History Career Outlook 2010-2011
History Programs Available at Bemidji State University:
Major: History (B.A.) (B.S.)
Field of Emphasis: Social Studies: History
Minor: History
Department Website: http://www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/departments/humanities/history/
Major Highlights:
History is the record of past events, including the stories of societies and individual people whose acts, whether noble,
common, or foolish, altered the way people lived. Historians study and analyze history in order to appreciate and
understand the past, to bring perspective to the present, and to plan for the future. The History curriculum includes
historical foundation courses in World and American history, and addresses national and international topics and issues
through specialized courses from the ancient and medieval world to the present. Course offerings include a variety of
courses in social, intellectual, and political history. History majors are encouraged to study a second language and to
travel and study either domestically or abroad. A bachelor's degree in history is excellent preparation for graduate study or
further professional study (law, medicine, business, or seminary).
Note: The State of Minnesota does not grant a separate license for teaching history at the secondary level. Students
wishing to teach history in secondary schools should complete the Social Studies major, B.S., teacher licensure and may
choose a minor or a second major in History.
Employment Areas:
The "Occupational Outlook Handbook" reports that archivists, curators, and museum technicians held about 29,100 jobs
in 2008. About 39 percent were employed in museums, historical sites, and similar institutions and 18 percent worked for
public and private educational services. Around 30 percent of archivists, curators, and museum technicians worked in
Federal, State, and local government, excluding educational institutions. Most Federal archivists work for the National
Archives and Records Administration; others manage military archives in the U.S. Department of Defense. Most Federal
Government curators work at the Smithsonian Institution, in the military museums of the U.S. Department of Defense,
and in archaeological and other museums and historic sites managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior. All State
governments have archival or historical record sections employing archivists. State and local governments also have
numerous historical museums, parks, libraries, and zoos employing curators.
Projected Demand for History Majors in Minnesota:
The DISCOVER guidance system reports that in Minnesota, the market for historians is expected to grow moderately,
with an average salary of $60,638 annually, these positions required an advanced degree. Employment will grow
moderately reflecting the number of jobs outside the federal government. Competition is expected for academic positions.
The best job opportunities will be in research.
Projected Demand for History Majors Nationwide:
The DISCOVER guidance system reports that according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the
average salary offered to beginning historians was $34,000 annually in 2011. This field is expected to grow moderately,
with a 1.2% expected growth rate per year. The "Occupational Outlook Handbook" reports that the average salary for
historians was $48,520, but national growth in this field is expected to be slower than average through 2014.
Placement Information for History Graduates:
There are many career opportunities for Bemidji State University history graduates, and many pursue continued
education. Of the Bemidji State University 2009-2010 history (B.A.), there were two graduates with no reported
information on their employment at this time.
A Partial List of Employers Who Have Hired BSU History Graduates:
Anoka-Hennepin School District #11
Becker Public Schools
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN
City of Austin Housing Authority
ISD 2142
Liaoning University
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Unspecified Korean School
Unspecified Private School
Warroad & Roseau School Districts
Substitute Teacher
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Provider Service Representative
Housing Eligibility Specialist
Substitute Teacher
English Teacher
Graduate Assistant
English Teacher
English Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Coon Rapids, MN
Becker, MN
Virginia, MN
Austin, TX
Virginia, MN
China
Eau Claire, WI
Korea
Wuhan, Hebei, China
Warroad/Roseau, MN
Colleges and Universities Where BSU History Graduates Have Gone to Continue Their
Education:
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN
Concordia University, St. Paul, MN
Hamline University, St. Paul, MN
Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA
Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN
Minnesota State University, Moorhead, MN
St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN
University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, WI
Wichita State University, Wichita, KS
York University, Toronto, ON
Note 1: Some of the above job/career titles require advanced degrees or specialized training.
Note 2: Degrees alone do not get students jobs. Internships, summer jobs, volunteer work, part-time jobs, work-study
positions, and active participation in student organizations on campus are all ways to become more competitive in a
tight job market.
Note 3: Personal Competencies: it is also recommended that individuals be competent in a variety of communication
methods, and computer skills are a must.
Bibliography:
Annual Graduate Follow-Up Study 1997-2010. Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN (2011)
Bemidji State University Undergraduate Catalog 2011-2012. Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN (2011)
DISCOVER. The American Testing Program, Educational Technology Center, Hunt Valley, MD (2011)
MnCareers/iSeek. Research and Statistics Office, MN Dept. of Economic Security, St. Paul, MN (2011)
Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Dept. of Labor, JIST Publishing Inc., Indianapolis, IN (2010)
For more information, please contact the Career Services Office in 102 Sanford Hall
or call us at 218-755-2038 or toll free at 800-657-3726.