History

The study of history develops two skills; first, the ability to understand complex changes in society, the economy, and the government; and second, the ability to organize and express the results in written form. What are the origins of racism? How effective are government policies? How have sexual roles changed over the years and why? How did nations or civilizations interact with each other over the centuries? The practical reason for studying history is to recognize and analyze the complexity of changing forces that have created our world today. History tells a story that helps us to understand major human events and accomplishments such as the rise and fall of civilizations, the roots of cultural differences and the evolution of science and technology.

These skills are useful in many positions in public administration, business, law, journalism and museum work. Those pursuing such careers are encouraged to supplement their liberal arts studies with technical courses in areas such as journalism, government, material culture, museum studies, or business. Advanced undergraduates may intern in a government agency, historical society, or business where they apply their research and writing skills in a practical project. History also prepares students for secondary school social studies teaching, library science, historical presentation, archival management and museum studies. The University is particularly strong in the preparation of social studies teachers and in museum studies.

Interested students should contact the department chair, Dr. John Hurt, 236 John Munroe Hall, or call 831-2371.

"Careers for Students of History" created by History Department.

Sample Job Titles

Check the Dictionary of Occupational Titles under section 052 for additional related careers.

Enhancing Employability

- Participate in Internships, Field Experience Placements and Alumni Mentor Network.

- Sample UD Field Experiences: Mayor's Office, City of Wilmington; Department of Justice, Criminal Division; National Archives; Delaware State Legislature; Hagley Museum; Historical Society of Delaware; WHYY Radio; National Constitution Center

-In recent years, UD History majors have completed internships at, among other locations, the Delaware State Legislature, Fort Delaware, the Hagley Museum and Library, the Historical Society of Delaware, W.R. Gore & Associates, Newlin Grist Mill, the Lewes (Delaware) Historical Society, the “Lost Towns” Pro-ject in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, WHYY radio in Philadelphia, the National Constitution Center, and the Henry Hudson replica ship “Half Moon” in New York.

Some Employers of History Majors

*magazines/newspapers   
*state/federal government    
*colleges/universities
*research foundations
*philanthropic organizations
*textbook publishing companies   
*libraries                   
*communications media
*historical societies/agencies/sites  
*business and industry      
*archives    
*antique dealers        
*public/private schools      
*travel/tourism

Other Sources of Information

American Historical Association             
www.historians.org 

and Careers for History Majors
www.historians.org/pubs/Free/careers/

American Association of Museums
www.aam-us.org

American Society of Association Executives

www.asaenet.org

Association of Boarding Schools
www.boardingschools.com

Cato Institute  (Think Tank)
www.cato.org

Center for History and New Media, George Mason University
chnm.gmu.edu

Federal Jobs (USAJOBS)
www.usajobs.gov

Heritage Foundation (Think Tank)
www.heritage.org

Jobs in Nonprofit Organizations
www.opportunitynocs.org/

Legislative Fellows Program
www.ipa.udel.edu/legfellows

Museum Employment Resource Center
www.museum-employment.com

National Archives and Records Administration
www.archives.gov

National Association of Independent Schools
www.nais.org

National Association of Social Workers
www.socialworkers.org

National Council on Public History
www.ncph.org

National Constitution Center, Philadelphia: 
www.constitutioncenter.org

National Park Service
www.nps.gov

National Trust for Historic Preservation
www.nationaltrust.org

Opportunities in Public Affairs
www.opajobs.com

Organization of American Historians
www.oah.org

Preservation Action
www.preservationaction.org

Society for History in the Federal Government
www.shfg.org

Society of American Archivists
www.archivists.org

Smithsonian Institution
www.si.edu

Student Conservation Association 
www.thesca.org

The Riley Guide
www.rileyguide.com   

Resources for Finding Employment

Found at the Career Services Center's Career Library (first floor):

• Blue Hen Careers -- Internships, Part-time, Summer, and Full-time Jobs -- All in one place
• Careers for Bookworms and Other Literary Types (CSE 240)
• The Complete Guide to Fundraising Management (CSE 249)
• Opportunities in Fund-Raising Careers (CSE 250)
• So You Want to Be a Professor? (CSE 270)
• Opportunities in Travel Careers (CSE 400)
• Careers in Focus - Travel & Hospitality (CSE 401)
• Inside Secrets to Finding a Career in Travel (CSE 402)
• The Everything Guide to Being a Paralegal (CSE 427)
• Opportunities in Paralegal Careers (CSE 428)
• Paralegal Success (CSE 429)
• Great Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors (CSE 556)
• Top Careers for Liberal Arts Graduates (CSE 559)
• Opportunities in Social Science Careers (CSE 572)
• Careers for History Buffs & Others Who Learn From the Past (CSE 573)
• Great Jobs for History Majors (CSE 574)
• Top Careers for History Graduates (CSE 575)
• Opportunities in Museum Careers (CSE 577)
• Careers for Extroverts & Other Gregarious Types (CSE 590)
• Careers for Born Leaders & Other Decisive Types (CSE 591)
• Careers for Introverts and Other Solitary Types (CSE 594)
• 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For (CSE 650)
• Career Opportunities in the Nonprofit Sector (CSE 654)
• Directory of Occupational Titles (GE 25 & GE 30)
• Get Into Law School (GS 101)
• Best 117 Law Schools (GS 108)
• Graduate Programs in Business, Education, Health, Information Studies, Law & Social Work (GS 40)
• Washington Internships in Law and Policy (EXR 1)
• The Congressional Internship Book (EXR 2)
• The History Internship Book (EXR 47)
• www.udel.edu/CSC/netresources.html CSC's Internet Resources

Further information including: Skills to Develop, Strategies for Contacting Employers, Grad School Information and where to get assistance is available in the CAREER LIBRARY located at 401 Academy Street.

Last updated: December 15, 2011 (CH)