective: Students will learn to relate historical events to broader social, political, and cultural contexts and gain a broader perspective on the world.

• Analytical and interpretive skills: Students will learn to interpret and analyze historical events and materials and to evaluate historical arguments and perspectives.

• Time management, attention to detail, and ability to work independently: Students will learn how to manage their time effectively, pay attention to details, and work independently on research projects.

Scope

The scope of a Bachelor of Arts in History program can include a wide range of historical periods and regions, and students can study a diverse range of topics. Some of the areas of study that may be covered in a history program include:

• World History: Students will learn about major historical events and societies, focusing on global connections and interactions.

• Western Civilization: Students will explore the history of Western Europe and its impact on the world. They will cover the political, economic, social, and cultural developments from ancient Greece to the present day.

• United States History: Students will examine the history of the United States, including the colonial period, revolution, the Civil War, and the nation's development through the present day.

• Special Topics in History: Students may have the opportunity to study specific historical periods, regions, or themes, such as the history of medieval Europe, the history of Africa, or the history of women and gender.

• Public History is the branch of history that deals with communicating historical information to the public through various means, such as museums, historical sites, and public events. Students will learn to curate exhibits, design historical walking tours, and create educational programs.

• Digital Humanities: This field applies digital technologies to the study of history. Students will learn to use digital tools to analyze and visualize historical data and create interactive multimedia resources for public engagement.

• Environmental History: This field deals with human relationships with the natural environment. Students will learn how human societies have interacted with and modified the natural world over time.

Career Path

A Bachelor of Arts in History can prepare graduates for a wide range of careers in various fields, although some of the most common career paths are:

• Teaching: Many history graduates become primary, secondary, or post-secondary teachers. They can teach history, social studies, or related subjects.

• Research: History graduates can work as researchers in various fields, such as historical research, academic research, or research in the private sector.

• Public History: History graduates can work in museums, archives, historical sites, and other public institutions. They can work as curators, educators, or administrators.

• Government: History graduates can work in government agencies such as the National Park Service, the National Archives, or the Department of State. They can also work as historians for government contractors or as legislative aides.

• Non-Profit Organizations: History graduates can work in non-profit organizations such as historical societies, cultural organizations, or advocacy groups. They can work as program coordinators, development officers, or researchers.

• Library and Information Science: History graduates can work in libraries, archives, or information centers as librarians, archivists, or information professionals.

• Law and Business: History graduates can use their analytical and interpretive skills in law, business, or other fields where they can work as analysts, consultants, or managers.

• Journalism and Media: History graduates can use their writing and research skills in journalism or media, working as reporters, editors, or producers.

• Graduate Studies: Some history graduates pursue graduate studies in history or related fields such as law, library science, or public policy.

Duties, Tasks, Roles, and Responsibilities

The duties, tasks, roles, and responsibilities of a history graduate can vary depending on their chosen career path. However, some common ones for history graduates include:

• Teaching: The duties of a history teacher include planning and delivering lessons, assessing student performance, and providing feedback to students. They may also be responsible for creating and grading exams and managing the classroom.

• Research: A researcher's duties include conducting research on historical events, societies, and cultures, analyzing and interpreting primary and secondary sources, and communicating research findings through written reports and presentations.

• Public History: A public historian's duties include curating exhibits, designing historical walking tours, creating educational programs, and working with other staff members to promote the institution's mission.

• Government: A historian's duties in government include conducting research, analyzing historical documents and artifacts, and providing historical expertise to government agencies.

• Non-Profit Organizations: The duties of a history graduate in non-profit organizations include conducting research, analyzing historical documents, creating educational programs, and working with other staff members to promote the organization's mission.

• Library and Information Science: Librarians or archivists manage collections of historical documents and artifacts, provide reference and research assistance to patrons, and preserve and protect historical materials.

• Law and Business: The duties of a history graduate in law and business may include analyzing legal or business documents, providing historical expertise to legal or business clients, and conducting research to support legal or business arguments.

• Journalism and Media: The duties of a history graduate in journalism and media may include researching historical events and societies, writing articles and reports, and working with editors and producers to create engaging content.

• Graduate Studies: A history graduate's duties may include conducting independent research, writing a thesis or dissertation, and participating in seminars and other academic activities.

