By preserving the past, society can learn from history's achievements and successes. Many professionals dedicate their lives to uncovering new information about past events and educating others on their findings.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the need for historians to increase by 2% between 2024-2034. Individuals in this occupation enjoy a median annual salary of $74,050. However, ahistory graduates can work in other professions with even higher job outlooks and comparable salaries. The BLS projects the need for archivists, curators, and museum workers to increase by 6% through 2034, and these professionals earn a median annual salary of $57,100.
To qualify for admittance to an online history degree, individuals must submit an application, fee, and official transcripts. More advanced degrees may require an essay or interview. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of earning a history degree online, additional requirements for this degree, and scholarships for history students.
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Questions to Help Deciding on Earning a History Degree
Graduates with a history degree pursue careers as museum archivists, historians, researchers, professors, and historical writers. Some of these positions require a master's degree or doctorate.
What Are the Goals of a History Degree?
A history degree prepares graduates to enter the workforce. Many historians work for the federal or local government. History graduates employed as archivists work in museums. Historical educators work at public and private schools, colleges, and universities.
Online history degrees usually list their program outcomes on their websites. Before enrolling, learners should ensure the results align with their career goals. For example, some history programs only focus on one country's history, such as U.S. history. Other programs take a different approach and focus on one aspect of history, such as government or art.
Why Get a History Degree?
Pursuing higher education requires several years, hard work, and money. However, it comes with benefits. Here, we discuss the five main perks of earning an online history degree.
Online Learning Offers Flexibility
Students who want to gain real-world experience through part-time jobs and internships benefit from online learning. An asynchronous online program allows students to watch prerecorded lectures and complete assignments during their free time.Job Satisfaction
Individuals with a passion for educating and preserving the past usually enjoy working as historians and researchers. Individuals who love their profession find pleasure in working hard toward promotions.Online Learning Makes a Degree More Affordable
Many schools offer reduced tuition for virtual learners. Online enrollees save money on campus maintenance fees and commuting costs.Variety of Career Paths
History degree graduates can apply for more than one type of job. Individuals also switch to a different, but similar, career with this degree.Promising Job Outlook
To learn about the projected job outlook for various history-related jobs, refer to the Career and Salary Outlook for History Majors section. Note that all the percentages listed in the chart indicate either average or faster than average job growth.
What Are the Requirements for a History Degree?
When applying to history programs, individuals should gather their official transcripts and current resume. Competitive history programs usually require a statement of purpose and recommendation letters from previous educators.
Once a student earns admittance to a program, they must maintain a certain GPA and complete courses and projects. Most programs require a portfolio review, thesis, or capstone project — due during the final semester.
Associate and master's degrees take full-time learners about two years to complete. Bachelor's and doctoral degrees in history usually require four years of full-time study. Most programs include courses focusing on specific periods and geographical locations.
Career and Salary Outlook for History Majors
History majors pursue many careers. This versatile degree covers several topics, producing graduates qualified to become teachers, professors, museum professionals, and historians. In this section, we discuss these careers and the primary job responsibilities for each. The table displays the median annual salaries and projected growth rates for these positions.
Archivist, Curator, and Museum Worker
These professionals oversee museums' historical collections. They select artifacts and artwork that tell a complete story together. Historic sites, colleges, and corporations also hire these professionals. Most archivists, curators, and museum workers need at least a master's degree to practice.High School Teacher
High school teachers instruct students in grades 9-12. These teachers prepare students to either enter the workforce or attend a trade school or college following graduation. High school teachers possess teaching certification for 1-2 topics, such as history, mathematics, or English.Historian
These professionals research historical events and analyze their findings. They share historical discoveries through writings and presentations. In 2024, about 3,400 historians maintained employment in the United States. During this same year, 22% of historians worked for the federal government.Postsecondary Teacher
Postsecondary teachers work at colleges and universities. Some postsecondary institutions require only a master's degree, but competitive positions require a doctorate. These professionals give lectures, assign readings, and grade essays to educate the next generation of professionals. Postsecondary teachers also advise students on reaching their career goals.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Archivist, Curator, and Museum Worker | $57,100 | 6% |
| High School Teacher | $64,580 | -2% |
| Historian | $74,050 | 2% |
| Postsecondary Teacher | $83,980 | 7% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
