Speaking as a recent history graduate, I recognize the financial consequence of picking a major in the Humanities. However, I think a pessimistic devaluation of history as “unprofitable” entirely misses what the major seeks to teach you. Knowledge of history gave me a greater appreciation for the world and my place in it, and I wouldn’t trade that knowledge (or the skills that came with it) for the world. Study what resonates with you; life’s too short to view your education as a financial life sentence.
I really needed to hear this. Thank you! I can’t help that my heart sings in the humanities. I would rather do work I love and get paid less than do work I hate and pay a therapist for the rest of my life. 😜
My history major has led to a rich and varied career. I've been a teacher, worked in the solar industry, sold enterprise software, and now work in social media. In each case, being rooted in historical context and the strong critical thinking and communication skills I acquired through my study of history has helped me bring a unique perspective to my work. That historical perspective also helps keep me going in tough times, and reminds me to appreciate all the opportunity available today that simply didn't exist in the past.
I'm a social studies education major with an emphasis on history and I'm in my last semester of my college career. Some further thoughts from someone with experience in this field. I would not give up the things I learned in history courses for anything. To me history is a way to learn about the past to understand the present. If you are interested in social justice, politics or contemporary issues, a history degree at a good school will give you the skills needed to develop a critical consciousness. I highly reccomend pairing history with sociology. I am a very politically minded person and super interested in understanding social issues and history is an amazing path to understanding issues as well as being able to craft arguments to support solutions.
I am also a history education guy in my last semester and although I am probably much more politically conservative than you, I agree with the sentiment that the knowledge and SKILLS of history are invaluable for engaging the world around you. I wish you the best in your classroom as well, interesting times we live in and all.
I loved the point about placing facts in context! For me, remembering the importance of contextualizing information rather than its rigid memorization helped me a lot with my history studies this year. My professors structured their courses to encourage us to draw connections between different events, and rather than seeing the memorization as inane preparation for exams, it allowed me to understand the significance of studying specific dates and situations to place them in wider understandings.
07:53 For would-be librarians: If you do not want to hit the glass ceiling early on in your career, you will also need an MLS or MLIS (Master's in Library and Information Science) from a program accredited by the ALA (American Library Association).
As an anthropology/ history major, I can agree pursuing a double major was by far the best choice I ever made in college. Now I am starting grad school in the fall with hopes of becoming a historical archeologist. Likewise, I am hoping to study the contact/ colonial period of Mississippi and the southeast.
Studying history is the study of people's decisions and events in the past via documentation. We can use this knowledge to understand how previous civilizations, governments, cultures, religions, and technologies flourished and failed and detect patterns that impact us today. For example, a history major might research how Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal helped revitalize America's economy in order to come up with ideas on how to deal with the nationwide financial collapse. As a history major, you can expect to put your reading, researching, and writing skills to good use. Successful history majors are well-organized, fast and efficient readers with good study habits and a passion for learning details. History majors tend to be people who are interested in the war stories and cultures of our forefathers. Most history majors do not go on to become historians, but they have many opportunities in their careers to use the invaluable skills they learned. Successful history majors focus more on contextualizing historical events and relating them to current problems. Well-organized study habits are essential for this field and will help keep you from falling behind. As of 2022, salaries for history majors can range from around thirty thousand dollars per year after graduating with a bachelor's degree. Some jobs will require special training or education. For example, if you want to be a college history professor, you'll need to go to graduate school. You might need special document and archive training for some museum jobs.
I love these videos!! Thank you so much for this series! My plan is to study medieval religious texts so I am taking classes in religious studies, history, and English. Watching these videos is fun to see how the disciplines crossover.
@@nickkester4486 history is more reading intensive and communication is more assignment intensive. Surprisingly they open roughly the same doors with some obvious exceptions
I'm graduating from the college of Idaho in a couple days with a History degree. I don't have particularly good study habits, but I make sure that I do all my reading. If you are a strong reader then you will be in a good spot. Remember that for most of your readings, it is better to read twice than to read at a snails pace. Like the video said, try to contextualize whatever you are reading so it is meaningful and rewarding.
Thank you for making this great video! I majored in history and I’m currently in a job as an Executive Vice President of Operations. I attribute my abilities at work directly to the work I put in to get a history major. This video is a great reminder to me.
That's awesome! We love to showcase how the skills you learn in your major can be applied in a variety of careers, than you for sharing your experience!
