Historian

As a Historian, your main role is to research, analyze, interpret, and present the past by studying a variety of sources. You will spend much of your time examining documents, records, and artifacts to gather accurate information about historical events, cultures, and civilizations. Your ultimate goal will be to provide a comprehensive understanding of historical contexts, which can then be used to inform current and future inquiries.

In this role, you will need to be meticulous and detail-oriented. You'll organize and evaluate evidence from primary and secondary sources, including books, newspapers, government records, photographs, and oral histories. From there, you'll compile your findings into written reports, articles, or books that effectively communicate your insights. Your work may also involve sharing your knowledge through lectures, presentations, or teaching at educational institutions, helping students or the public to appreciate and understand history's significance.

Collaboration is often key in this field. You may find yourself working closely with other historians, researchers, archivists, and librarians to build comprehensive collections or develop educational programs. Your expertise might also be requested by museums, historical societies, or cultural organizations aiming to preserve heritage and foster greater public engagement with history.

Your responsibilities won't stop at passive research. Critical analysis and interpretation are essential elements of the job, requiring you to not only gather data but also offer meaningful perspectives based on your findings. This will often demand a thoughtful and empathetic approach, encouraging you to consider various viewpoints and the broader impact of historical events on communities and societies.

In this fulfilling career, your dedication to uncovering and sharing history will make a real difference. Your contributions can educate, inspire, and inform, empowering others to learn from the past and apply that knowledge to make better decisions for the future.

If you're considering a career as a historian, understanding the education requirements is important. Most historians begin by earning a bachelor's degree in history or a closely related field. This foundational education provides you with the critical thinking skills and historical knowledge necessary to start your journey. In a bachelor’s program, you'll study a wide range of periods and geographical areas, learning how to analyze historical sources and develop clear, evidence-based arguments.

A master's degree is often the next step for those aspiring to more specialized or advanced roles in history. A master's program offers the opportunity to focus on a specific area of history that interests you the most, such as medieval history, modern American history, or military history. This advanced degree also traditionally involves more rigorous research projects and might even require a thesis, preparing you for roles in research, teaching, or archival management.

If you aspire to teach at the college level or take on a significant research role, a Ph.D. in history may be necessary. Doctoral programs are intensive and typically require several years of study and research. During this time, you'll work closely with faculty advisors to develop a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field of history. This level of education demonstrates a high level of expertise and commitment, opening doors to academia and advanced research positions.

Throughout your educational journey, it's also beneficial to gain practical experience through internships or volunteer opportunities at museums, historical societies, or archives. This hands-on experience not only enriches your understanding of historical work but also builds a network of professional connections that can be invaluable as you progress in your career.

As a prospective historian, you’ll be pleased to know that the job outlook for historians is stable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of historians is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This steady growth means opportunities for employment will continue, driven by the need to collect, preserve, and interpret historical information.

When considering the salary, historians can expect a median annual wage of $63,940 as of May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,900, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $116,820. Your exact salary can vary based on factors such as your level of education, specific industry, and geographic location. Typically, those working in federal executive branches, museums, and consulting services tend to earn on the higher end of the spectrum. For more detailed information, you can visit the latest BLS report on historians here.

Working as a historian in a faith-based educational environment can be particularly rewarding, providing a unique opportunity to integrate your passion for history with your spiritual values. This setting often emphasizes critical thinking, ethical analysis, and a deeper understanding of historical contexts from a faith perspective, enriching both your professional and personal growth.

Pursuing a career as a historian allows you to uncover stories from the past, help preserve significant cultural artifacts, and contribute to a deeper understanding of our collective history. With this combination of stable job growth and competitive salaries, along with the ability to work in various enriching environments, a career in history offers both professional and personal fulfillment.