History
Why Major in History?
History is a truly dynamic discipline which sees the past as a vibrant, living world which has left its legacy all around us in the achievements, failures, hopes, dreams and monuments of countless generations. No longer “one damn thing after another,” history is an ever-changing field waiting for you to raise new questions and rediscover the great human experiment. As you study the written records of thousands of years of human activity, you will develop crucial life skills in conducting research, thinking critically, writing clearly and making impressive presentations. And you will discover more about yourself and the world in which you live, helping to shape your future and keep you involved, interested and entertained for a lifetime.
Historical study provides an excellent foundation for careers in secondary and advanced teaching; for archival and museum work; for the post-graduate study of law and administration; and for careers in politics, journalism, public service, policy development, business, the foreign service, or work abroad. Alone or combined with the study of other disciplines, history offers a liberal educational foundation for the subsequent pursuit of most careers and professions.
What Can You Be With a Major in History?
A major does not dictate your career; it provides you with invaluable skills and knowledge that you can apply to many areas of life and work. Here are some the careers you may want to consider pursuing with your major:
- Curator
- Museum Educator or Assistant
- Researcher
- Journalist/Correspondent
- Writer
- Civil Servant
- Search for Careers for more career possibilities.
With additional education/training…
- Teacher
- Professor
- Genealogist
- Lawyer
- Diplomat
- Biographer
- Conservator
- Archivist
- Restoration Architect
- Policy Advisor
- MBA – Business
Where Can You Work?
- Schools
- Universities and Colleges
- Museums and Art Galleries
- Non-profit Organizations
- Government
- Consulting Organizations
- Research Centers
- Libraries
- Archives
- Business and Service Industries
What Skills Can You Develop?
An Arts degree helps you develop transferable, functional skills such as writing, critical thinking and communication skills that employers and most work situations require. Concentrating your studies in a major allows you to gain specific transferable skills, such as those below, which are attractive to particular employers and industries.
- Ability to think clearly and form arguments
- Ability to keep careful records
- Ability to examine evidence
- Knowledge of the history of various geographical areas and time periods
- Ability to make keen observations, solve problems and make appropriate decisions
- Ability to conduct and explain scientific research
- Awareness of intercultural conflicts and perspectives
- Proficiency in analytical reasoning
- Ability to quickly digest large amounts of information
- Capacity to understand and interpret both the past and the present
- Organizational skills
- Oral and written communication skills
- Ability to organize important historical data
- Ability to critically analyze and construct a realistic, flexible worldview
- Ability to listen objectively
- Ability to write detailed research papers
- Ability to make in-depth presentations
- Editing skills
- Ability to make critical observations and evaluations
Professional Associations
Professional associations can be a great way to meet, learn from and network with professionals in your field of interest. Some associations offer student memberships, often at a reduced rate. Below is a sample of professional associations you can explore.
- The Heritage Canada Foundation
- Canadian Historical Association
- Canadian Museums Association
- Canada’s National History Society
- Library and Archives of Canada
Contact the Department
UNB Department of History
120 Tilley Hall
9 Macaulay Lane
Fredericton NB E3B 5A3
