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.

Sample Job Titles

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

Enhancing Employability

Some Employers of History Majors

*magazines/newspapers   
*state/federal government    
*colleges/universities
*research foundations   
*libraries                   
*communications media
*historical societies   
*business and industry      
*archives    
*antique dealers        
*public/private schools      
*travel/tourism

Other Sources of Information

American Association of Museums
www.aam-us.org

American Historical Association             
www.historians.org

American Society of Association Executives
www.asaenet.org

Association of Boarding Schools
www.schools.com

Cato Institute  (Think Tank)
www.cato.org

Federal Jobs (USAJOBS)
www.usajobs.opm.gov

Heritage Foundation (Think Tank)
www.heritage.org

Jobs in Nonprofit Organizations
www.opportunitynocs.org/

Museum Employment Resource Center
www.museum-employment.com

National Association of Independent Schools
www.nais.org

National Association of Social Workers
www.socialworkers.org

National Council on Public History
www.ncph.org/

Opportunities in Public Affairs (User Name: udel; Password: bluehens)
www.brubach.com/opawebversion3/opa.htm

Organization of American Historians
www.oah.org/

Society of American Archivists
www.archivists.org

The Riley Guide
www.rileyguide.com

Resources for Finding Employment

University of Delaware Career Resource Center Materials Available

• Job Hunter's SourceBook (CSD 376)
• Professional's Job Finder (CSD 377)
• 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For (CSD 412)
• Jobs and Careers With Nonprofit Organizations (CSD 413)
• Career Opportunities in the Nonprofit Sector (CSD 414)
• Careers for Bookworms and Other Literary Types (CSE 240)
• Careers in Fund Raising (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)
• 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)
• Liberal Arts Jobs (CSE 561)
• 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)
• Directory of Occupational Titles (GE 25 & GE 30)
• Game Plan for Getting Into Law School (GS 101)
• Best 117 Law Schools (GS 108)
• Graduate Programs in Business, Education, Health, Information Studies, Law & Social Work (GS 40)
• Internships in Law and Policy (EXR 1)
• The Congressional Internship Book (EXR 2)
• The History Internship Book (EXR 47)
• Directory of Internship Opportunities for the Liberal Arts Major (EXR 65)
• 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 RESOURCE CENTER located at 401 Academy Street.

Last updated: November 13, 2007 (CH)