History at Drake University

Drake University's History program offers a solid liberal arts education, equipping students with highly transferable skills in critical thinking, research, and communication. While the median earnings for History majors nationally hover around $60,000-$70,000 mid-career, the specific ROI at Drake depends on individual career choices and potential further education. The cost of attendance at Drake should be weighed against these potential earnings and the value placed on the analytical skills developed. Graduates often find success in fields like law, policy, journalism, and business, but may need graduate degrees or strategic internships to maximize earning potential. The program's value lies significantly in its ability to foster adaptable thinkers, rather than direct vocational training.

A History degree from Drake University opens doors to a variety of careers. Graduates are well-suited for roles such as Archivist or Museum Curator (often requiring graduate study), where they manage and interpret historical materials. Policy Analyst positions in government or non-profits leverage research and analytical skills to inform decision-making. Journalism and editing roles benefit from strong writing and research abilities. Other common paths include Paralegal, Market Research Analyst, Political Campaign Staffer, Public Relations Specialist, and roles in education administration or non-profit management. Many graduates also pursue law school or other graduate programs, leading to careers as attorneys or academics.

Nationally, Bachelor's degree holders in History typically see varied earning potential. Entry-level salaries might range from $40,000 to $55,000 annually. With experience, mid-career professionals (10-15 years) can expect to earn between $65,000 and $90,000. Senior-level positions, particularly those involving management, policy leadership, or requiring advanced degrees (like law), can exceed $100,000. It's important to note that these figures are averages and can be significantly influenced by the specific industry, geographic location, additional certifications, and whether the graduate pursues further education, such as a Master's or Doctoral degree.

The History program at Drake University cultivates a robust set of skills highly valued by employers. Core competencies include critical thinking, enabling students to evaluate evidence and arguments rigorously. You'll develop strong research skills, learning to locate, assess, and synthesize information from diverse sources. Excellent written and oral communication abilities are honed through essay writing, presentations, and debates. Graduates gain a deep understanding of historical context, crucial for analyzing current events and complex problems. Furthermore, the program fosters problem-solving capabilities as students grapple with multifaceted historical issues and learn to construct coherent narratives and arguments.

Yes, there is demand for History graduates, though not always in narrowly defined 'historian' roles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects moderate growth for related occupations like Archivists (11% growth), Market Research Analysts (13% growth), and Paralegals (12% growth). The demand stems from the transferable skills history majors possess: critical analysis, research proficiency, and effective communication. Industries increasingly recognize the value of employees who can understand context, synthesize complex information, and articulate findings clearly. While direct historian roles may be limited, the analytical toolkit provided by a history degree is applicable across government, law, business, education, and non-profit sectors.

Drake University's History program, with its specific focus and likely smaller cohort size (16 annual completions), may offer more personalized attention and faculty interaction compared to larger, more generalized programs. Nationally, the median earnings for History majors are generally moderate, often requiring further education to reach higher salary brackets. Drake's program likely emphasizes the liberal arts tradition, fostering critical thinking and communication skills that are universally valued. While specific program outcomes vary, Drake's location in Iowa and its specific curriculum will shape graduate opportunities differently than programs in major metropolitan areas or those with stronger ties to specific research fields. Prospective students should compare Drake's curriculum, research opportunities, and internship support against other institutions.

Admission requirements for the History program at Drake University are generally aligned with Drake's overall undergraduate admission standards. Prospective students typically need to submit high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT, though many universities are test-optional), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Specific prerequisite coursework in high school often includes English, social studies, and mathematics. While there isn't usually a separate GPA or course requirement specifically for the History major itself beyond general university admission, a strong academic record demonstrates the preparedness needed for rigorous university-level study. Interested students should consult Drake's official admissions website for the most current and detailed requirements, including application deadlines and any specific portfolio or interview expectations.