Students and parents often ask some variation of this question: “What can you do with a History degree?” As historians, we honestly believe the answer is: “What can’t you do with a History degree?”
Versatility
History majors may consider a variety of careers and fields upon graduation. We have listed a few options below along with suggestions for courses, secondary majors, internships and organizations that may help you determine what you can do with your history majors.
A History degree fashions the master key that unlocks the door to nearly every discipline from philosophy and politics to sociology and economics. It trains students to seek the truth by asking questions, exploring alternatives, and evaluating conclusions. It challenges students to create an increasingly more complex and sophisticated understanding of historical events so they can address such inquiries as: What conditions gave rise to the philosophies of Socrates and Confucius? How did medieval Arab seafarers create a global economy? Why did Aztec silver revolutionize European politics? How did the concept of “race” develop? Can capitalism survive without democracy? What are the roots of Middle East tensions? History majors develop the written, oral and cognitive skills necessary to confidently engage such diverse questions based on a firm foundation of historical knowledge, analytical ability and cultural sensitivity.
History Specializations
- United States (Pre-Columbia, Colonial, Civil War, Modern)
- European (England, France, Germany, Russia)
- Global (Africa, Latin America, East Asia)
- Military
- Public
- Medieval
Compatible Majors
- Education
- Foreign Languages and Literature
- International Business
- Political Science
Related Minors
- Africana Studies
- Art History
- Asian Studies
- Gender and Sexualities Studies
- International Affairs
- Medieval Studies
- Public History
- Urban Affairs
Internships
- Les Aspin
- Local Internship (as appropriate)
Experience
- Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society
- History Undergraduate Mellon Fellowship
- Service Learning (as appropriate)
- Study Abroad
Languages
- US (as appropriate)
- European and Medieval (French, German, Italian)
- Global (Japanese, Chinese, Arabic)
Suggested Campus Clubs/Organizations
- Art Club
- Classical Fencing Society
- Club Kubudo
- Czech-Slovak Dance
- Empowerment
- Fade In: Film Society
- International Affairs Society
- Invisible Children
- Marquette University Student Government
- Medieval Society at Marquette
- Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Student Organization (SIESO)
- Students for an Environmentally Active Campus
How well does a History major prepare students who are interested in a career in Law? According to LSAC statistics, nearly four out of five History majors (79%) who applied to law schools were admitted. While this is an exceptional high rate, it is also stands out in comparison to acceptance rates for other popular degree programs such as: English (77%), Political Science (73%), Sociology (67%), Computer Science (63%), Business Administration (57%) and Criminal Justice (56%). Enough said? For students interested in a career in politics and government, or perhaps graduates concerned about their civic duties and responsibilities, a History degree is ideal. It hones student abilities for clear, rational thinking that is essential to making ethical and responsible decisions.
History Specialization
- US, European or Global
- Urban
Compatible Majors
- Pre-law
- Political Science
- Social Welfare and Justice
Related Minors
- Public History
- Criminology and Law Studies
- International Affairs
- Political Science
- Social Welfare and Justice
Internships
- Les Aspin Center
- Sports Law Internships
- Clinics, Judicial Internships, and Supervised Fieldwork Programs
Experience
- Service Learning (as appropriate)
- Study Abroad
Languages (as required or appropriate)
Suggested Campus Clubs/Organizations
- Association of Social Welfare and Justice Students
- Criminology/Law Society
- Democracy Matters
- International Affairs Society
- Justice
- Marquette University Student Government
How can a History degree relate to Business? Combining history with a business degree provides a solid foundation for graduate work in business or economic history – popular and expanding fields in U.S., European and Global studies. For the student interested in a business career, the relevancy of a history degree can be summed up in one word: globalization! In this increasingly interdependent world of production centers, service industries, and distribution markets, the business man or woman with a firm understanding of regional histories and cultural sensitivities will have an edge on the competition. Success in business will depend not only on knowing how to run a company, but also how to relate to a global manufacturing and marketing clientele. The future is already here and it depends in large part on knowing the past.
