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undergraduate

General history


What is a general history major?

Students majoring in history generally focus on the study and interpretation of past events, institutions, issues, and cultures. Subtopics include American history, European history, history and philosophy of science and technology, public/applied history, Asian history as well as Canadian history, among many others. Specific courses include historiography, historical research methods, studies of specific periods, issues and cultures, and applications to areas such as historic preservation, concepts and methods of philosophical inquiry, historiography of science, history of science, medicine, and technology, and research methods in the history of the scientific and engineering disciplines, including mathematics.

18%

of students said great professors were a highlight of this major.

51%

of students found this major to be difficult.

30%

of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.

74%

of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.

19%

of students said limited career opportunities were a challenging aspect of the major.

How much do general history majors make?

median average salary

$71,000/yr

The national average salary for general history graduates in the United States is $71,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $200,000 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $25,000 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, general history graduates typically make between $45,000 and $118,000 per year.

How popular is general history as a major?

Each year, around 26,500 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 2,220 students obtain an associate degree in general history. In 2021, 25,703 students received a bachelor's degree and 2,559 students received an associate degree. This is 3% fewer general history majors than there were in 2020. General history is one of the most popular majors within history.

Advice from general history majors

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