BA, iBA, offered by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Are you captivated by the events, cultures, and societies that have shaped our world? The Specialized Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in History offers an in-depth exploration of diverse historical periods and themes, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the past and its influence on the present. Engage with experienced faculty members who actively research and publish in various historical fields, such as social history, political movements, and cultural transformations. This program equips you with critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, preparing you for a dynamic career in history and related disciplines.
Career Options in History (BA Specialized Honours)
Here are just some of the career options related to this major. As all degrees offer transferable skills, some jobs are more closely linked to this field, than others. Check Canada’s Job Bank for regional requirements.
- Academic Researcher
- Activist
- Archivist
- Conservator
- Consumer Advocate
- Curator
- Editor
- Event Coordinator
- Foreign Correspondent
- Foreign Service Officer
- Fundraiser
- Government Administrator
- Heritage Coordinator
- Historian
- Historical Researcher
- Institutional Researcher
- Labour Relations Specialist
- Lawyer
- Legal Secretary
- Legislative Aid
- Librarian
- Lobbyist
- Market Research Analyst
- Marketing Specialist
- Media Correspondent
- Mediator
- Museum Education Officer
- Non-profit Sector Administrator
- Paralegal
- Policy Advisor
- Political Advisor
- Politician
- Population Studies Analyst
- Professor
- Public Policy Analyst
- Public Relations Specialist
- Secondary School Teacher
- Writer
Some career choices may require further education, such as graduate studies or professional courses and exams. For detailed career descriptions and specific requirements, please check Canada’s Job Bank.
Entry-Level Positions History (BA Specialized Honours)
An undergraduate degree is typically sufficient for these positions, though some locations may require additional qualifications. For region-specific information, please check Canada’s Job Bank.
- Archivist Assistant
- Assistant Curator
- Editorial Assistant
- Event Coordinator
- Historical Interpreter
- Junior Researcher
- Legislative Assistant
- Library Assistant
- Museum Assistant
- Policy Research Assistant
- Public Relations Assistant
- Records Manager
- Research Assistant
- Social Media Coordinator
- Teaching Assistant
- Tour Guide
For career descriptions, visit Canada’s Job Bank. Some occupations may also be found on Career Cruising; for login information, navigate to the Career Centre’s homepage in Experience York.
Skills Developed through a Degree in History (BA Specialized Honours)
Core Skills
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to critically evaluate historical events and their impacts.
- Research Proficiency: Expertise in gathering, assessing, and synthesizing information from various sources.
- Contextual Understanding: Comprehending the social, cultural, and political contexts of different time periods.
- Ethical Reasoning: Applying ethical considerations to historical interpretations and contemporary issues.
Communication, Data Gathering, and Organizational Skills
- Effective Communication: Articulating complex ideas clearly in both written and oral forms.
- Data Management: Organizing and interpreting historical data and records.
- Critical Analysis: Evaluating sources for credibility, bias, and relevance.
- Project Planning: Managing research projects from inception to completion.
Management and Teamwork Skills
- Collaboration: Working effectively in diverse teams to achieve common goals.
- Leadership: Guiding discussions and projects with informed perspectives.
- Adaptability: Adjusting to new information and changing historical interpretations.
- Time Management: Prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines efficiently.
Professional Associations
Professional associations offer valuable insights into qualifications, industry trends, and career opportunities. They provide networking events, workshops, mentorship programs, and internships, as well as job boards and career development resources. Additionally, some associations offer professional licensing and regulatory oversight.
- Canadian Historical Association (CHA): Promotes the study and understanding of Canadian history through research, advocacy, and fostering scholarly communication.
- Ontario Historical Society (CHA): Preserves and promotes Ontario's history through advocacy, education, and the support of local historical organizations.
- American Historical Association (AHA): As the leading professional association for historians in the United States, the AHA serves as a hub for information on jobs, careers, and employment in the historical discipline.
- Organization of American Historians (OAH): The largest professional society dedicated to the teaching and study of American history, offering resources and conferences for historians.
- World History Association (WHA): Promotes the study of global history through publications, conferences, and teaching resources.
- National Council on Public History (NCPH): Focuses on bringing history to public audiences, providing professional development and networking opportunities.