I’m currently pursuing a degree in biology education with the goal of teaching high school life sciences. However, I’ve realized I have a deep passion for history—both learning it and sharing it with others. Lately, I’ve been wondering whether a switch to history would be more fulfilling long-term. Both a history of science or even religion (specifically 19th century, as a Mormon I’m interested in a real history after getting into more outside research and facts)
That said, I’m aware that high school history teaching often focuses primarily on U.S. history or broad survey courses, and there seems to be limited room for specialization or depth in specific topics. I’m much more interested in focused areas—specific time periods, regions, or themes—and I worry that K–12 settings may not offer the kind of engagement I’m looking for.
If I were to change paths, I would want to pursue graduate studies—potentially even a PhD—in order to open up broader academic and professional opportunities. But I’m still trying to wrap my head around what it actually means to be a historian in practice.
Some questions I’d love insight on:
• What career paths are realistically available with a BA, MA, or PhD in history?
• What does being a “historian” actually look like outside of teaching? How does one get paid to do research? Are there job opportunities for topics like history of biology? I know with a lot of biology degrees you get a small history specifically with experiments, but is there a broader field for the history of biology/science in general? Religion is another subject I’m interested in.
• In academia, are historians expected to do research alongside teaching? What kinds of institutions support this balance?
• Are there non-academic roles that allow for meaningful historical research or specialization? Many biologists work with companies or institutions, are historians kind of the same?
Any advice or shared experiences from those in the field would be deeply appreciated. I want to make an informed decision before changing course—and would love to hear what day-to-day life really looks like in this world
Comments
Hopefully someone will have more specific answers for you, the main thing I can tell you right now is that academia in history is completely jammed, to the point that the is actively discouraging anyone from trying to get a doctorate— especially in 19th or 20th century American – and all those people who aren’t getting jobs are trying to find work outside of academia. It’s incredible what they’ve done, flooding the market.
History of science as a subject is even worse. There are only a tiny handful of universities that are still hiring in history of science, and the number of people applying swamp the number of positions. Where do you go outside it? – Museum studies – maybe the only field that’s even worse in terms of trying to get a position.
Maybe someone else has better or at least more cheerful news…
Search the ask historians sub for advice. Will be discouraging.
There are some degree programs around called Public History. Their graduates do things like studying and preparing for signage at places of significant events, maintaining records and photos for corporations or organizations that want to have histories of themselves, etc. There is some connection to archival or museum work but with different loci of practice. I think it is more likely to find this type of position than an academic one.
If you think you might want to teach high school history at a public or private school, the Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov can tell you which parts of the country have more openings than others. If you are thinking of private schools, they love teachers who can do more than one subject. It makes scheduling easier and inspires students. They also love experiential learning, so you could involve students in your research in either field!
If you want to have better job prospect I suggest you stick with history.
According to the Foundation For Research and Equal Opportunity analysis of over 40,000 degree programs biology graduates are found to have the 3rd worst financial outcomes., not surprising the the only 2 college majors with worse financial outcomes where Art and Theology.
that said I still would not recommend history as a major since that degree will not provide you any marketable skills that industry needs or wants-
I suggest you get useful degree such as in nursing, engineering or accounting- then get a job make a ton of money and retire mid 40’s At that point you can do what ever you want including teaching history /biology lessons. at least you wont be broke like most biology/history graduates are.
good luck