Careers in History Information from SUNY Plattsburgh

Careers in History

Why Major in History?

History majors graduate with skills essential for success in a changing job market. These include advanced research skills in digital and traditional media, the ability to analyze and interpret different kinds of documents and artifacts, and the capacity to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing. Whether it is a document that redefines foreign diplomacy, a farmer's almanac, or a popular movie, historians know how to ask the right questions in order to put these items into relevant and interesting historical and contemporary contexts. And they know how to do this in a timely and efficient manner.

For more information, see the American Historical Association's "Careers for Students of History" at http://www.historians.org/pubs/careers/index.htm

You might also want to read the recent report rating History Graduates as the highest earners of students with degrees in the humanities: http://blog.historians.org/news/1340/new-report-finds-us-history-majors-highest-earners-in-humanities

Enter the Workforce with Skills in:

• Research
• Writing
• Expressing Your Ideas
• Assessing Cause and Effect
• Problem Solving

Go Straight to Work in:

• Public History
• Political Aide
• Freelance Writing
• Grant Writing
• Academic advising/admissions/registrar

Research for:

• Newspapers
• Television
• Politicians
• Business
• Lawyers

Great Preparation for Graduate Programs in:

• History
• Anthropology
• Museum Studies
• Education
• Law
• Archaeology
• Literature
• Political Science
• Library Science
• Area Studies

Questions, Comments, Suggestions?

For more information about the history program at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact

Wendy Gordon, Chair
Office: Champlain Valley Hall 220
Phone: (518) 564-2213
Fax: (518) 564-2212
Email: gordonwm@plattsburgh.edu