History

Overview

Majoring in History can take you where you want to go!

Studying history prepares us to become engaged citizens and creative thinkers; it also paves the way to many diverse and rewarding careers. Whether reading sources, writing essays or reenacting famous events, history students develop advanced skills in research, analysis, debate and communication. Students master the traditional arts of thinking critically, assessing evidence and constructing arguments and acquire crucial cutting-edge skills in digital and public history. Often, students in the History program of Rutgers University venture beyond the classroom and the library to investigate archives, visit historic sites, and work in internships. History graduates work as teachers and lawyers, scholars and entrepreneurs, doctors and business executives, journalists and editors, writers and filmmakers, activists and public servants. Some even become rock stars.

"What can I do with a history major?"

Students often ask this question. A history major is excellent preparation for many professional careers in a variety of fields, including business, government, law, education, finance, and international affairs. In fact, a recent survey of college graduates published in the International Herald Tribune showed that history majors have employment opportunities in a much wider and more exciting range of fields than graduate students in more specialized areas of study.

Many Rutgers history graduates successfully compete for admission to the best law, business, and graduate schools in the country.Some history majors have gone on to medical school by combining a  history major with an appropriate sequence of science courses. Some have earned the state teaching certificate by enrolling in the five-year BA/Master of Education program offered through the Graduate School of Education. Others pursue master's or doctoral degrees to conduct research and teach at the college level.