What can I do with a history degree?

Many majors ask themselves this question, and there are many possible answers. Afterall, history is a liberal arts discipline that teaches students to write well and to think critically -- skills that can be applied to professions far beyond the walls of academia.

Here are a few ways the History Department can help you explore your post-graduation career opportunities:

How have UAlbany history graduates used their degrees?
To see a list of what UAlbany history alumni have gone on to do with their degrees, visit the Alumni News page on the History Department website. You will see that our graduates have pursued a wide range of careers, from business and law to teaching and history consulting.

Career Advisory Network
The department sponsors a network of UAlbany history alumni who are willing to provide career mentoring to students interested in their fields of work. Please see the Alumni News page on the department website and look for those individuals with an "*" by their name -- you are encouraged to contact any of them to discuss their careers and obtain advice.

Internships in Public History -- Ever wonder what historians do outside the classroom? An internship in a museum, archive, or other local Albany historic site may be just the experience for you. You can earn 3 credits by enrolling in His 499, Special Projects in History, which will place you in a public history internship and give you hands-on experience in researching and presenting history. See Professor Ivan Steen for more information.

Teaching Social Studies on the Secondary Level
Many UAlbany history graduates have gone on to fulfilling careers in junior high and high school social studies teaching. Although UAlbany does not offer a bachelor's degree in social studies education, students interested in teaching can major in history and then pursue a master's degree in social studies education.

Information about the master's program at UAlbany is available on the website of the Educational Theory and Practice Department, School of Education. In addition to majoring in history, applicants are also expected to take additional social studies courses to prepare for this program. Download the list of required social studies courses here.

For more information, download our teaching information sheet. You are also encouraged to contact the Pathways into Education program at 442-3529 or 442-4828 or PIECenter@uamail.albany.edu. PIE is the university's central source of information about careers in education.

Teaching College History
Any member of the history faculty can talk with you about college teaching and the training required to become a professor.