HISTORY

Historians conduct research to provide insights to understanding how various individuals and groups make their decisions and why they function the way they do. With a major in history, students will explore historical issues while shaping critical thinking and reasoning skills, and taking courses that are dedicated to research which will sharpen skills in the areas of writing and analyzing evidence.

A degree in historical interpretation prepares students for a career that will help the public to understand and make connections to historic sites and museums. They must be skilled communicators, accomplished researchers, and professional historians. Graduates from this program will be excellent candidates for jobs in Arkansas and Oklahoma state park systems as well as the National Park Service. This degree program offers the only historical interpretation degree in the United States, and was developed in collaboration with the National Park Service, Arkansas State Parks, and the National Association for Interpretation. The National Park Service anticipates that many historic interpreters will retire within the next ten years while adding new park units of historical significance. Additionally, state park systems hire full-time interpreters each year. Local and private museums and historic sites hire interpreters as well. Historical Interpretation graduates can seek employment in a variety of settings and apply interpretive skills to a wide range of challenging and rewarding tasks.

The following occupations represent some career opportunities available. Some will require additional education. For additional information, please contact Student Advisement and Career Planning. You may also want to view the degree plans for History, History with Teacher Licensure, and Historical Interpretation.

Career Opportunities

Additional Resources

Archivists, Curators and Museum Technicians Biographers and Historians Community and Public relations Specialist Criminologist Authors, Writers and Editors News Analyst, Reporters and Correspondents Military Officer Genealogist or Librarian Government Official Historic Preservationist Historical Site and Society Directors Public Relations Specialist or Lobbyist Lawyer Lecturer or Professor Market research Specialist Park Ranger Teacher - Middle School and Secondary Travel Agent Urban and Regional Planners

UA Fort Smith College of Humanities and Social Sciences: History Career Exploration Links: bsu.edu/careers/students/links Career Strategies: careers.siue.edu/majors Employment Outlook: infoplease.com/ipa/A0854971.html O*NET: onetcenter.org Occupational Outlook Handbook: bls.gov/oco/ Salary Wizard: salary.com Volunteer Match: volunteermatch.org Arkansas Labor Market Information: discoverarkansas.net/