Why Major in History?
Essential 21st-century skills like distinguishing fact from fiction, knowing how to verify information, and encountering unknowns with confidence all await you through the study of history, skills that translate directly into careers in law, government, business, education, and beyond.
History students learn from and become attuned to the perspectives of people whose experiences and values may differ dramatically from their own. They sharpen their abilities to understand and develop empathy for diverse cultures, leadership styles, and paths to positive change.
You might thrive in the History major and in the careers it leads to if you are...
- Deeply curious
- A lover of research
- Investigative and open to new ideas
- Extraverted and versatile
Job Growth
An estimated 144,700 openings are projected each year, on average*
Job Titles and Median Salaries
Historians: $74,050
Political Scientists: $139,380
Urban and Regional Planners: $83,720
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Career and Professional Development: Setting You Up for Success
From your first day at Penn State Abington, you can access tools provided by the Career and Professional Development team to prepare for the future.
- On-campus networking opportunities
- Internships
- Supports such as resume reviews and mock interviews
Coursework Built for Your Career
Every course prepares you with a unique analytical perspective on the world, skills that employers in government, law, education, and business value highly. You'll dive into politics and the significance of cultural, religious, social, and intellectual developments, through topics such as
- Western and American civilization
- World history
