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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
  4. History
  5. History Handbook

Careers for History Majors

History students visiting a historical site

Lots of students who are interested in history ask, "So what can I do when I graduate?" The answer is "Whatever you think will be interesting and rewarding." In addition to teaching at all levels, graduates with history specialties can find employment in journalism, archives, government service, and private sector business, to just name a few areas. Undergraduate preparation in history provides the kind of broad education and ability to think that leads to success in many fields.

For further information on career opportunities, consult the American Historical Association guidebook to Careers for History Majors as well as the subject headings below. Work with your faculty adviser to select complementary coursework and internships that will prepare you to pursue any of these career options. In perusing the list below, ask yourself the questions "So which of these areas can I see myself working in?"

Non-Profit Sector

  • Archives
    • Archivist
    • Records Manager
  • Heritage and Cultural Agencies
  • Historical Associations & Societies
  • Historical Projects
  • Libraries
    • Reference librarian
    • Catalog librarian
    • Research librarian
    • Technical librarian
  • Museums
    • Curator
    • Conservator
    • Education specialist
    • Publication specialist
    • Public Relations specialist
  • Planning Agencies
  • Research Institutions
  • Religious & Philanthropic Organizations
  • Teaching
    • Primary and secondary schools
    • College/University and Adult Education

Private Sector

  • Banking and Investment Services
    • Research/Analyst
  • Communications Media
    • Documentary Film making
    • Web-based News Agencies
    • Television and Radio
  • Consulting & Free-lance Assignments
    • Archives/record management
    • Cultural resource management
    • Historical research/writing/editing
    • Legal and policy research
    • Preservation/restoration
  • Insurance
    • Research/analyst
  • Publishing
    • Editors (book, journals, magazine, web)
  • Law
  • Management (general)
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Public Relations
  • Travel & Tourism

Public Sector

  • Archives (federal, state, & municipal)
  • Departments of Education, Environmental Protection, etc.
  • Department of State - Foreign Service
  • Federal agency preservation offices
  • Government
    • Executive Branch
    • Legislative Branch
    • Judicial Branch
    • Federal
    • State
    • Local
    • Military Services
  • Historical Offices (general and military services)
  • Heritage/Cultural Agencies
  • Intelligence Services
  • National Park Services
  • Legislatures (administrative assistants & elected officials)
  • Libraries & Museums (federal, state & municipal)
  • Planning Agencies
  • State Historic Preservation Offices

History

  • Request Information about History
  • Degree Information
  • Suggested Academic Plan
  • Objectives and Outcomes
  • Courses in History
  • History Handbook
    • History Major Requirements
    • Study Abroad
    • Careers for History Majors
    • Internet Resources
    • Graduate Study
  • History Major Checksheet
  • Teaching Social Studies
  • Senior Theses and Internships
  • Highways to History: High School History Presentations
  • History Faculty and Staff
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Out-of-Class Learning

Explore out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including study abroad/study away programs, internships, undergraduate research, and community-based studies.

Find Out More

See Also

  • Division of Arts and Humanities
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Housing
    • Athletics
    • Career Services
    • The Help Tool
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
  • Stay Connected
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    • Penn State Altoona Connect
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