Timeless Value of a Degree in History
A degree in history provides the foundation for a wide range of career opportunities. In addition, Scranton’s history curriculum is intentionally designed for students to be able to pursue a double major in another area of interest. Scranton also hosts high school students from across Pennsylvania for the state’s National History Day competition, as well as for Pennsylvania Region 2 competition (pictured here).According to The University of Scranton’s First Destination survey for the Class of 2020, the average starting salary of Scranton history graduates 12 months after graduating was $40,600.
History degrees remain in demand due to the various transferable skills emphasized in the program including, writing, verbal and interpersonal communication, research, analysis and critical thinking.
A degree in history provides the foundation for a wide range of career opportunities ranging from law to medicine and more. Examples of successful individuals who have earned degrees in history include Conan O’Brian, Chris Hughes and the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden.
Scranton’s Bachelor of Arts degree in history prepares students for various post-graduate opportunities including higher education, teaching assistantships, public service work or employment in both the public and private sectors. Scranton’s department of history has produced five Fulbright Scholars in the past decade.
With proximity to various Lackawanna County historical organizations, including the Lackawanna Historical Society and Steamtown National Historic Site, students can get hands-on learning experiences and immerse themselves in the region’s role in American history.
Additional opportunities for independent research are built into the program. Undergraduate student research is frequently submitted for publication or presented at conferences.
Those interested in traveling will find multiple travel abroad courses within the department to places like Italy, Germany, England and the Navajo Nation in Arizona. Students looking to study abroad can do so within the department as well.
Recent Scranton graduates have been admitted to prestigious schools such as Boston College, Cornell University, Georgetown University, a Yale University. Organizations that employ Scranton history graduates include ABC News, Chase Manhattan Bank, the Office of the Attorney General, Paine Weber and the U.S. Military.
