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 2022. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$72,890 Median Salary

Historians (master’s usually required)

Employment of historians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, 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.

$57,120 Median Salary

Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers

Overall employment of archivists, curators, and museum workers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 5,000 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.

$132,350 Median Salary

Political Scientists (master’s usually required)

Employment of political scientists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 600 openings for political scientists 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.

$64,370 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 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 13,700 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.

$66,750 Median Salary

Public Relations Specialists

Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 25,800 openings for public relations 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.

Program Details

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.

View Application Deadlines

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.

Complete the Net Price Tuition Calculator

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.

Paying for College

How to Get Involved

Students working in the library

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.