Should I Major in History? Exploring the Pros and Cons

If you love delving into the past and understanding how we got to where we are today, majoring in history may be appealing. However, deciding whether this humanities degree is the right move hinges on several key factors. Weighing the potential pros and cons can help determine if history is a good investment as a college major.

The Allure of History

What draws certain students to history as an academic path? Common motivations include

• A genuine passion and curiosity for learning about the past. History majors often have a natural enthusiasm for eras like Ancient Rome or WWII.

• A desire to gain critical thinking skills by analyzing historical events, movements and evidence. History emphasizes assessing diverse sources to ascertain what really happened.

• An interest in researching and writing, History students spend lots of time crafting research papers and developing arguments from historical sources,

• The influence of a favorite history teacher. Positive early experiences with history classes and professors can stoke interest in college history majors.

• Family influences. For some students, parents or grandparents who share historical interests help shape the decision to pursue history.

If you identify with one or more of these motivations, history may be a gratifying college major choice.

Potential Pros of a History Degree

What are the possible upsides of majoring in history? Here are some top advantages:

• You get to immerse yourself in fascinating stories of the past that shed light on our world today. Few majors offer the sheer enjoyment of learning history.

• It provides an excellent foundation in research, writing, and analytical skills that are transferable across many fields. Historical study develops critical thinking.

• History students gain important cultural literacy about civilizations, trends and events that shape human societies. This contextual knowledge is invaluable.

• A history degree demonstrates competencies like research, writing and analysis that appeal to employers and graduate programs even outside the field.

• If you hope to work in history-related occupations like museums, teaching, think tanks or archiving, a history degree is directly applicable.

• History majors have higher than average scores on graduate school admissions tests like the GRE, LSAT and GMAT according to ETS data.

If these rewards resonate with you, history offers profound academic and lifelong benefits.

Potential Cons of a History Degree

Of course, there are also some potential drawbacks to weigh if considering a history major:

• The jobs path after graduation is not as clearly defined as with vocational or pre-professional degrees. Flexibility and initiative is required to maximize career options.

• Strong writing and research skills are essential to succeed in the major. Students who find these activities challenging may become frustrated.

• There are limited opportunities for “hands on” applied learning through labs, clinicals, etc. History is primarily book- and writing-focused.

• Students hoping to work directly in history may need to pursue graduate study to access those occupations, with the exceptions of fields like education and museums.

• History curriculums tend to focus on Western history traditions. Students looking for more diverse or contemporary focuses may wish to double major or minor.

• Limited availability of numeric data and statistical analysis opportunities. Students who want more quantitative learning may not be satisfied.

• The job market for academic historians in colleges and research centers is extremely competitive and often requires a PhD.

Being realistic about these considerations will help determine if history is the right choice.

Key Questions to Ask About a History Major

Students exploring a history major should reflect on questions like:

• Do I have a natural interest in learning about the past, or am I just good at memorizing dates? A true passion for history is enormously helpful.

• Do I enjoy acquiring and synthesizing information from books and articles? Reading-intensive research is central to historical study.

• Am I prepared to write extensively, from research papers to essay exam questions? Strong writing skills are vital.

• Do I plan to pursue postgraduate study, or am I hoping to enter the job market after the bachelor’s degree? Graduate school expands options.

• What specific career possibilities most interest me related to history? Teaching, museums, think tanks, law? Defining goals helps focus.

• Would I benefit from pairing history with another major or minor to diversify my academic portfolio? A double major in business, for example, could be advantageous.

Clarifying personal motivations, aptitudes and goals through such reflection provides better perspective on whether history is the right choice.

Popular Career Paths for History Majors

While history can prepare students for a wide variety of careers, common professional directions include:

• Education – Teaching middle school and high school history. Often requires obtaining a teaching credential.

• Law – History provides advantageous analytical and writing skills. Further law school study is necessary.

• Public History – Working in museums, archives, historical societies and heritage tourism.

• Think Tanks/Policy Research – Conducting research and analysis on public policy issues.

• Journalism – Reporting on trends and events informed by historical insight.

• Government/Politics – Leveraging knowledge of historical context in areas like foreign affairs and domestic policy.

• Businesses – Research, writing and analytical abilities valued in roles like content marketing.

• Nonprofit/Nongovernmental Organizations – Mission-driven groups needing cultural awareness, research and communications competencies.

• Graduate Study – Pursuing advanced history degrees or degrees in complementary fields like law, education and political science.

This range of options allows students to follow their specific passions and career orientation.

Tips for Maximizing a History Degree

To capitalize on the value of a history major, experts recommend strategies like:

• Maintaining a high GPA – Critical for accessing competitive graduate programs and desirable jobs.

• Securing internships – Gain real experience at museums, political offices, nonprofits, etc.

• Developing communications skills – Build ability to present historical insights to broad audiences.

• Learning key technologies – Master tools for research, digital humanities, mapping, etc.

• Joining honors societies – Differentiate yourself for postgraduate opportunities.

• Making professional connections – Attend conferences and connect with working historians in fields of interest.

• Considering complementary minors or double majors – Add expertise in communications, business, political science, etc.

• Defining a career focus area – Decide early if aiming for education, public policy, historical organizations, etc.

Laying this groundwork enables history majors to maximize the versatile value of their degree.

Is History the Right Major for You?

At the end of the day, deciding if a history degree is a good investment comes down to honest self-reflection on your academic passions, career ambitions and strengths as a learner. For those who feel genuinely excited by historical inquiry and aptly equipped for reading- and writing-intensive study, history can be a profoundly enriching choice offering lifetime rewards. By weighing all considerations covered here, you can determine whether majoring in history aligns with your goals and learning style. Trust your instincts, and choose the academic path that fits you best!