History Specialization
- US, European or Global
- Urban
Compatible Majors
- International Business
- Business Administration or Business Economics
- Economics
- Accounting
- Marketing
Related Minors
- History
- Economics
- International Affairs
- Entrepreneurship
- Human Resources
Internships
- Business Administration Internship Program
Experience
- Service Learning (as appropriate)
- Study Abroad (required for International Business majors)
Languages
- Required for International Business majors (as required or appropriate)
Suggested Campus Clubs/Organizations
- Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society
- Marquette-ing Club
- Collegiate Entrepreneurs of Marquette
- Marquette Economics Association
- Multicultural Business Organization
- Go-Getters
- International Business Student Association
- Women in Business
Whether one is primarily concerned with domestic or international social issues, a History major is a valuable compliment to many other degrees in the Humanities. For students interested in graduate school, cultural or social history remain popular fields in U.S., European and Global studies. For those students drawn more to social or pastoral work, environmental studies, NGOs, public history, VISTA, the Peace Corps or other social or cultural career options, a History major provides the oral, written and cognitive skills that are highly desired by employers in these fields. Moreover, a History graduate will have developed the historical and cultural background necessary to confidently interact with a broad range of peoples, conditions and situations – again, the kinds of abilities employers find desirable.
History Specialization
- US, European or Global
- Medieval
- Public
Compatible Majors
- Sociology
- Psychology
- English
- Computer Science
- Communication
- Theology
Related Minors
- History
- Foreign Languages
- Health Studies
- Public Relations
- Professional Communication
- Human Resources Management
Internships
- Multidisciplinary Internship Program
Experience
- Service Learning (as appropriate)
- Study Abroad
Languages (as required or appropriate)
Suggested Campus Clubs/Organizations
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters
- Circle K International
- Counseling and Educational Psychology
- Criminology and Law Society
- Empowerment
- Human Resources Management
- Gay/Straight Alliance
- Habitat for Humanity
- Invisible Children
- International Affairs Society
- Marquette Writing Society
- Public Relations Student Society of America
- Students for an Environmentally Active Campus
While not necessarily obvious or intuitive, a History major or minor makes an excellent complimentary degree for Health and Sciences students. A student majoring in both history and science will have promising options in both fields. Technology transfer, disease transmission, medical advances and other health and science related topics are popular research and publication specializations in history graduate programs. A student devoted to health or sciences will accrue life-long benefits from a degree in History. It provides a rich context that enhances the appreciation for nearly all facets of culture from fine arts to escapist literature and from classical music to modern urban planning. As the title for this informational packet implies, History is more than a major; it prepares one for life.
History Specialization
Compatible Majors
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Dentistry
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Nursing
- Physical Therapy
- Physiological Science
- Physician Assistant Studies
- Pre-Dentistry
- Pre-Medicine
Related Minors
- History
- Biology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Physics
Internships
- Bioethics Internship Program
- Clinical Internships
- Physical Assistant Internship Programs
Experience
- Service Learning (as appropriate)
- Study Abroad
Languages (as required or appropriate)
Suggested Campus Clubs/Organizations
- American Medical Student Association
- American Student Dental Association
- Biological Undergraduate Society
- Biomedical Sciences Student Association
- Colleges Against Cancer
- Engineers Without Borders
- Physics Club
- Student Advocates for Health and Human Dignity
- Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society
- Student Association of Physician Assistants
- Student Nurses Association at Marquette University
Where are they now?
Graduates of our B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. programs have become lawyers, doctors, historians, and teachers, of course, but others have entered other careers. Click on one of the links below for a decade by decade sampling of a few of our majors’ lives and careers after a history degree.
More than a degree
A History degree not only hones the essential skills required in practically any professional career or calling, but also sparks the imagination and cultivates a curiosity for understanding the complexity of the world and its peoples. Knowledge, skills, imagination and curiosity are the bedrock upon which a well-grounded and well-rounded life are built. A Marquette History degree lays this foundation, opening doors to a lifetime of fulfillment through learning, cultural appreciation, and civic responsibility.
Learn More
Learn more about what you can do with a major in History.
