Marcia Said:

Is it difficult to get a teaching job right after getting your PhD in history?

We Answered:

It is indeed difficult to get a job right out of a PhD program, but if you are any good, your dissertation advisor (and committee) will help you through the process.

The job market is not good because there is a glut of PhDs, and not enough openings. However, that being said, there are some fields in history that are more open than others. In the US, American history / American studies is usually open to some extent. Also, it is predicted that the market will open up soon because so many Baby Boomers will be retiring, and students are attending college in higher and higher numbers.

You also asked what PhDs do when they don't get a job right away. Well, they mostly adjunct (which is difficult, and underpaid), but sometimes they just take any job available until they find a suitable position. Many folks manage to find a community college job, or a one-year position, and they keep taking these until they secure a solid tenure-track position.

Bottom line: if you are considering doctoral-level study, you must realize that you'll never be rich, you'll never get to choose where you live, and you may have a year or two after you receive your degree when you are having a hard time making a living. So unless you are completely passionate about your studies, and cannot imagine doing anything else with your life, you might want to reconsider your goals.

Dolores Said:

If I got a degree in education emphasis in history what else could I use it for besides teaching?

We Answered:

Many people that leave teaching go into the business field, being able to converse with others on many topics is always a good thing. Some educators go to work for publishing company's and your background would be helpful there also.

Jonathan Said:

Will it be hard to find a job teaching world history?

We Answered:

Unfortunately there is not a great demand for history teachers in most places. And I am not sure how much history is taught at 2 year colleges. My daughter did a four year degree in history because she loved it, but followed my advice and did a double major - history and psychology. She is using her psychology degree for her career and her history major continues to give her lots of food for thought and to stimulate her mind. Try to widen your options a little if you can. But if you really want to teach history I am sure you will find a job doing that, though it may take some perseverence and a willingness to be transient for a while. You may need to do a number of term replacements and so on. Best of luck, whatever you decide.

Nelson Said:

I am currently searching job teaching history in Houston. Should I take the Social Studies 8-12 content exam?

We Answered:

you can never have too many certifications.

Felix Said:

What jobs outside of teaching are available with a history degree?

We Answered:

You can be the editor, since there is not enough journalists with good knowledge of history. Find a job in business magazine, so you can find many useful links.