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History involves the recording and study of past events and societies. Studying the past to figure out what happened and why can help us to better understand issues in the present including cultural differences, the evolution of societies, and how major events shaped our world. Historians use government records, photographs, letters, journals, artifacts, interviews, and newspapers to research and write about the past.

The History program at Colorado Mesa University offers two concentration options, History and History-Secondary Education. Students completing the history teaching degree are prepared to teach students in grades 7-12. The history concentration prepares the student for understanding present society and culture through a study of the past. Internships are available through museums, historical societies and public agencies. Graduates pursue careers in teaching, public history, private employment, and have been very successful in gaining entrance into graduate school and law school.

CMU offers various opportunities to history majors to expand their historical knowledge as well as research and presentation experience through unique events, such as clubs, History Day, and Holocaust Awareness Week. Clubs also offer the opportunity to work closer with faculty, other students, and professionals from various fields in settings beyond the classroom. Phi Alpha Theta, the CMU chapter of the historical honor society offers members a membership and connections to a national society as well as the opportunity to study history on campus and in the community and to participate in conferences. CMU also has many clubs and organizations that can help prepare students for advanced study in their field or build campus and community connections.

Learn more about CMU's History program

• Anthropologist
• Antique Dealer
• Archeologist
• Archivist
• Biographer
• Collections/Exhibit Director
• Congressional Aide
• Conservationist
• Cultural Resource Manager
• Demographer
• Docent
• Documentary Editor/Filmmaker
• Editor
• Foreign Service Officer
• Foundation Director
• Genealogist
• Government Official
• Historian
• Historical Interpreter
• Historical Records Administrator
• Historic Preservationist
• Historic Site Administrator
• Historical Society Staff
• Intelligence Analyst
• International Relations
• Lawyer
• Lecturer
• Legislative Staffer
• Librarian
• Museum Curator
• Museum Education Officer
• Museum Registrar
• Paralegal
• Park Ranger
• Professor
• Program Coordinator
• Public Historian
• Public Policy Analyst
• Records Manager
• Researcher
• Teacher, Social Studies
• Technical Writer
• Travel Agent
• Urban Administrator
• Writer/Author

Note: Some of the occupations listed above may require additional education, experience, or training beyond a Bachelor’s Degree. To research these occupations use the Career Research Resources links below.

• Conduct historical research about a particular region, time period, civilization, or historical site and publish or present findings and theories to universities, museums, or historical societies.
• Coordinate public outreach programs such as tours, workshops, and lectures for organizations like museums or historical sites.
• Collect and preserve historical documents or artifacts like photographs, letters, films, recordings, documents, and electronic data files in a wide variety of formats.
• Interview people to record oral histories or information for a biography, documentary, or genealogy
• Write and edit publications, journal articles, grant proposals, promotional materials, or reports.
• Acquire, organize, display, and promote collections and exhibits for universities, museums, etc.
• Attend events to promote services, to seek financing, and to maintain community alliances.
• Use laboratory equipment or chemical tests to examine historical documents or objects to determine their condition and the best way to preserve or restore them.
• Antique Dealers
• Business and Industry
• Census Bureau
• Colleges/Universities
• Historical Societies/Agencies/Sites
• Libraries
• Media Organizations
• Museums & Archives
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Philanthropic Organizations
• Public Interest Groups
• Political Parties
• Research Foundations
• Schools
• State Department
• State, Local, & Federal Governments
• Textbook Publishing Companies
• Travel and Tourism

Skills Needed by History majors:

• Ability to interact with diverse groups
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Research and analysis skills
• Writing and presenting information
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Explaining and interpreting ideas
• Examining evidence
• Ability to explain the present by referring to past events
• Decision making skills
• Knowledge of preservation techniques
• Computer skills

Other History resources