The Limited Opportunities of a PhD in History: A Career Guide

When considering a PhD in history, it's important to understand the limited opportunities and career paths available. A PhD in history is not a degree for everyone, as the job market for historians is quite specific and competitive. This article explores the typical career paths available for those with a PhD in history and provides advice on when it might be best to pursue this degree.

Typical Career Paths for PhDs in History

Obtaining a PhD in history is a significant undertaking, and while the degree does offer opportunities, they are limited and highly specialized. Here are the primary career paths:

Professor: A PhD in history can qualify you for a tenure-track position at a university, where you can teach history and conduct research. However, professor positions are highly competitive and limited. Independent Scholar: Some historians find success as independent scholars, contributing to the field through research, publications, and other scholarly activities. To pursue this route, you need additional skills and an alternative source of income. Specialist Librarian: You might find work in academic or public libraries, where your expertise in history can be utilized to curate collections and provide specialized research services.

Alternative Routes and Skill Development

For those who wish to explore other career options or avoid the specialization of a PhD in history, pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in history can be a better fit. Here are a few examples:

High School Teacher: A master's degree in history can qualify you for positions as a high school teacher or community college professor. Archivist: With additional training, you can work as an archivist, preserving and managing historical documents and records. Researcher: Private or government research institutions may offer opportunities for historians to work on various projects.

Job Market and Career Advancement

The job market for historians is limited, particularly for those with a PhD. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, historians in the U.S. and Canada currently number around 11,000, with about 400-500 replacements needed each year due to retirements and resignations. In 2019, there were approximately 515 tenure-track jobs advertised for historians just in the U.S., a slight increase over the previous year. However, securing a tenure-track position is highly competitive and can be challenging.

The Purpose of Training More Historians

Some argue that training more historians might seem unnecessary given the limited job market. However, the analogy to the number of astronauts or other specialized professions is apt. We train a certain number of professionals in specific fields, including historians, to ensure that we have a pool of talent to draw from when needed. This is particularly true in academic settings, where maintaining and growing the workforce is essential.

Conclusion

While a PhD in history can open doors to specific academic and research careers, it is important to carefully consider the competitive nature of the job market and the limited number of available positions. If you have a deep passion for the field and a clear career objective within the specialized roles available, a PhD in history may be worth pursuing. Otherwise, considering alternative degrees or career paths may lead to a more fulfilling and diversified professional journey.