A master’s degree in history builds the research, analytical and communication skills that employers value across diverse professional settings, appealing to those with a keen interest in how the past shapes our present. The Arkansas State University (A-State) Master of Arts (M.A.) in History online program prepares graduates for career advancement through customizable coursework and expert faculty guidance.
History graduate programs develop skills that translate across multiple career paths. Research methods courses teach students to locate and evaluate primary sources. Historiography coursework builds critical thinking about how interpretations evolve. These competencies prepare graduates for six distinct career trajectories that value historical expertise and analytical thinking.
1. Historian
Professional historians research, analyze and interpret past events through examination of historical documents and other sources. This work contributes to our collective understanding of how societies, cultures and institutions have developed over time.
Indeed explains that historians collect and evaluate information from many primary sources to answer questions about historical events through a process known as the historical method. By weaving connections between past and present, historians illuminate current affairs and trace the patterns that shape our future, empowering societies to learn from history’s lessons and chart more informed paths forward.
The profession offers the satisfaction of uncovering stories that might otherwise remain hidden and making historical knowledge accessible to both scholarly and public audiences. Historians work in museums, archives, historical societies, research organizations and government agencies, with some serving as independent consultants.
They analyze written records, physical artifacts and other types of evidence during investigations, then prepare reports explaining the significance of their findings and connecting discoveries to modern society. A-State’s program develops these research capabilities through courses in historiography and historical methodology, preparing students to produce original research papers and articulate historical content effectively while developing the analytical, problem-solving and communication skills essential to the profession.
2. Archivist
Archivists serve as stewards of our documentary heritage, preserving and organizing historical records that tell the stories of individuals, organizations and societies. Indeed describes archivists as information specialists who conduct thorough research on different records, documents and media, then appraise their value, preserve them and create catalogs for public access. This work ensures that valuable records remain accessible for researchers, genealogists, legal professionals and anyone seeking to understand the past.
Archivists make decisions about which materials merit preservation, how to organize collections for discoverability and how to balance preservation needs with researcher access. They authenticate documents, conduct appraisals to determine historical value and help make records available in multiple formats, including digital platforms.
The National Archives notes that archivists work with paper documents, photographs, maps, films and computer records, applying specialized training in preservation techniques. The field appeals to those who find meaning in connecting people with primary sources and protecting cultural memory for future generations. Arkansas State University’s history program builds the analytical and organizational skills essential for archival work, including the ability to evaluate historical documents and understand their context within broader historical narratives.
3. Museum Curator
Museum curators shape how the public engages with history, art and culture through thoughtful collection development and exhibition design. They select items for permanent collections, research the provenance and significance of objects and create exhibitions that tell compelling stories. Curators also develop educational programs, deliver public lectures and collaborate with schools and community organizations to make museum collections meaningful to diverse audiences.
The work offers the creative satisfaction of translating scholarly research into accessible public programming while contributing to cultural preservation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes curators oversee collections of artwork and historical items and may conduct public service activities for institutions. They often collaborate with historians and archivists to ensure accurate interpretation of artifacts and their historical significance. A-State’s customizable elective courses allow students to develop specialized knowledge in areas such as cultural and social history, preparing them for curatorial work in specific museum contexts that align with their interests and passions.
4. Cultural Resource Specialist
Cultural resource specialists protect sites, structures and landscapes of historical or cultural significance, ensuring they are preserved during development and infrastructure projects. They conduct field inventories, perform historical research and assess how proposed projects might affect historic properties. This work directly protects the physical evidence of our shared heritage from being lost to development or neglect.
The Department of Energy explains that cultural resource specialists identify and record cultural resources while conducting activities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. These professionals develop mitigation measures to protect historic properties and maintain liaison with state, tribal and federal agencies. They work for government agencies, consulting firms and development companies, often spending time both in the field of documenting sites and in offices preparing compliance reports. The analytical and research skills developed through Arkansas State University’s history program provide a foundation for this field, particularly for graduates pursuing careers in cultural resource management or historic preservation.
5. Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence analysts apply historical knowledge and research skills to analyze patterns in information, assess geopolitical developments and provide context for current events. History graduates bring a valuable perspective to intelligence work through their training in evaluating sources, identifying patterns over time and understanding how historical precedents inform present-day situations. This analytical work contributes to national security and informed policy decisions.
Intelligence analysts typically hold bachelor’s degrees in fields including international relations, political science or history, with advanced degrees accelerating advancement to senior roles. Intelligence analysts must possess strong problem-solving abilities and well-developed communication skills. They gather information, assess the implications of current and emerging issues, and communicate findings on international relations, politics and economics. A-State’s program develops these analytical and communication competencies through research-intensive coursework and examination of historical patterns and contexts that inform contemporary global affairs.
6. Higher Education Administrator
History faculty members often advance to administrative leadership positions in colleges and universities, including roles as department chairs, academic deans and provosts. These positions allow educators to shape institutional direction, support faculty development and create environments where students can engage deeply with historical study. Administrative work in higher education combines intellectual engagement with organizational leadership.
The BLS reports postsecondary education administrators held about 226,600 jobs in 2024, with typical roles requiring a master’s degree. Administrative positions include academic deans, registrars, student affairs directors and admissions officers. Many history faculty members transition to these roles after gaining teaching experience. A-State’s online master’s program prepares graduates for these leadership positions by developing research skills, analytical thinking and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences including students, faculty and community members.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address common concerns about master’s in history career paths. These answers provide practical guidance for professionals considering graduate education in history.
Do I need a master’s degree to work as a historian?
Most professional historian positions require a master’s degree as the minimum qualification. BLS indicates that while candidates with a bachelor’s degree may qualify for some entry-level positions, they most often find jobs in different fields. Research positions in the federal government and academic positions typically require a Ph.D.
Can I work in museums with a master’s in history?
Museums employ history graduates in multiple capacities including curator, archivist, researcher and educator. Many museum positions require or prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Experience gained through internships or volunteer work in museums strengthens candidacy for these positions and provides practical exposure to museum operations.
What skills do history graduate programs develop
History graduate programs develop effective historical research skills, the ability to produce original research papers and competency in articulating historical content and broader historiographical trends. Students learn to examine and process information from diverse historical sources, evaluate the reliability of those sources and construct well-supported historical arguments that contribute to scholarly discourse.
How do cultural resource specialists protect historic sites?
Cultural resource specialists assess proposed development projects to identify potential impacts on historic properties. They conduct field surveys to document sites, evaluate significance under National Register criteria and develop mitigation plans that balance development needs with preservation goals. Their work ensures compliance with federal and state historic preservation laws.
Can I teach with a master’s in history?
A master’s in history qualifies graduates to teach at community colleges and some four-year institutions, though a Ph.D. is typically required for tenure-track positions at universities. Some states require or prefer master’s degrees for secondary school teaching positions, creating additional teaching opportunities for graduates who also complete teaching certification requirements.
Are there government jobs for history graduates?
Multiple federal, state and local government agencies employ history graduates. Opportunities include positions with the National Park Service, National Archives, state historical societies, cultural resource management for infrastructure projects and intelligence analysis roles. FEMA employs historic preservation specialists to ensure compliance with historic preservation requirements during disaster recovery projects.
About Arkansas State University
A-State offers a flexible online Master of Arts in History designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in museums, archives, government agencies and cultural organizations. The 33-credit-hour program requires three core courses in historiography and research methods, with eight elective courses allowing students to customize their studies. Students develop effective historical research skills, produce original research papers, and learn to articulate historical content and broader historiographical trends through comprehensive examination requirements.
Arkansas State University’s fully online format accommodates professional schedules through accelerated coursework and multiple start dates each year. Faculty members bring both scholarly expertise and professional experience, guiding students through original research projects that demonstrate mastery of historical methodology and analysis. The program requires a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 2.75 for admission, with the option to transfer up to 9 credit hours from previous graduate work.
Learn more about A-State’s M.A. in History online program.