4 answers
Dennis
Student
Frederick, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
981 views
What educational requirements are there to work as a historian?
Do I need a collage degree or a bachelor degree and what classes do I need to take in high school and college.
Login to comment
4 answers
Cam H
Consultant
9
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Cam’s Answer
To become a historian, people typically earn an undergraduate college degree and a master's degree. Many historians also earn a Ph. D. in a particular branch of history.
TLAUREN TLAUREN
CA
120
Answers
San Gabriel, California
Updated
TLAUREN’s Answer
Most historians need a master's or doctoral degree.D. to begin working in the field.A master's degree in history or public history is common among historians.Others earn degrees in related fields like archival management, museum studies, or historical preservation.
Laura Chandler
CX Manager
4
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hi Dennis! I majored in History in college and graduated with a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) in History. You would need at the very least a M.A. (Master's Degree) to be a historian, though it's recommended to pursue a PhD (a Doctorate).
For classes, I'd recommend continuing to take History classes for all 4 years in high school. I also recommend taking some Humanities classes as electives, such as Literature, Philosophy and Religion, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, and a foreign language course.
When you're in college, I'd recommend similar courses but with a more laser-focus. Your first two years will most likely be General Ed classes with some courses for your major and minor peppered in. You only really get deep into your major starting in your Junior (3rd year) of schooling. Choose a time period of history you enjoy. You can also select perspectives/lenses of History. See what History was like through the eyes of Women, Indigenous folks, Black Americans, etc.
Don't forget the extracurriculars! You can volunteer to work at your school library (both in high school and college.) Some local history museums also offer docent programs, where you volunteer as a tour guide in the museum. Look for local historical societies and join them to start networking and meeting with real-life historians.
Good luck!
For classes, I'd recommend continuing to take History classes for all 4 years in high school. I also recommend taking some Humanities classes as electives, such as Literature, Philosophy and Religion, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, and a foreign language course.
When you're in college, I'd recommend similar courses but with a more laser-focus. Your first two years will most likely be General Ed classes with some courses for your major and minor peppered in. You only really get deep into your major starting in your Junior (3rd year) of schooling. Choose a time period of history you enjoy. You can also select perspectives/lenses of History. See what History was like through the eyes of Women, Indigenous folks, Black Americans, etc.
Don't forget the extracurriculars! You can volunteer to work at your school library (both in high school and college.) Some local history museums also offer docent programs, where you volunteer as a tour guide in the museum. Look for local historical societies and join them to start networking and meeting with real-life historians.
Good luck!
TLAUREN TLAUREN
CA
120
Answers
San Gabriel, California
Updated
TLAUREN’s Answer
Best Agricultural Teacher Education Colleges & Universities
University of Georgia
Purdue University-Main Campus
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Cornell University
University of Florida
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Georgia
Purdue University-Main Campus
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Cornell University
University of Florida
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign