Expand mobile version menu
  Skip to main content

Historian

salary graphic

AVG. SALARY

$58,340

education graphic

EDUCATION

Master's degree

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics cluster Science and Mathematics pathway.

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Master's degree

Historians typically need at least a master’s degree to enter the occupation. Those with a bachelor’s degree in history may qualify for some entry-level positions, but most will find jobs in different fields.

Insider Info

Additional Information

While a bachelor's degree can help you get some history-related work, you'll probably need a master's degree or a doctorate (PhD) to work in history professionally.

Most historians are professors at universities. This normally requires a PhD. Those with only a bachelor's or master's degree in history might find employment with a museum or as a high school history teacher.

Most major universities offer degrees in history.

It can help to choose a focus early in your educational career. Decide what kind of history most interests you, but you don't have to be too specific.

"We tend to tell people who are applying to our PhD program that we'd like them to have a pretty good idea of what they want to do... but they can change their mind later," says Elizabeth Dale, a professor of legal history.

"[If you're] a person getting a BA or master's degree, you might know what country you want to focus on or the time period, but you may not know beyond that."

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

Support


Powered by XAP

OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.