Best Schools for Historians in 2024

Essential Education to Become a Historian

Embarking on a career as a historian requires not only a passion for history but also formal education to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. Here's what you need to know about the educational path to becoming a historian.

Understand the Degree Requirements

To work as a historian, specific educational credentials are typically required:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor's degree in history or a related field is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions in history-related fields. This degree provides a broad understanding of world history, research methods, and historical theory.
• Master’s Degree: For more advanced positions, including most teaching roles at the college level and many research positions, a master’s degree in history or a related field is often necessary. This degree allows for specialization in a particular area of history.
• Ph.D.: To engage in high-level research or to secure a position as a university professor, a Ph.D. in history is usually required. Earning a Ph.D. involves several years of study beyond the master’s degree, including original research and the completion of a dissertation.

Specialize in a Historical Field

Specialization is key to standing out and advancing in the field of history. Consider focusing on one of the following areas:

• Cultural History: Examines the cultural practices, ideas, and norms of people in the past.
• Economic History: Focuses on economies or economic phenomena of the past.
• Political History: Studies the politics, political leaders, and political theories of times gone by.
• Social History: Looks at the ways in which societies change over time, considering factors like class, race, and gender.
• Public History: Involves working with historical sites, museums, or archives, making history accessible to the public.

Gain Practical Experience

While pursuing your degrees, it’s essential to gain practical experience:

• Internships: Look for internships at museums, archives, historical societies, or government agencies. These opportunities provide hands-on experience and networking possibilities.
• Research Projects: Engage in research projects offered by your university or as part of your coursework. This will help develop your research skills and could lead to publications.
• Teaching Assistantships: If you're working toward an advanced degree, seek out teaching assistant positions. They offer valuable experience in teaching and presenting historical material.

Develop Essential Skills

In addition to formal education, developing certain skills is crucial for historians:

• Analytical Skills: The ability to analyze documents and sources to extract meaningful insights is fundamental.
• Research Skills: Historians must be adept at conducting thorough research using various sources.
• Writing Skills: Strong writing skills are necessary for crafting clear, compelling narratives based on historical findings.
• Critical Thinking: The ability to think critically about sources and interpretations is vital for developing new understandings of the past.

By following these educational and experiential paths, you'll build a strong foundation for a career as a historian. Remember, the journey to becoming a historian is both challenging and rewarding, requiring dedication to learning and a deep curiosity about the past.

Historian Education Resources

If you're aiming to forge a path in the world of history, having the right resources at your disposal is crucial. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your expertise, a wealth of information and support networks await. Here’s a curated list of professional associations, industry publications, and other essential resources to guide your educational and career journey in history.

Professional Associations

Joining a professional association can provide invaluable networking opportunities, access to the latest research, and resources for both students and working historians. Consider these organizations:

• American Historical Association (AHA)
  • As one of the primary organizations for historians in the United States, AHA offers resources for professional development, academic journals, and annual conferences.
• Organization of American Historians (OAH)
  • Focused on American history, OAH provides a platform for historians to collaborate and share their work through publications and meetings.
• World History Association (WHA)
  • For those with a global perspective, WHA offers resources and forums to explore world history from ancient times to contemporary issues.
• National Council for Public History (NCPH)
  • If you're interested in applying history outside academia, NCPH focuses on public history practices and provides job listings, conferences, and workshops.

Industry Publications

Staying updated with the latest research and discussions in the field is easier with access to top industry publications:

• The American Historical Review
  • Published by the AHA, this journal offers articles on all aspects of American and global history.
• Journal of American History
  • Provided by the OAH, it's known for comprehensive reviews and historical analyses focusing on American history.
• Public Historian
  • NCPH's journal covers the broad field of public history, including museum studies, historical preservation, and archival science.
• World History Bulletin
  • A publication of the WHA that explores thematic and teaching aspects of world history.

Online Resources and Libraries

The internet is a treasure trove for historians. Here are some top picks for online archives and libraries:

• Library of Congress
  • An invaluable resource for accessing primary documents, photographs, and digital collections.
• JSTOR
  • Provides access to thousands of academic journals, books, and primary sources across multiple disciplines including history.
• Project MUSE
  • Offers high-quality humanities and social sciences content from leading university presses and scholarly societies.

Career.Guide

Lastly, don't overlook Career.Guide as your go-to resource for career advice specific to historians. With up-to-date information on educational pathways, job outlooks, interview tips, and more, Career.Guide equips you with the tools needed to navigate your career in history successfully.

By tapping into these resources, you'll be well-equipped to pursue your passion for history with confidence and skill.

Historian Education FAQs

What degrees do you need to become a historian?

Becoming a historian typically requires advanced education. Here’s a breakdown of the educational path:

• Bachelor’s Degree: This is your first step into the field. A degree in history or a related field is essential. It provides foundational knowledge and skills.
• Master’s Degree: Most historians have at least a master's degree in history or public history. This level allows for more specialized study and research skills development.
• Ph.D.: For those looking to conduct high-level research or teach at the university level, a Ph.D. in history is often required.

Are there specific subjects I should focus on?

Yes, focusing on specific subjects can enhance your expertise as a historian:

• World History: Offers a broad understanding of global historical events.
• U.S. History: Essential for those focusing on American historical events or themes.
• European History: Useful for specialization in European events, cultures, and influences.
• Specialized Areas: Consider areas like ancient history, military history, or cultural history based on your interests.

What skills are essential for historians?

Historians need a mix of hard and soft skills to succeed:

• Research Skills: Ability to conduct thorough and effective research.
• Analytical Skills: The capability to analyze historical data and texts critically.
• Writing and Editing Skills: Strong writing skills are crucial for publishing research findings.
• Communication Skills: Essential for presenting findings and teaching.
• Attention to Detail: Important for accuracy in historical research and documentation.

What certifications or additional training might be beneficial?

While not always required, certain certifications and training can bolster a historian's credentials:

• Archival Management: Useful for historians working with archives and historical documents.
• Historical Preservation: Certifications in preservation can be beneficial for those involved in conserving sites and artifacts.
• Digital Humanities: Training in digital tools can enhance research and presentation methods.

How can you gain experience while studying?

Gaining practical experience is crucial. Here are some ways to build your resume:

• Internships: Look for opportunities at museums, historical societies, or archives.
• Volunteer Work: Volunteer at local historical sites or community history projects.
• Research Projects: Participate in or initiate research projects during your studies.
• Student Organizations: Join history clubs or societies at your institution.

Remember, becoming a historian is a journey that involves continuous learning and passion for the past. Your educational path should align with your interests within the field and your career goals.