A master’s degree in history can open the door to a variety of professional roles that go beyond academia. An Master of Arts – History online program, like the one from Eastern Washington University provides students with the background to pursue careers in higher education, museums and archives, as well as several unconventional fields. The analytical and research skills that graduates can acquire through a history degree are valuable across many sectors, including government and technology.
For those drawn to traditional academic settings, a master’s degree in history is a necessary step. These paths often lead to positions in higher education, museums and archives.
- History professors and instructors: Post-secondary history instructors and professors educate the next generation of historians. They teach classes, conduct research and publish academic work. According to the Washington.gov Occupations in Demand report, these positions are in demand, with the average annual salary for postsecondary history teachers at $93,120.
- Archivists and curators: Archivists preserve and organize historical records, while curators manage collections of artifacts and artworks. Both roles are important for museums and historical societies. Both of these positions are also sought after, with the annual pay for archivists, curators and museum workers at $57,100.
Alternative High-paying Career Options
From museums and archives to corporate consulting and public policy, history graduates bring analytical and research skills that translate into diverse professional opportunities. A master’s degree in history can prepare graduates for careers outside of traditional academia that are both well-paid and interesting.
- Government analyst: Historians with government agencies research historical events and policy for internal reports and public information. For example, the Department of Defense and NASA hire historians to document their respective agencies’ histories. A background in historical research makes a professional prepared for a role as an intelligence analyst. The median annual wage for political scientists (a related career) is $75,327.
- Legal and consulting work: The skills used to study historical documents and build arguments are transferable to the legal field. History graduates can become researchers who assist lawyers with case preparation. The annual pay for this role is approximately $75,327. In the consulting world, a historian can offer their expertise to organizations that need historical research for projects, documentaries or background checks. The average pay for historians is $74,050, with some earning more as consultants.
- Political science instructors: Historians are well suited for roles as political science instructors because of their understanding of historical governments and political systems. These instructors teach students about political theory, comparative government and international relations. Political scientists earn a median annual wage of $93,810. This is a field that values a strong background in historical analysis.
Digital Humanities and a Flexible Education Path
As technology advances, new opportunities are opening up for history graduates. The digital humanities is a growing field that uses technology to explore and conserve history and culture.
- Digital archivist: As the need for digital records increases, experts are needed to preserve and organize the information. Digital archivists use specialized software and classification systems to manage electronic records. This helps to make historical documents accessible to researchers and the public online. The career is an excellent example of how historical study is adapting to the modern era. The average yearly pay is $92,000.
The Eastern Washington University online Master of Arts – History program is a unique opportunity for working professionals. It offers flexible scheduling, and multiple start dates throughout the year. Students can finish the program in as little as eight months or at a more gradual pace.
Admission is accessible, since applicants with a bachelor’s degree in history or related fields like political science, English, philosophy, social studies, secondary education, anthropology or sociology with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are automatically admitted. Those with other bachelor’s degrees or a lower GPA can still apply by submitting a short statement of purpose to show their readiness for graduate-level work.
Learn more about Eastern Washington University’s online M.A. in History program.
