Careers
The analytical, research, rhetorical and writing skills history majors accomplish are applicable to a wide range of careers. Because history emphasizes the ability to analyze and communicate ideas as well as to retain factual information, some students find it ideal preparation for a career in the law. The same skills are appropriate preparation for careers in business and public service. The department's emphasis on research and writing has opened careers in journalism and media research for some graduates. Command of historical knowledge and historical process has equipped other graduates for careers in archives, historic sites, museums, and historic preservation. While most majors enter careers outside teaching, the history major has long been a path to teaching at the primary and secondary level. A number of history graduates have gone on from the College to distinguished graduate schools to complete PhD degrees and assume careers teaching at the university level.
See What Our Alumni Are Doing...
For the most recent coverage of career and alumni events, as well as news about internships, see our department's announcements and events page at this link.
You can also find stories about how History and American Studies majors have applied their degree to a broad variety of careers and post-graduate work through the links below:
Stephanie Hamlett, History '81
Austin Merrill, History '91
Bruce Loving, History '86
Hank Elliott, History '98
Tim Landis, American Studies '93
What About Internships?
Our location in historic Fredericksburg, as well as our proximity to Washington, D.C., provide our students with a broad variety of internship opportunities. To read more, see:
What Can I Do With A History Major?
American Historical Association--Why Study History?
AHA -- Careers in History
Applying to Graduate and Professional Schools
The Graduate Record Examination
The Law School Admission Council
Grants and Fellowship Websites
DAAD
Freeman
Fulbright
Gates Millenium Scholars
Goldwater
Javits (If this link takes you to a search engine, type in "Javits" to search, then select "Jacob Javits Fellowship")
Mellon
Rhodes
Truman