History
When exploring possible academic majors, begin by investigating the specific programs at Purchase College. Discover more about the B.A. in History, and find out about program requirements and concentrations, courses and the program faculty.
Want to find out more about a major? Talk to department heads and professors to have your questions answered and to get the inside track on being a History major at Purchase College.
Career Possibilities
The following is a list of some career possibilities that students in this major might find rewarding. Remember, that your major does not necessarily determine your career. Graduates use their academic majors in a variety of professional fields. The options below can be used as a starting point to explore potential career paths, however, you may also want to investigate more using recommended resources to gain a more comprehensive list of careers. Keep in mind that additional education, training, and experiential education beyond your major may be needed to pursue these possibilities.
Acquired Skills
- Ability to interact with people of different backgrounds
- Explaining Ideas
- Writing and presenting information
- Public speaking
- Conduct and clearly explain research
- Critical thinking
- Decision Making
- Explaining the present by referring to the past
- Ability to speak articulately, read comprehensively and write well
Career Titles
- Archivist
- Assistant Curator
- Author
- Biographer
- Congressional Aid
- Editor
- Education Specialist
- Foreign News Correspondent
- Fund Raiser
- Government Worker
- Grant Writer
- Historian
- Historic Preservationist
- Historic Site Tour Guide
- Historical Society Staff
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Librarian
- Lobbyist
- Museum Curator
- Museum Technician
- Paralegal
- Park Ranger
- Politician
- Professor
- Public Relations Assistant
- Researcher
- Site Administrator
- Teacher
- Tour Director
- Travel Agent
Types of Organizations that Hire
- Museums
- Historical Societies
- Historic Sites
- Foundations
- Law Firms
- Government Agencies
- Educational Institutions
- Libraries
- Publishing Houses/Magazines
- Retail Stores
- Media Companies
- Corporations
- Non Profit Organizations
Career Information and Professional Association
Buzzfile - Employers of History majors
The American Historical Association - including Careers for History Majors resource.
New York Historical Society
Fenimore Art Museum - originated as the New York State Historical Association
NY History Net - including list of Historical Societies, Libraries and Museums
National Trust for Historic Preservation
The Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums
American Alliance of Museums - resources
Occupational Outlook Handbook -Online resource including job descriptions, growth forecasts & salary
Job Search Links
Career Development Center - Click on Purchase JobScore to access jobs posted for Purchase students and alumni
Museum Jobs - The job board for Museums, Galleries and the Cultural Sector
Smithsonian jobs, internships, volunteer and fellowships.
American Museum of Natural History -Available job listing
New York Historical Society - Jobs/Internships listings
Idealist - Nonprofit site, internships and jobs
USA Jobs - Official job site for the U.S. Federal Government
NYC Department of Education - Teach NY - information on becoming a NYC school teacher
American Historical Association - Career Center
American Association for State and Local History - job list
American Alliance of Museums - Careers and Jobs
Fenimore Art Museum - listing of career opportunities
Additional Resources Available at the CDC