Careers in History
Build skills that open doors
A degree in history from the University at Buffalo prepares you for far more than one job title. You will learn how to analyze complex information, evaluate evidence, write clearly and speak with confidence. Those skills are in demand across industries and give you flexibility as your goals evolve.
History students develop skills through discussion-based seminars, research projects and close work with primary sources. In class, you practice the habits of mind that employers and graduate programs look for.
You will learn how to:
- Analyze large amounts of information and identify what matters
- Read closely and interpret complex texts
- Build strong evidence-based arguments
- Write clearly for different audiences
- Present ideas in discussions and formal presentations
- Understand change over time and across cultures
Our graduates have gone on to make a difference in classrooms, courtrooms, museums, government offices, newsrooms, nonprofits and businesses. Here’s a sample of where a degree in history can take you:
History builds strong analytical and writing skills, making it excellent preparation for careers that require clear thinking and persuasive communication. Graduates often pursue:
- Law school and legal careers
- Public policy and government roles
- Legislative staff and public affairs work
- Nonprofit leadership and advocacy
Many students use history as a pathway to law, public administration or public policy graduate programs.
Students who enjoy mentoring and sharing ideas pursue careers such as:
- Elementary and secondary school teachers
- College and university educators
- Education coordinators at museums and historic sites
- Curriculum specialists
Students interested in teaching grades 5 to 12 can explore UBTeach pathways that lead to New York State certification.
For students drawn to archives, artifacts and historical interpretation, common paths include:
- Museum curators and interpreters
- Archivists and records managers
- Historic preservation and cultural resource management
- Research roles in government agencies and think tanks
Faculty mentorship and seminar-based research prepare students for graduate study in history, library science and related fields.
History majors who enjoy writing and storytelling move into fields such as:
- Journalism and editorial work
- Documentary production and multimedia storytelling
- Publishing and content development
- Marketing and communications
The ability to research deeply and communicate clearly makes history graduates valuable in fast-changing media environments.
Some graduates bring historical insight and analytical thinking into the corporate and nonprofit world, including:
- Corporate and contract historians
- Association management
- Consulting
- Program and project coordination
History majors learn to evaluate evidence, understand context and make informed decisions, skills that translate well to many organizational settings.
The skills you build in history do not expire when industries change. They travel with you across roles, fields and career stages.
History graduates are known for:
- Seeing patterns others miss
- Asking strong questions before jumping to conclusions
- Making decisions based on evidence
- Communicating clearly with different audiences
- Understanding social, political and cultural systems
As careers evolve, these abilities remain valuable. They help you move forward with confidence whether you pursue law, education, media, public service, business or graduate study.
The Career Design Center helps you explore options, build practical skills and take action on your goals. Whether you are just starting to think about what comes next or actively preparing for jobs or graduate school, you will find clear guidance and real opportunities to move forward.
What you can do at the Career Design Center:
- Meet one-on-one with a career design consultant
- Get support with job and internship searches and graduate school planning
- Use online tools for resumes, interviews, networking and exploring real-world challenges
- Attend job + Internship fairs, skillshops and networking events
- Gain access to thousands of jobs + internship postings on Bullseye powered by Handshake.
- Explore the Career Design Studio any time to discover tools, resources and ideas that help you plan your path.
With history, your options are wide open. At UB, you will explore big questions, work with dedicated faculty and graduate with skills that travel well across careers.
Explore your path and start building your future today.