Best Majors for Aspiring Historians: What to Study in College

Explore the Best Educational Paths for Future Historians

If you're passionate about uncovering the past and analyzing how history shapes our present, pursuing a degree in a history-related field can open doors to fascinating careers. Selecting the right college major is a crucial first step in achieving your goals as an aspiring historian. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best fit?

This guide will explore some of the most relevant majors for individuals eager to immerse themselves in historical study, as well as those that offer complementary skills to enhance your expertise and marketability. As you read, consider what excites you most about history—whether it’s research and writing, teaching, or specializing in a particular era or region. Here's what to study in college to realize your dream of becoming a historian.

History: The Foundation for Aspiring Historians

Unsurprisingly, majoring in history is the most direct path to building expertise as a historian. A bachelor’s degree in history gives you a broad understanding of significant events, cultural evolutions, political dynamics, and societal changes across different periods and regions.

In addition to foundational coursework, many history programs allow you to specialize in areas such as:

• European History
• Asian History
• Military History
• Ancient Civilizations
• Public History

Focusing on these specializations enables you to deeply explore subjects that interest you the most while positioning yourself as an expert in a niche area. History majors also emphasize essential skills like critical thinking, research methodologies, and academic writing—skills that are critical for professional historians.

Archaeology: Diving Into the Physical Records of the Past

If you're fascinated by the physical remnants of human history, such as archaeological sites, artifacts, and ancient ruins, studying archaeology could be the perfect choice. Archaeology integrates historical study with practical, hands-on exploration of material culture.

As an archaeology major, you'll learn to:

• Excavate sites to uncover historical artifacts
• Analyze material evidence to understand historical societies
• Use scientific techniques like carbon dating and geographic information systems (GIS)

This field is ideal if you enjoy combining historical theory with fieldwork and science. Additionally, this major can lead to careers in heritage preservation, museums, or cultural resource management.

Anthropology: Understanding Human Stories Through History

For those who want to understand the broader context of human societies, their cultures, and their evolution, anthropology is a fantastic choice. This major often overlaps with archaeology but takes a broader approach, focusing on human behavior and cultural patterns.

An anthropology degree can complement your historical studies by broadening your perspective on how cultures evolve and adapt. This interdisciplinary focus is especially useful for students interested in the social and cultural aspects of history rather than purely chronological events.

Political Science: Understanding Historical Contexts for Political Systems

Many historians focus on the political events that have shaped societies over time, making political science another strong choice for aspiring historians. This major focuses on the development of governments, ideologies, policies, and their impacts on both modern and historical contexts.

What makes political science particularly valuable for history enthusiasts is its emphasis on:

• Analyzing the causes and effects of political change
• Understanding global conflicts and resolutions
• Interpreting political documents, treaties, and legislation

By combining political science with historical studies, you’ll gain insight into the intersection of history and politics, creating career opportunities in research, policymaking, or even public administration.

Art History: Exploring History Through Cultural Expression

For those who love art, architecture, and cultural heritage, art history can be a rewarding field of study. Art historians analyze how creative works reflect the values, beliefs, and events of their time.

Majoring in art history will allow you to delve into topics like:

• The art of ancient civilizations
• The influence of religion on artistic expression
• The relationship between art and social movements

With skills in visual analysis and cultural interpretation, art history majors can pair their knowledge with historical studies to work in museums, galleries, or cultural organizations focused on preserving and interpreting the past.

Education: Paving the Path to Become a History Teacher

If your ultimate goal is to teach history, consider pairing history coursework with an education degree. Many colleges offer education programs with a focus on teaching social studies or history at the middle school or high school level.

By choosing this path, you’ll gain the knowledge and pedagogical skills needed to engage students in exploring the past. Teaching provides a meaningful way to bring history to life for future generations and encourages curiosity about how our shared heritage shapes our world.

Interdisciplinary Studies: Merging History with Other Interests

History is a versatile discipline that pairs well with other fields of study. Students pursuing interdisciplinary studies or double majors can expand their career opportunities and tailor their education to their unique interests.

Some popular combinations include:

• History and Communication – for careers in journalism or historical writing
• History and Business – for roles in heritage tourism or management
• History and Law – as a foundation for studying legal history or becoming a legal historian
• History and Technology – to specialize in digital archiving or virtual historical recreations

This flexibility allows you to approach history in innovative ways, fostering a unique skillset that prepares you for a wide range of industries.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Path as a Historian

Choosing the best major for aspiring historians depends on your specific interests and career goals. Each of the degrees mentioned above provides valuable tools and insights that can prepare you for a future in historical research, education, preservation, or other related fields. Consider your passions, long-term objectives, and how you want to contribute to the world of history.

As you explore your options, know that the skills you’ll gain—critical thinking, research, and communication—will serve you well in any career you pursue. With dedication and the right academic foundation, your journey toward becoming a historian can be both exciting and rewarding.