Careers for History Majors are amazingly diverse. What one gains from the study of history is not preparation for any specific profession, but a collection of skills and an understanding of how people and the world in general operate. Generations of liberal arts graduates have found in the study of history a useful major and an enjoyable experience. For more information, click here® 1

The wide variety of potential careers open to history majors illustrates why it is important for students to attend a college where faculty know the students individually and are willing to give them the kind of attention and advice that will be useful in preparing them for life after graduation. The Monmouth College history faculty is on campus and available for student consultation for many hours each day, as well as attending the college functions where students demonstrate their artistic and athletic talents.

The National Center for the Study of History (RR1. Box 679, Cornish ME 04020-9726) publishes information on Careers for History majors in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. It divides potential work into areas that emphasize the skills learned at the undergraduate level: archives, records management, libraries, museums, research, religious and philanthropic organizations, travel and tourism, and teaching.

What do our history majors do?

The largest group becomes teachers. The Monmouth College Teacher Education program has earned a good reputation locally, so that Monmouth College graduates have been very successful in finding employment. It might be noted that not all graduates teach history! The department’s emphasis in having students acquire a well-rounded education results in many being prepared to teach in a second field such as English or science. Some become coaches, some teach elementary school. Many send their students to Monmouth, and their children.

The next largest group goes into management. Some prepare themselves for employment by taking appropriate courses in the PEC department; others just benefit from the fact that companies want to train their employees themselves and therefore look solely for talent and perseverance (both of which are demonstrated by having finished a four year college program), and because they know how to look up material, select what is important, organize it and explain it in writing and speaking.

A number of students go straight to graduate school (law, history). Some have earned responsible positions in higher education.

Some join the military and become career officers. One recent female graduate is with an F-14 squadron in the Navy, one male graduate has done several tours in Antarctica.

Some become journalists or public relations directors.

One graduate went to medical school, another started a computer business.

Four work in museums or at historic sites. Several are in museum studies programs.

How many majors are studying history at Monmouth College now?

The Registrar's Fall 2002 report on declared majors listed 70 students. Some of these are double majors. History is one of the most popular majors on campus. A number of students also minor in history.

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