What Can You Do With A Military History Degree?
A military history degree unlocks careers in defense analysis, education, museum curation, archival research, and government consulting, especially within military institutions, museums, and historical research organizations.
How much do history majors make?
History majors pull in an average of $62,000 per year as of 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
That number shifts dramatically depending on the path you choose. Historians typically earn $66,000, postsecondary teachers around $80,000, and museum archivists closer to $55,000. Government roles—especially military historian positions—tend to pay more than non-profit or education gigs. Location matters too: urban centers and federal jobs usually out-earn rural or state-funded positions.
What is the highest paying job with a history degree?
The top earners with history degrees are postsecondary philosophy and religion professors, foreign language literature professors, and postsecondary English teachers, pulling in median salaries between $81,000–$92,000 annually, per BLS data.
Archaeologists ($69,000), anthropologists ($67,000), and historians in federal agencies ($85,000+) also rank high. Most of these roles demand advanced degrees and niche expertise. They pay well, but competition is fierce, and you might need to relocate to academic or government hotspots.
Is military historian a job?
Absolutely—military historian is a real career path within defense institutions, including roles at the U.S. Army Center of Military History, Joint Staff, and service branch museums.
These historians dig into battles, campaigns, and institutional growth, preserving operational records and publishing research for education and strategy. They might advise commanders, curate exhibits, or teach—though most gigs require a graduate degree in military history or a related field.
Is a history degree worth anything?
Yes—history degrees pack serious value by sharpening critical thinking, research, and communication skills, which transfer across industries, according to the American Historical Association.
You’ll learn to dissect complex information—something employers in law, consulting, journalism, and government crave. Starting pay might seem modest, but the long-term flexibility and grad school options are solid. Internships and alumni networking can give you a serious edge in the job market.
Are history degrees useless?
No way—history degrees aren’t useless at all. They prepare grads for diverse careers in education, law, media, and public service, even if they don’t align with technical or STEM fields.
The "useless" label usually comes from comparing history to high-demand technical roles. But history majors thrive in jobs that need contextual reasoning, like policy analysis or content development. Employers increasingly want interdisciplinary thinkers, especially in data-driven or civic sectors. Pairing history with a minor or double major in a technical field can open even more doors.
What are 10 careers in history?
Ten solid career paths for history grads include historian, archivist, librarian, museum curator, lawyer, researcher, writer/editor, park ranger, consultant, and educator.
These jobs span public and private sectors, from safeguarding cultural heritage to shaping policy. Many require extra certifications or graduate study. Internships or volunteer gigs in archives, museums, or historical sites are golden opportunities to build experience.
What can I do if I love history?
If history’s your passion, consider careers as a tour guide, documentary filmmaker, genealogist, foreign language professor, or archaeologist—all let you chase research and storytelling.
Dive into local historical societies, launch a history podcast, or join an archaeological dig to gain hands-on experience. Many roles are project-based, so freelancing or contract work is common. Connecting with pros in your niche can lead to mentorship and job leads.
Is history a hard major?
History isn’t easy—despite the lack of labs or technical work. It demands heavy reading, sharp analysis, and strong writing, with average GPAs hovering around 3.1–3.3, per NCES data.
Success here hinges on solid reading comprehension and argumentation skills. Workloads vary, but expect 15–20 hours weekly on research papers and readings. The major rewards curiosity and discipline, making it perfect for self-starters who love narrative and analysis.
What do most history majors do?
Most history majors land jobs as historians, archivists, librarians, teachers, or lawyers, though plenty branch into business, government, or non-profit work.
Education (K-12 or higher ed), cultural institutions, and legal fields are popular choices. Some pivot to journalism, marketing, or PR, where historical research skills shine. Moving to a new city or earning an advanced degree can unlock specialized roles.
How do you become an Army historian?
To become an Army historian, you’ll need a post-baccalaureate degree in history or a related field approved by the U.S. Army Center of Military History (CMH), or complete the Master of Military Art & Science degree during the Command and General Staff School (CGSS) program.
You’ll also need to finish CGSS elective A625, either in person or online. Civilian roles require applying through USAJOBS with a strong Federal Qualifications rating. Military personnel can serve in historian billets after completing the right professional military education.
Is a degree in military history worth it?
Yes—military history degrees pay off for careers in defense analysis, education, museum work, or government consulting, with projected 5% job growth in related fields over the next decade, per BLS projections.
The degree blends historical rigor with defense-specific knowledge, making grads competitive for roles in the Department of Defense, think tanks, and historical organizations. Salaries range from $55,000 in museums to $90,000+ in senior federal jobs. Adding GIS training or data analysis skills can make you even more marketable.
Where can I work as a historian?
Historians find work in museums, archives, historical societies, research organizations, government agencies, and consulting firms, according to the BLS.
Common roles include curator, archivist, research analyst, and policy advisor. Most gigs require a master’s or PhD. Getting involved with groups like the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) can help you land internships and job leads.
What are the most useless degrees?
Degrees often pegged as "useless" include advertising, communications, criminal justice, fashion design, and film studies, due to lower-than-average earnings and stiff competition, per BLS occupational data.
These degrees can still lead to rewarding careers—especially with internships, portfolios, or technical skills. The "useless" tag usually reflects market saturation, not actual value. Many employers care more about skills than specific majors, so smart career planning can make these degrees viable.
What is the most useful degree?
In 2026, the most useful degrees are biomedical engineering, computer science, software engineering, and electrical engineering, with median earnings above $100,000 and strong job growth, per BLS projections.
These fields align with booming sectors like AI, cybersecurity, and healthcare tech. But "usefulness" depends on your goals—liberal arts degrees can still lead to leadership roles with the right experience. Pairing a technical degree with communication or project management skills can give you a serious advantage.
Can you become a lawyer with a history degree?
Absolutely—history degrees are fantastic prep for law school. They build analytical reasoning, research, and writing skills that are gold for legal study and practice.
History majors consistently outperform on the LSAT thanks to their knack for parsing complex texts and building arguments. Law schools love this major’s focus on context and precedent. To become a lawyer, you’ll still need to finish law school and pass the bar exam in your state. If you're considering military school options for your child, this background could also be valuable for future opportunities in defense-related legal fields.
