History
History
Focuses on the general study and interpretation of the past, including the gathering, recording, synthesizing and criticizing of evidence and theories about past events. Covers historiography; historical research methods; studies of specific periods, issues and cultures; and applications to areas such as historic preservation, public policy, and records administration.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 9 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- History, General
- Focuses on the general study and interpretation of the past, including the gathering, recording, synthesizing and criticizing of evidence and theories about past events. Covers historiography; historical research methods; studies of specific periods, issues and cultures; and applications to areas such as historic preservation, public policy, and records administration.
- American History (United States)
- Focuses on the development of American society, culture, and institutions from the Pre-Columbian period to the present. Covers American historiography, American history sources and materials, historical research methods, and applications to the study of specific themes, issues, periods, and institutions.
- European History
- Focuses on the development of European society, culture, and institutions from the origins to the present. Covers European historiography, European history sources and materials, historical research methods, and applications to the study of specific themes, issues, periods, and institutions.
- History and Philosophy of Science and Technology
- Focuses on the historical evolution of scientific theories, science applications and technologies, and the scientific, medical, and technological disciplines, as well as the philosophy of science and its historical socio-economic context. Covers the concepts and methods of philosophical inquiry; historiography of science; history of science, medicine, and technology; and research methods in the history of the scientific and engineering disciplines, including mathematics.
- Public/Applied History
- Focuses on the application of history and administrative skills to the recording of public events and the management of related historical resources. Covers historical research methods, the planning and administration of public history projects, and applications to specific problems in public organizations, government agencies, foundations, and other facilities.
- Asian History
- Focuses on the development of the societies, cultures, and institutions of the Asian Continent from their origins to the present. Covers the historiography of specific cultures and periods; sources and materials; historical research methods; and applications to the study of specific themes, issues, periods, and institutions.
- Canadian History
- Focuses on the study of the society, culture, and institutions of Canada from its origins to the present. Covers Canadian historiography, sources and materials, historical research methods, and applications to the study of specific themes, issues, periods, and institutions.
- Military History
- Focuses on the study of the history of warfare and military institutions in their operational, politico-economic and socio-cultural contexts; including airpower history, naval history, and military history. Covers military organization, military operations, the history of technology, leadership and biography, military psychology and behavior, international relations and politics, economics, aspects of general and regional history, cultural history and anthropology, historiography, and applicable quantitative methods.
- History, Other
- History not listed above.
Also called Air Force History, Naval History, Military History (Armies)
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Managers, All Other
- Median pay
- $141,900
- Hiring change through 2035
- 4.9%
- Job openings a year
- 100,900
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career ShrinkingSecondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Median pay
- $72,040
- Hiring change through 2035
- −0.2%
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- 63,500
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Holding steadyHistory Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $83,820
- Hiring change through 2035
- 0.0%
- Job openings a year
- 1,500
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyHistorians
- Median pay
- $76,750
- Hiring change through 2035
- 3.0%
- Job openings a year
- 300
To get hiredMaster's degree
Explore this career GrowingNatural Sciences Managers
- Median pay
- $167,220
- Hiring change through 2035
- 8.2%
- Job openings a year
- 9,200
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyCurators
- Median pay
- $63,420
- Hiring change through 2035
- 4.9%
- Job openings a year
- 1,600
To get hiredMaster's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyMuseum Technicians and Conservators
- Median pay
- $51,440
- Hiring change through 2035
- 3.6%
- Job openings a year
- 1,600
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyArchivists
- Median pay
- $64,550
- Hiring change through 2035
- 3.4%
- Job openings a year
- 1,100
To get hiredMaster's degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it. The figures beside each career are the pay of that work, across everyone doing it. Graduates of this field earn $29,191 one year after completing the program, which is the start of a career rather than the shape of one.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
This field leads to a mix of in-person and computer-based work. About 35 of every 100 openings require working close to other people or spending time on your feet.
College options
Where to study it
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