To be frank, I would not trade my history degree for anything but it also is not how I make a living. After completing a history and political science double major, I went on to law school (an expensive and complicated proposition which I will not get in to here), and now earn a comfortable living from the practice of law. I recognize that a history degree would not have given me the kind of income and life style I aspired to. But it was very valuable to me nevertheless. I learned how to write well, how to conduct involved academic and library research of a sort that continues to be relevant to me today, and because I enjoyed what I studied so much I earned a GPA that catapulted me into further education. I don't make a living directly from it, but it was an important foundation for much of what I did later with my life. Also, I know for many people a history major, or minor, or at least history classes, balanced out the drudgery (and lower GPA if that matters to you) of a second higher rate of return major. My feelings about choosing a history major are complicated. My first job out of undergrad which I held briefly before going to law school sucked. Had I not planned to take on further studies, a privilege and option that not everyone will have, I think I would have been left in a situation that I would not have been happy in. Meanwhile my friends and siblings got jobs right out of undergrad that gave them significantly more money than mine ever could have. But because I loved what I studied so much, I think I engaged in my studies with an intensity that most undergrad students don't, and developed skills that continue to serve me well. So no regrets, 4 out of 5 stars.
Khan Academy's World History Project Origins and 1750 courses feature videos by none other than Crash Course: John Green's World History series! So what if y'all at Study Hall connected with Khan Academy team to feature this video in the opening units of their history courses? Showing students possible paths after studying history is super-helpful.
I graduated with a major in History (specifically American Southern History) and a minor in political science. I originally intended to teach high school history but make it more engaging and interesting for the majority if possible. Thought the political science aspect with help with getting hired. However, with one semester left in college, I took an internship with state parks in TN and fell in love. The degree itself has been able to help me explain dense readings and laws to guests/visitors/coworkers in a more explained way, whether about historical events I’m demonstrating or laws/policies we have to follow. It was incredibly useful for me but don’t be afraid to try any internship that presents itself (if financially reasonable of course). You never know what you might stumble upon
I did my mayor (“licenciatura” in México) on History. Finding work is almost impossible, and teaching is bad paid. I was lucky to find a job where I can deploy my skills. And I’m looking forward to make a doctorate (Not for economic reasons but for the joy of studying and researching).
yea I understand the financial hit I took from my major but wouldn't change it if I went back tbh...would have tried to take extra econ classes maybe tho as I really grew to like economic history while doing my degree and I'm now in the process of getting an MBA
Will you do one of these about physiology, anatomy, or kinesiology? I don't even know for sure if any of those are majors but I imagine there is a lot of demand for PTs and other body/movement related fields
Mostly people who go into those fields will likely major in biology or biochemistry, and I agree, these would be very interesting topics to cover Edit: I think you actually can major in kinesiology is some places
If one wants to study history and save money, go to your local library and study for free. Why should one waste money on going to college for a degree in history?
All those job she listed at the end you need a graduate degree to enter with the exception of teacher, there all you need is special certification almost always. Just sayin!!!
Thanks for the responses, let me counter-argue that point: the reason I am the way I am is different than the reason I exist, because those are different concepts.
A History degree is a massive mistake. Non-STEM courses are for minors or double majors only. Don't even think of it unless you are top in field and singularly focused on teaching or being unemployed. History major, btw.
I'm sure the job market is not accepting as it might be for stem majors, but that is a poor reflection on the market and capitalism, not the major of history. The humanities reflect their namesake, to deny their importance denies what makes us human.
An incredibly misguided take, bro. Your college major shouldn’t be dictated solely by how profitable it will be. Over saturation of STEM fields will undoubtedly lessen the value of certain STEM careers in the near future. Furthermore, knowledge of history has a certain personal fulfillment (for those who find it engaging) that can’t be measured in monetary worth, and to think that your education only serves to get you a high-paying career misses much of the personal growth implicit in studying a discipline that interests you.
People stating that your degree's ROI shouldn't matter and that it's the fault of market capitalism will be crying for their overpriced degree's debt to paid off by someone else. You exist within the system, you should make smart choices toward your survival and well-being. A degree without market prospect or pay isn't a good choice. I agree it's great for a secondary major.
They should end Federal backing for non-stem major student loans. Cost of humanities degrees would plummet overnight, ROI on degrees taken would skyrocket
Speaking as a recent history graduate, I recognize the financial consequence of picking a major in the Humanities. However, I think a pessimistic devaluation of history as “unprofitable” entirely misses what the major seeks to teach you. Knowledge of history gave me a greater appreciation for the world and my place in it, and I wouldn’t trade that knowledge (or the skills that came with it) for the world. Study what resonates with you; life’s too short to view your education as a financial life sentence.
I really needed to hear this. Thank you! I can’t help that my heart sings in the humanities. I would rather do work I love and get paid less than do work I hate and pay a therapist for the rest of my life. 😜
so beautifully put!
People may agree with you more if tuition didn't cost so much and if more well paying jobs were available 😢😢😢
@@jamieraintree double degree always
My history major has led to a rich and varied career. I've been a teacher, worked in the solar industry, sold enterprise software, and now work in social media. In each case, being rooted in historical context and the strong critical thinking and communication skills I acquired through my study of history has helped me bring a unique perspective to my work. That historical perspective also helps keep me going in tough times, and reminds me to appreciate all the opportunity available today that simply didn't exist in the past.
