History: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
History is a dynamic and rigorous academic discipline dedicated to the critical examination of past human experiences across time, cultures, and civilizations. It equips students with the analytical tools to interpret complex events, trace societal evolution, and understand the forces that have shaped the modern world. Through primary source analysis, historical research, and comparative inquiry, learners develop deep insight into political, economic, social, and cultural transformations.
- Global Historical Survey: An exploration of major civilizations and historical developments across continents, emphasizing cross-cultural interactions and long-term trends from antiquity to the present.
- Historiography and Research Methods: The study of how history is written, including the evaluation of sources, critical thinking, and the application of scholarly methodologies in historical investigation.
- Political and Diplomatic History: Analysis of state formation, governance systems, international relations, and the evolution of power structures throughout history.
- Social and Cultural History: Investigation into everyday life, identity formation, gender roles, class structures, and cultural movements across different historical periods.
- Intellectual and Religious History: Examination of major ideas, philosophies, belief systems, and their influence on societal development and historical change.
- Modern World History: In-depth study of the 18th century to the present, focusing on industrialization, imperialism, world wars, decolonization, and the rise of global institutions.
- Historical Geography and Environmental Change: Understanding how physical landscapes, climate, and natural resources have shaped human settlement, migration, and historical outcomes.
History Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
History Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with History degrees, including Managers, All Other, History Teachers, Postsecondary and Historians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 653,980 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| History Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1125 | $81,500 | $47,730 - $158,140 | 19,860 | N/A |
| Historians 19-3093 | $74,050 | $38,630 - $128,500 | 3,140 | $35.60 |
History Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $55,055 in Utah to $170,310 in Delaware—a 209% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 653,980 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for History by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 45 institutions offering History programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in History is found at Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (52 graduates), University of Southern California (USC) (51 graduates), University of California (UCSB), Santa Barbara (47 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (47 graduates), and American Public University System (APUS) (42 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 540 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University |
Master's
|
52 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Bachelor's
|
51 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| University of California (UCSB) |
Bachelor's
|
47 | Santa Barbara, California | Public | ucsb.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
47 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| American Public University System (APUS) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
42 | Charles Town, West Virginia | Private | apus.edu |
| Harvard University |
Bachelor's
|
31 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Center for Advanced Studies On Puerto Rico and the Caribbean (CEAPRC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Other)
|
28 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Private | ceaprc.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
19 | Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Bachelor's
|
18 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| Georgetown University (GU) |
Master's
|
17 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
| Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU) |
Bachelor's
|
16 | Willimantic, Connecticut | Public | easternct.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Master's
|
16 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) |
Associate's
|
14 | Perkinston, Mississippi | Public | mgccc.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
14 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
14 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| United States Military Academy (USMA) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | West Point, New York | Public | westpoint.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Other Award
|
12 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| University of California (UCR) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Riverside, California | Public | ucr.edu |
| Bridgewater College (BC) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Bridgewater, Virginia | Private | bridgewater.edu |
| George Mason University |
Postbac Cert.
|
8 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| Butler University |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | butler.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) |
Other Award
|
6 | Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Public | uwsp.edu |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Private | chaminade.edu |
| Bethany College |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Lindsborg, Kansas | Private | bethanylb.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| University of Washington (UW Tacoma) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Tacoma, Washington | Public | tacoma.uw.edu |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) |
Other Award
|
4 | Rolla, Missouri | Public | mst.edu |
| Manhattanville College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Purchase, New York | Private | mville.edu |
| Gallaudet University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gallaudet.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTEP) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | El Paso, Texas | Public | utep.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPR) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Public | uprrp.edu |
| Bethel College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | North Newton, Kansas | Private | bethelks.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) |
Other Award
|
1 | Camden, Arkansas | Public | sautech.edu |
| Pitzer College (PZ) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Claremont, California | Private | pitzer.edu |
| Dordt University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Sioux Center, Iowa | Private | dordt.edu |
| Suffolk University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | suffolk.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
1 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey |
Other Award
|
1 | Wayne, New Jersey | Public | wpunj.edu |
| Fordham University |
Master's
|
1 | Bronx, New York | Private | fordham.edu |
| Duke University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Durham, North Carolina | Private | duke.edu |
| Welch College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Gallatin, Tennessee | Private | welch.edu |
| Whitman College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Walla Walla, Washington | Private | whitman.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about History programs
How much can I earn with a History degree?
Salaries for History graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while History Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $81,500. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $170,310 compared to $55,055 in Utah. Approximately 653,980 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest History programs?
Currently 45 accredited institutions offer History degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (52 graduates), University of Southern California (USC) (51 graduates), and University of California (UCSB), Santa Barbara (47 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in History growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 532 in 2010 to 540 in 2023-24. This represents a 2% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a History degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, History Teachers, Postsecondary, and Historians. Related occupations employ approximately 653,980 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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