Career Options

Here is a list of 15 career options for history graduates:

• High school history teacher

• College or university history professor

• Museum Curator

• Archivist

• Historical Researcher

• Genealogist

• Historian for a government agency

• Historian for a non-profit organization

• Historian for a corporation

• Public Historian

• Historian for a media company

• Historian for a law firm

• Historian for an intelligence agency

• Historian for an archaeological firm

• Historical consultant

Challenges

A Bachelor of Arts in History can be a challenging program but also a rewarding one. Some of the challenges that students may face include:

• Keeping up with the coursework: History programs can be demanding and require significant reading and writing. Students must be able to manage their time and stay organized to keep up with the coursework.

• Analyzing and interpreting primary and secondary sources: Understanding historical events and societies can be challenging, as it requires students to analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources and to develop arguments and perspectives based on historical evidence.

• Researching: Conducting history research requires students to locate and evaluate primary and secondary sources and design and execute a research project. This can be challenging, especially for students who are new to research.

• Writing essays and papers: Historical essays and papers require students to communicate historical ideas and arguments effectively. This can be challenging, especially for students new to writing in a historical context.

• Finding a job: Finding a job after graduation can be challenging, as the job market for history graduates can be competitive. Students must start networking and building a professional portfolio while still in school.

• Specialization: History is a broad field, and students may have to specialize in a particular area, such as ancient history, modern history, or a specific region, which can be challenging for students who have not yet decided on a particular area of interest.

• Keeping up with the knowledge: History is a constantly evolving field, and knowledge about past events and societies is changing quickly. It's challenging for graduates to keep up with the latest developments and research in their field.

• Interdisciplinary approach: History is not just about historical events; it's also about understanding the broader social, political, and cultural contexts, which can be challenging for students not used to an interdisciplinary approach.

Why Choose a Bachelor of Arts in History?

There are many reasons why someone might choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in History, including:

• Passion for history: Many students choose to study history because they are passionate about learning about the past and how it shapes the present.

• Career opportunities: A history degree can lead to many career opportunities in fields such as teaching, research, public service, law, business, etc.

• Developing critical thinking skills: A history degree can help students develop critical thinking skills, which are valuable in many fields. These include the ability to analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources and to develop arguments and perspectives based on historical evidence.

• Interdisciplinary perspective: History is not just about historical events; it's also about understanding the broader social, political, and cultural contexts. A history degree can give students an interdisciplinary perspective that can be applied to many fields.

• Flexibility: A history degree is a flexible degree that can be applied to many different fields and used as a stepping stone to many different career paths.

• Making sense of the world: History helps us understand how the world came to be and how it continues to change. Understanding history gives us a perspective on current events and helps us make sense of the world.

• Personal and Professional Growth: A history degree can help students gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them and become more informed and engaged citizens.

• Preparation for graduate studies: A history degree can be a good preparation for graduate studies in history or related fields such as law, library science, or public policy.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about a Bachelor of Arts in History:

What can I do with a history degree?

A history degree can lead to many career opportunities in fields such as teaching, research, public service, law, business, etc. Some popular career options for history graduates include becoming a high school or college history teacher, museum curator, archivist, researcher, or historian for a government agency or non-profit organization.

Is a history degree worth it?

A history degree can be a valuable asset, as it can provide students with a wide range of valuable skills and knowledge in many fields. Additionally, studying history can be a personally and intellectually rewarding experience and can help students become more informed and engaged citizens.

How long does it take to get a history degree?

A Bachelor of Arts in History typically takes four years to complete, assuming full-time study. Some institutions may offer accelerated or online programs that can be completed in a shorter period.

What are the prerequisites for a history degree?

The prerequisites for a Bachelor of Arts in History program vary depending on the institution. Still, some common ones are a high school diploma or equivalent, a minimum grade point average (GPA), standardized test scores, and prerequisite courses in history or social studies.

Is history a good major for law school?

Yes, a history degree can be a good preparation for law school. It can help students develop critical thinking, analytical and interpretive skills, and writing skills, which are all valuable for law school.

What are the essential skills developed by a history degree?

The key skills developed by a history degree include critical thinking, research, writing, analytical and interpretive skills, oral communication, time management, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. Additionally, a history degree provides students with a strong knowledge of historical events, societies, and cultures and an interdisciplinary perspective that can be applied to many different fields.