History Degree: Salary, Careers, Requirements & Best Universities
History degree leads to careers in education, research, and archives. Median salary ~$60k. Requires BA/MA/PhD. Top universities include Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge.
Considering a history degree? It’s more flexible than most people think. Whether you’re drawn to research, teaching, or working in policy and business, this major builds skills that employers value. This guide covers career paths, salary expectations, entry requirements, and some of the best universities for history in the world.
What Can You Do With a History Degree?
History graduates work in many fields beyond academia. The degree teaches you to analyze evidence, communicate clearly, and understand change—skills useful in law, media, government, and business.
- Archivist or museum curator
- Academic historian or teacher
- Policy analyst or civil servant
- Journalist or content producer
- Corporate researcher or consultant
- Librarian (with further study)
- Lawyer (requires a law degree)
- Heritage manager or historic preservationist
For example, a graduate might start as a research assistant at a nonprofit, then move into policy work with a local government. Another could begin in a museum’s education department and later manage a historic site.
History majors also enter finance and consulting because they can quickly synthesize complex documents and spot patterns in trends.
“A history degree doesn’t train you for one specific job—it trains you to think, write, and argue. That flexibility is valuable in a volatile job market.”
History Degree Salary Expectations
Salary varies by sector, location, and experience. A history degree alone doesn’t determine pay—your role, industry, and further qualifications matter more.
The table below shows typical ranges for common career paths. These are rough figures, but they give a realistic idea of expectations.
| Career Path | Entry-Level Salary Range | Mid-Career Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching (high school) | $45,000 – $55,000 | $60,000 – $80,000 |
| Museum or gallery work | $35,000 – $45,000 | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Policy and government | $48,000 – $60,000 | $70,000 – $95,000 |
| Corporate research | $50,000 – $65,000 | $80,000 – $110,000 |
| Writing and journalism | $40,000 – $50,000 | $60,000 – $85,000 |
Further study, such as a master’s in public policy or international relations, can increase earning potential. So can internships and professional certifications.
Typical Requirements for a History Degree
Undergraduate programs usually ask for strong grades in humanities and social sciences. Some universities expect a language background or a written entrance essay.
- For a bachelor’s: strong grades in history, English, or social studies
- A personal statement or admissions essay
- Letters of recommendation (for some schools)
- English language proficiency for non-native speakers
- For master’s or PhD: a writing sample, CV, and interview
- Certain programs prefer a research proposal or thesis outline
Many top graduate programs require reading ability in one or two foreign languages, because historical research often depends on primary sources in their original language.
Best Universities for History Studies
These universities are widely recognized for strong history departments, rich archival collections, and active faculty research. Each offers different strengths, so look closely at their curriculum before applying.
- University of Oxford (UK) – strong in British, European, and global history; extensive library collections
- Harvard University (USA) – enormous research resources and a broad range of historical specialties
- University of Cambridge (UK) – research-intensive, particularly strong for postgraduate historians
- London School of Economics (UK) – focuses on economic, social, and political history
- Yale University (USA) – known for American, Atlantic, and European history
- Australian National University (Australia) – excellent for Asia-Pacific and Indigenous history
- University of Tokyo (Japan) – strong in East Asian history and archival research
- Humboldt University of Berlin (Germany) – modern European and German history with excellent public sources
Where you study doesn’t guarantee success, but a school with strong archives and engaged professors can provide more opportunities for original research.
“Where you study history matters less than how you use the skills you gain. Still, a university with strong archival resources and active faculty can open doors.”
How to Choose a History Program
Don’t pick a university just for its name. Look at what the department actually offers and whether it matches your interests.
- Check whether the curriculum includes thematic modules like gender, war, environment, or imperial history
- See if a dissertation or independent research project is required
- Consider study-abroad options and language training
- Look at the department’s staff-to-student ratio
- Review career support and alumni outcomes
If you want to work in government, a combined history and politics degree may be a better fit. If you’re interested in heritage, look for programs with internship placements in archives or museums.
Skills You Gain From a History Degree
History graduates leave with more than dates and facts. They learn how to find reliable information, weigh competing interpretations, and present a convincing argument.
- Critical thinking and source assessment
- Persuasive writing and oral communication
- Research design and project management
- Cross-cultural awareness and context
- Problem solving under uncertainty
- Independent work and time management
These skills transfer easily to careers in law, journalism, diplomacy, market research, and community advocacy. That’s why many employers see a history degree as strong preparation for leadership.
Conclusion
A history degree does not lock you into a narrow career path. It offers a broad base for many fields, and the best choice depends on your interests and goals. Research programs carefully, think about the work you enjoy, and take advantage of internships early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a history degree called?
Most commonly it’s called a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History, or a Bachelor of Science (BS) if it includes more quantitative methods. At the graduate level, you’ll find Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) options. Some universities also offer a Bachelor of Social Science with a history major.
Is a history degree worth it?
Yes, if you use the degree intentionally. History alone doesn’t guarantee a specific job, but the skills you build are valuable in education, government, law, and business. Pair your degree with internships, language study, or a related minor to improve your employment options.
Can you get a history degree online?
Many accredited universities offer fully online or hybrid history programs. These work well for students who need flexibility, but check whether the program includes access to digital archives and supervision for a research project. Some online programs also offer regional or on-campus networking events.
What do history graduates do?
History graduates work as teachers, archivists, curators, policy analysts, researchers, journalists, and consultants. Others go into law, library science, business, or public administration. The common thread is that they use research, writing, and analytical thinking every day.
Is history a hard major?
History is not hard in the way maths or physics can be, but it requires heavy reading, critical thinking, and sustained writing. Success depends on your ability to manage time and build arguments from evidence. It can be demanding, but it’s also deeply fulfilling.
What are the requirements for a history degree?
Undergraduate requirements include a high school diploma with strong grades in humanities subjects, a personal essay, and often an academic reference. Graduate degrees require a bachelor’s degree (not necessarily in history), a writing sample, and sometimes a language requirement. Some universities also ask for an entrance exam.
Do I need a second language for a history degree?
For an undergraduate history degree, a modern foreign language is often recommended but not always required. For postgraduate research, most universities expect reading fluency in at least one second language. The exact language depends on your research area—for example, Latin for medieval Europe, or Spanish for Latin American history.
How much can you earn with a history degree?
Entry-level salaries typically range from about $35,000 to $60,000, depending on the sector. Mid-career salaries in government, corporate research, or senior teaching positions can reach $80,000 to $110,000 or more. Advanced degrees and specialized skills usually push salaries higher.
Are there scholarships for history students?
Yes. Universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, and many departments have dedicated awards for history majors. External organizations, such as historical associations and heritage foundations, also fund undergraduate and graduate research. Check with your chosen school’s financial aid office for the full list.
What master’s degrees pair well with a history degree?
Popular options include Master’s in Public Policy, Museum Studies, Library Science, International Relations, Law, Education, and Digital Humanities. A master’s can specialise your historical skills for a particular career. For example, a history degree plus a master’s in public policy prepares you for research roles in government agencies.