I'm a social studies education major with an emphasis on history and I'm in my last semester of my college career. Some further thoughts from someone with experience in this field. I would not give up the things I learned in history courses for anything. To me history is a way to learn about the past to understand the present. If you are interested in social justice, politics or contemporary issues, a history degree at a good school will give you the skills needed to develop a critical consciousness. I highly reccomend pairing history with sociology. I am a very politically minded person and super interested in understanding social issues and history is an amazing path to understanding issues as well as being able to craft arguments to support solutions.
I am also a history education guy in my last semester and although I am probably much more politically conservative than you, I agree with the sentiment that the knowledge and SKILLS of history are invaluable for engaging the world around you. I wish you the best in your classroom as well, interesting times we live in and all.
I loved the point about placing facts in context! For me, remembering the importance of contextualizing information rather than its rigid memorization helped me a lot with my history studies this year. My professors structured their courses to encourage us to draw connections between different events, and rather than seeing the memorization as inane preparation for exams, it allowed me to understand the significance of studying specific dates and situations to place them in wider understandings.
07:53 For would-be librarians: If you do not want to hit the glass ceiling early on in your career, you will also need an MLS or MLIS (Master's in Library and Information Science) from a program accredited by the ALA (American Library Association).
+
Working in a library will be a dead career in less than 10 years. Change your career.
As an anthropology/ history major, I can agree pursuing a double major was by far the best choice I ever made in college. Now I am starting grad school in the fall with hopes of becoming a historical archeologist. Likewise, I am hoping to study the contact/ colonial period of Mississippi and the southeast.
Studying history is the study of people's decisions and events in the past via documentation. We can use this knowledge to understand how previous civilizations, governments, cultures, religions, and technologies flourished and failed and detect patterns that impact us today. For example, a history major might research how Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal helped revitalize America's economy in order to come up with ideas on how to deal with the nationwide financial collapse. As a history major, you can expect to put your reading, researching, and writing skills to good use. Successful history majors are well-organized, fast and efficient readers with good study habits and a passion for learning details.
History majors tend to be people who are interested in the war stories and cultures of our forefathers. Most history majors do not go on to become historians, but they have many opportunities in their careers to use the invaluable skills they learned. Successful history majors focus more on contextualizing historical events and relating them to current problems. Well-organized study habits are essential for this field and will help keep you from falling behind. As of 2022, salaries for history majors can range from around thirty thousand dollars per year after graduating with a bachelor's degree.
Some jobs will require special training or education. For example, if you want to be a college history professor, you'll need to go to graduate school. You might need special document and archive training for some museum jobs.
I love these videos!! Thank you so much for this series! My plan is to study medieval religious texts so I am taking classes in religious studies, history, and English. Watching these videos is fun to see how the disciplines crossover.
That should be very interesting! I hope you enjoy learning Latin, if it's anything like Ancient Greek it will be very challenging but rewarding.
@@jaredmoore8839 Yes, I love languages and am looking forward to it!
I think that my study habits are going to be the hardest thing I deal with in my degree.
Just out of curiosity what degree are you studying
@@luisandrade2254 Got accepted for History in September. Maybe Communications, but I haven't heard back from that school yet.
@@nickkester4486 history is more reading intensive and communication is more assignment intensive. Surprisingly they open roughly the same doors with some obvious exceptions
I'm graduating from the college of Idaho in a couple days with a History degree. I don't have particularly good study habits, but I make sure that I do all my reading. If you are a strong reader then you will be in a good spot. Remember that for most of your readings, it is better to read twice than to read at a snails pace. Like the video said, try to contextualize whatever you are reading so it is meaningful and rewarding.
Just finished my freshman year at UofSC, I’m majoring in history!! I know I’ve just gotten started but I couldn’t imagine majoring in anything else!
Good luck on your journey! Looking back I can't imagine having done anything besides history.
Thank you for making this great video! I majored in history and I’m currently in a job as an Executive Vice President of Operations. I attribute my abilities at work directly to the work I put in to get a history major. This video is a great reminder to me.
That's awesome! We love to showcase how the skills you learn in your major can be applied in a variety of careers, than you for sharing your experience!
Gotta love studying how things came together 😁
To be frank, I would not trade my history degree for anything but it also is not how I make a living. After completing a history and political science double major, I went on to law school (an expensive and complicated proposition which I will not get in to here), and now earn a comfortable living from the practice of law. I recognize that a history degree would not have given me the kind of income and life style I aspired to. But it was very valuable to me nevertheless. I learned how to write well, how to conduct involved academic and library research of a sort that continues to be relevant to me today, and because I enjoyed what I studied so much I earned a GPA that catapulted me into further education. I don't make a living directly from it, but it was an important foundation for much of what I did later with my life. Also, I know for many people a history major, or minor, or at least history classes, balanced out the drudgery (and lower GPA if that matters to you) of a second higher rate of return major.
