Why Should I Major In History?
Majoring in history is a more practical choice than students may think. This discipline takes the long view and examines the causes, results and chronologies of events as well as analyzing human experience from multiple perspectives. The University of Pikeville history professors teach students how to analyze written, oral, visual and material evidence and stress the development of communication skills and critical thinking. These skills are adaptable to a variety of occupations and are in demand in today’s world. Companies are eager to hire people who can communicate effectively through the written and spoken word and who are experienced at analyzing large amounts of information. What is sought among prospective employees is the development of certain skills and abilities that can be developed not only through an academic major but through courses taken as part of one’s general education, and through internships, directed studies, tutorials, seminars, summer employment and volunteer experiences.
A history background provides an excellent foundation for those who seek careers in government, law, journalism, teaching and other occupations. The versatility of this the University of Pikeville major is evident in the wide variety of occupations graduates pursue. Some go into teaching at the college level. A large number of graduates become lawyers, one of the more traditional careers sought by history majors, since a good lawyer not only has to know the law but understand where it originated and how it was developed. Many history majors pursue careers in libraries and archives where they organize the records of the past and assist others in using them.
- Archivist
- Arts Conservator
- Author
- Consultant
- Editor
- Historian
- Library Director
- Legislator
- Lawyer
- Librarian
- Museum Director
- Paralegal
- Professor
- Public Analyst
- Public Relations Specialist
*Some of these careers require additional education or experience.
Gainful Employment Disclosure
The history and history/political science programs are offered through the Division of Social Science. These majors focus on the processes of institutional change within societies. Recognizing that human experience is continuous, history seeks to understand how people lived in the past and how their institutions shaped their world and our own. The major in history/political science further addresses these issues, with particular emphasis on the political process and its consequences.
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Stephen P. Budney
Nancy J. Cade