Why Major in History?

The MSU History Department has long been a national leader in the field of digital history, and students today have many opportunities to learn to use digital tools. The department has a great physical space in Old Horticulture in the LEADR lab, which works with many classes to add a digital component and offers workshops throughout the year for students aiming to learn cutting-edge digital tools and methods. 

"Last year I taught as an adjunct in the history department at the U.S. Naval Academy. I was so excited to teach my first course, and I designed much of my course the same way that I had attended history courses at MSU. My goal was for students to appreciate and understand history in a newfound way. I felt like I had made a difference, and it is because I wanted to emulate the professors that I had at MSU. From the first moment I walked into the History Department, I knew my spark was ignited and it grew every year at MSU. It started me on a path to a masters, a Ph.D., a love for research and archives, and the desire to get others to love and appreciate history."

- Micaela Procopio, B.A., 2017

"The history program at Michigan State University coached me to improve my close reading skills, made me a more analytical thinker, and improved my ability to construct strong, data-based argumentative narratives."

- Ian Semivan, B.A., 2014

"My undergraduate degree in history made me the professional I am today. I learned how to do thorough research. Most importantly, I obtained critical thinking skills."

- Jakki Malnar, B.A., 2008

History majors tell a similar story about what they took from their programs, as one can see from research being conducted by the American Historical Association (AHA). You can find on its website testimonials to the value of a history degree from people working in government, business, academic, military, and public service jobs. The AHA also has a tremendous resource in the Careers for History Majors booklet, which offers a wealth of “hard data, practical advice, and answers to common questions about the study of history and the value it affords to individuals, their workplaces, and their communities.”

Employers in many fields highlight the importance of the skills that historians develop. A recent editorial by a STEM faculty member stressed that even for those interested in chemistry, biology, and physics, the ability to draw from other disciplines produces better, more well-rounded scientists.  Forbes lists a number of things that historians are particularly adept at, including communication, creativity, adaptability, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. The Chronicle of Higher Education recently published an article touting the “unique superpowers” that history graduates have in the private sector to “help companies deal with growth strategy, business management, intercultural communication, consumer behavior, sales, and human resources.” History is an intellectually valuable and professionally versatile degree. 

• Museums
• Libraries
• Law Firms
• Government
• Education
• News Media
• Public Relations
• Corporate Management