Don’t you know what to major in to see what gates of opportunities may open for you?
Ever wondered what doors a Master’s degree in History could open for you?
How can a Master’s in History shape your career prospects?
What are the academic opportunities available to History graduates?
In what ways can a Master’s in History contribute to society?
Are there any unexpected career paths for History enthusiasts?
If you’re looking for the answers to the questions, we’ve got you covered with our detailed blog guide on “What Can You Do With A Masters In History?”
Related: What can you do with a Masters in education?
Table of Contents
What Is a Master’s in History?
A Master’s in History is a graduate-level academic degree program that focuses on the advanced study and research of historical events, societies, cultures, and civilizations. It typically involves in-depth coursework, research projects, and sometimes a thesis or capstone project.
Students pursuing a Master’s in History get into various historical periods, regions, and themes, developing critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. They explore primary and secondary sources, engage with historiographical debates, and learn to construct evidence-based arguments.
The curriculum of a Master’s in History program often includes courses covering specific time periods, geographic regions, or thematic topics, such as political history, social history, cultural history, economic history, or intellectual history.
Students may also have the opportunity to specialize in areas of interest through elective courses or independent research projects.
Overall, a Master’s in History provides students with a deep understanding of the complexities of the past, preparing them for careers in education, research, public history, archival work, government, publishing, and various other fields where historical knowledge and critical thinking skills are valued.
What Can You Do With A Masters In History?
A Master’s degree in History can open up various career paths across several sectors:
1. Education
Many History graduates pursue careers in academia as professors or lecturers. With a Master’s degree, you can teach at the high school level or even as adjunct faculty at colleges and universities.
2. Archives and Museums
Work in archives, libraries, museums, or cultural heritage organizations as archivists, curators, or museum educators. You could be involved in preserving, organizing, and presenting historical artifacts and documents to the public.
3. Research
Conduct historical research for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. Research historians often analyze historical data, write reports, and contribute to the understanding of historical events.
4. Historical Consulting
Offer your expertise as a historical consultant for various projects, including film and television productions, historical reenactments, or heritage tourism initiatives.
5. Publishing
Work in publishing houses as editors, researchers, or writers focusing on historical books, journals, or educational materials.
6. Government and Policy
Historians can work for government agencies or think tanks, providing historical context and analysis to inform policy decisions or public programs.
7. Heritage Preservation
Engage in historic preservation efforts, working for government agencies, non-profits, or private firms involved in preserving historic buildings, sites, and landscapes.
8. Public History
Engage with the public through exhibitions, walking tours, oral history projects, and other forms of public engagement aimed at making history accessible and engaging to a broader audience.
9. Digital Humanities
Utilize digital tools and technologies to study and present history, including digital archives, mapping projects, and interactive exhibits.
10. Law and Advocacy
Some historians pursue careers in law, utilizing their research and analytical skills in areas such as historic preservation law, cultural heritage law, or advocating for historical causes.
Is History A Hard Major?
History majors need to read a lot, analyze information, and write essays.
If you enjoy reading about past events, thinking critically about different perspectives, and expressing your ideas in writing, you might find history engaging rather than difficult.
However, if you struggle with reading large amounts of text, remembering details, or writing clearly, you might find it challenging.
Overall, like any major, it has its tough parts, but if you have a passion for the subject, it can be very rewarding.
What Are The Highest Paying History Jobs?
There are a couple of jobs that pay a lot after doing Masters in History, and here are a few of them:
- Historian
- Archivist
- Museum Curator
- History Professor
- Political Analyst
- Historical Consultant
- Lawyer (with a history background)
Admission Requirements for a History Master’s Program
Admission requirements for a Master’s program in History can vary depending on the specific institution and program.
However, typical requirements may include:
Bachelor’s Degree
Applicants are usually required to have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While a degree in History or a related field is often preferred, some programs may accept applicants with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines.
GPA
Most programs have a minimum undergraduate GPA requirement, typically ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Some highly competitive programs may have higher GPA expectations.
Transcripts
Applicants are typically required to submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. These transcripts provide evidence of academic performance and coursework completed.
Letters of Recommendation
Programs often require letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or other individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic abilities, work ethic, and potential for success in graduate studies.
Statement of Purpose
Applicants are usually required to submit a statement of purpose or personal statement explaining their academic interests, career goals, and reasons for pursuing a Master’s degree in History.
This document allows applicants to demonstrate their passion for the field and articulate how the program aligns with their aspirations.
GRE Scores
While not always required, some programs may request Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores as part of the application process. However, an increasing number of programs are waiving this requirement or placing less emphasis on standardized test scores.
Language Proficiency
Proficiency in relevant languages may be required for international applicants or programs that strongly focus on a particular language or region.
This proficiency is often demonstrated through standardized language tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS for English proficiency or language-specific exams.
Over To You
A Master’s in History isn’t just about memorizing dates and events; it’s about understanding the complexities of human experience and applying that knowledge in various fields.
Whether you aspire to become a historian, educator, archivist, or pursue a career in law, journalism, or public service, the skills and insights gained from studying history can be invaluable.
By the way, have you got any ideas on how to stay motivated during your university days?
