Careers for History Majors

What can I do with a history degree?

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The possibilities are endless!

• Law-lawyer, human rights officer, criminal justice analyst, paralegal
• Business-CEO, management consultant, research analyst
• Politics-campaign manager, FBI/CIA, legislative aide, policy analyst
• Education-teacher, administrator, advisor, counselor
• Fundraising-advancement officer, development director, stewardship and donor relations manager
• Libraries-archivist, research librarian, outreach librarian, library director
• Communication and Media-journalist, producer, publicist, editor
• Marketing-marketing manager, social media manager, advertising manager, digital marketing manager
• Human Resources-recruiter, labor relations specialist, human resources director, employee relations manager
• Museums-Curator, Exhibitions and Collection Manager, Grant Writer, Programs Manager

Our alumni have also worked in technology, non-profit management, entertainment, publishing, and more! 

95.5% of history majors age 25-65 are employed in a professional field and students graduating from Illinois with a history degree report average mid-career earnings of $78,758. 

Read alumni stories

What skills do you gain from a degree in history?

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The skills you gain with a degree in history are highly transferrable across a range of industries and professions.

• Critical and analytical thinking
• Ability to learn quickly and solve problems
• Creative and engaged storytelling
• Experience conducting thorough research
• Aptitude for sorting and condensing information
• Clear, concise, and compelling communication
• An understanding of the connections between social, political, and economic events between local, national, and international communities
• An understanding of the intersections between race, gender, and class

Explore our undergraduate program

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A  bachelor's degree in history provides an excellent foundation for graduate school. Our graduates are well prepared to pursue advanced degrees in history, musuem studies, library science, business, education, public policy, journalism, law, and medicine.

The ability to analyze and sort information, conduct research, and think critically are crucial skills you will gain as a history major that will prepare you to succeed in graduate school. 

42% of surveyed 2023-2024 University of Illinois history graduates pursued further education after graduation.