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

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONAL WEB SITES:

UA Fort Smith College of Arts and 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/