My feelings about choosing a history major are complicated. My first job out of undergrad which I held briefly before going to law school sucked. Had I not planned to take on further studies, a privilege and option that not everyone will have, I think I would have been left in a situation that I would not have been happy in. Meanwhile my friends and siblings got jobs right out of undergrad that gave them significantly more money than mine ever could have. But because I loved what I studied so much, I think I engaged in my studies with an intensity that most undergrad students don't, and developed skills that continue to serve me well. So no regrets, 4 out of 5 stars.
Khan Academy's World History Project Origins and 1750 courses feature videos by none other than Crash Course: John Green's World History series! So what if y'all at Study Hall connected with Khan Academy team to feature this video in the opening units of their history courses? Showing students possible paths after studying history is super-helpful.
I graduated with a major in History (specifically American Southern History) and a minor in political science. I originally intended to teach high school history but make it more engaging and interesting for the majority if possible. Thought the political science aspect with help with getting hired. However, with one semester left in college, I took an internship with state parks in TN and fell in love. The degree itself has been able to help me explain dense readings and laws to guests/visitors/coworkers in a more explained way, whether about historical events I’m demonstrating or laws/policies we have to follow. It was incredibly useful for me but don’t be afraid to try any internship that presents itself (if financially reasonable of course). You never know what you might stumble upon
I did my mayor (“licenciatura” in México) on History.
Finding work is almost impossible, and teaching is bad paid. I was lucky to find a job where I can deploy my skills. And I’m looking forward to make a doctorate (Not for economic reasons but for the joy of studying and researching).
"I majored in history" - "So you're broke" - "Yes".
Better become broke then to not have a history degree. You can be come a entrepreneur and be a historian at the sametime if you wish.
yea I understand the financial hit I took from my major but wouldn't change it if I went back tbh...would have tried to take extra econ classes maybe tho as I really grew to like economic history while doing my degree and I'm now in the process of getting an MBA
Waiting for a Fast Guide for a Statistics major. 🤞
Please double check the date given for invention of the wheel. It seems to be off by thousands of years. 0:41
that's what i was thinking.
Will you do one of these about physiology, anatomy, or kinesiology? I don't even know for sure if any of those are majors but I imagine there is a lot of demand for PTs and other body/movement related fields
Mostly people who go into those fields will likely major in biology or biochemistry, and I agree, these would be very interesting topics to cover
Edit: I think you actually can major in kinesiology is some places
What about if I don't care about the present, or at least applying the knowledge to it
Please will you do one for Computer Science or Mathematics.
We got you Kyle. Computer Science will publish in early July.
I want to be a history and public health major. I might want to minor in English or international relations idk yet.
Can you remo0ve/change that sound effect?
If one wants to study history and save money, go to your local library and study for free. Why should one waste money on going to college for a degree in history?
All those job she listed at the end you need a graduate degree to enter with the exception of teacher, there all you need is special certification almost always. Just sayin!!!
I saw the numbers towards the end and checked out. That being said, I might do history as my minor.
Sorry but "History is the reason we exist" sounds strange to me. Exist in what sense? I guess I'm more of a philosophy guy
Hmm I guess the reason why we exist in the place and position we are in now?
Thanks for the responses, let me counter-argue that point: the reason I am the way I am is different than the reason I exist, because those are different concepts.
You are overthinking it. It juts means that we came from somewhere. and that somewhere is in the past. Hence history
Do comms
A History degree is a massive mistake. Non-STEM courses are for minors or double majors only. Don't even think of it unless you are top in field and singularly focused on teaching or being unemployed.
History major, btw.
I'm sure the job market is not accepting as it might be for stem majors, but that is a poor reflection on the market and capitalism, not the major of history. The humanities reflect their namesake, to deny their importance denies what makes us human.
An incredibly misguided take, bro. Your college major shouldn’t be dictated solely by how profitable it will be. Over saturation of STEM fields will undoubtedly lessen the value of certain STEM careers in the near future. Furthermore, knowledge of history has a certain personal fulfillment (for those who find it engaging) that can’t be measured in monetary worth, and to think that your education only serves to get you a high-paying career misses much of the personal growth implicit in studying a discipline that interests you.
If we lose the humanities, I’ll be very sad for the world my kids grow up in.
People stating that your degree's ROI shouldn't matter and that it's the fault of market capitalism will be crying for their overpriced degree's debt to paid off by someone else.
You exist within the system, you should make smart choices toward your survival and well-being. A degree without market prospect or pay isn't a good choice.
I agree it's great for a secondary major.
They should end Federal backing for non-stem major student loans. Cost of humanities degrees would plummet overnight, ROI on degrees taken would skyrocket