History, BA

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Study the Past to See the Future

students in a lectureAs a history major at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, you’ll study the past to better understand the present and anticipate the future. Our program emphasizes research and communication skills. You'll learn to critically reconstruct the contexts and meanings of human actions throughout history from a wide range of perspectives–cultural, economic, political, and social–and to identify connections with the present.

Where a History Degree Will Take You

You’ll develop solid intellectual and professional skills that are transferable to a variety of careers. Our graduates have gone on to fulfilling careers in industry, journalism, government, law, publishing, library and information science, K-12 education, higher education, and other fields. The program also provides a strong foundation if you plan to pursue graduate studies in history or other subjects.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States for 2025. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$76,750 Median Salary

Historians (master’s usually required)

Employment of historians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 300 openings for historians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$60,330 Median Salary

Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers

Overall employment of archivists, curators, and museum workers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 4,300 openings for archivists, curators, and museum workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$159,670 Median Salary

Lawyers (law degree required) 

Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 28,700 openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$68,270 Median Salary

Librarians and Library Media Specialists (master’s usually required)

Employment of librarians and library media specialists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 12,600 openings for librarians and library media specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$74,750 Median Salary

Public Relations Specialists

Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.

Despite limited employment growth, about 23,000 openings for public relations specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

There are so many reasons to join the History program - for job opportunities and the sense of being able to learn whatever you want. It has allowed me to understand the past, present and future...to become a just advocate for human rights.

Maggie Shearer

History Major

From the Classroom to Careersmiling woman with long light brown hair, wearing a black blazer with a berry top and jeweled necklace

"People often assume a history degree is about memorizing dates and events, but in reality it is about developing critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and strong writing skills. Those abilities translate directly to the practice of law. While trial work happens in the courtroom, much of a lawyer’s work - and success - occurs beforehand through written advocacy: reading cases, evaluating competing arguments, and persuading a judge through clear and thoughtful briefing. My history degree trained me to analyze complex issues and communicate persuasively, which has been foundational to my career as a trial attorney.” 

-Javon David, Attorney & Shareholder, Butzel Long

Ready to Apply?

Application Deadlines

UM-Dearborn has rolling admissions throughout the year, and deadlines depend on your student type. Apply early, priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships may be given to earlier applicants.

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Tuition

Get started early on your financial planning for college. Complete the net price calculator to get an estimate of your cost to attend UM-Dearborn.

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Go Blue Guarantee

Students at UM-Dearborn are eligible for the Go Blue Guarantee - University of Michigan’s landmark promise of free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduate students from qualifying backgrounds. Major financial support is available for students who do not fully qualify.

Go Blue Guarantee

How to Get Involved

several students sit in a common area talking

Join the History Students’ Association, an on-campus group that organizes social and outreach events promoting and supporting history in our community. Join Phi Alpha Theta, a national history honorary society that provides access to scholarships, prizes, conferences, and other resources for training historians. Explore Study Abroad programs. Sign up for MLK Day of Service or Alternative Spring Break. Discover other UM-Dearborn student organizations on VictorsLink.You can help your friends register to vote, participate in an Alternative Spring Break trip, join any of the more than 150 student clubs and organizations on campus, and much more.

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.

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