History has been a popular major for decades, and for good reason. History majors acquire critical thinking, research, and writing skills that are valued by employers in a wide range of fields. According to the American Historical Association, 90% of history majors are employed within a year of graduating and history majors earn a median salary of $65,000 per year.
If you’re interested in majoring in history, it’s important to choose a college that has a strong history program. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a college for history:
- The size of the history department. A larger department will offer more courses and research opportunities.
- The faculty. Look for a college with a faculty of experienced and published historians.
- The resources. Make sure the college has a good library and access to primary source materials.
- The location. If you’re interested in studying a particular region or period of history, choose a college that is located in that region or has a strong focus on that period.
Here are some of the best colleges for history majors, according to the U.S. News & World Report:
| Rank | College | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvard University | Cambridge, MA |
| 2 | Yale University | New Haven, CT |
| 3 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ |
| 4 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA |
| 5 | University of Chicago | Chicago, IL |
| 6 | Columbia University | New York, NY |
| 7 | University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, CA |
| 8 | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI |
| 9 | Duke University | Durham, NC |
| 10 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD |
These colleges offer a wide range of history courses, research opportunities, and faculty expertise. They are also located in major cities, which provides access to museums, archives, and other historical resources.
If you’re interested in studying history, these colleges are a great place to start your search.
What Can You Do with a History Degree?
A history degree can open doors to a wide range of careers. History majors are well-prepared for careers in:
- Education: History majors can become teachers at the elementary, secondary, or college level.
- Research: History majors can conduct research at universities, museums, or other institutions.
- Government: History majors can work in government agencies, such as the National Archives or the State Department.
- Law: History majors can prepare for a career in law by attending law school.
- Business: History majors can work in business as historians, researchers, or writers.
History majors also have the skills to succeed in a variety of other fields, such as journalism, public relations, and marketing.
Tips for Choosing a College for History
Here are a few tips for choosing a college for history:
- Visit the campus. This will give you a chance to meet the faculty and students, and to get a feel for the campus culture.
- Talk to the faculty. Ask about their research interests and teaching styles.
- Visit the library. Make sure the library has a good collection of books and resources on the topics you’re interested in.
- Consider the location. If you’re interested in studying a particular region or period of history, choose a college that is located in that region or has a strong focus on that period.
Conclusion
Choosing the right college for history is an important decision. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can find a college that will provide you with the best possible education and prepare you for a successful career.