Historians study past societies for change and continuity over time. Every generation of historians has a duty to reexamine the major questions of the past. Historians glean their lessons to prepare us all for a better present and a brighter future. NJCU’s History Programs are committed to promoting equity and social justice and offer a well rounded curriculum in U.S. and world history as well as contemporary issues. Students may take either in-person or online courses depending on their needs.

History graduates do extremely well in today’s job market. The NJCU History Programs train students with useful skills from day one. At different course levels, students learn how to develop questions and plan investigations, apply disciplinary concepts and tools, gather, evaluate, and use evidence, and work collaboratively to communicate conclusions (C3 Framework, 2013). A degree in history can be a great foundation for many lucrative careers. Employers value the knowledge and skills of history majors and utilize them to perform a wide array of professions (see Figure 1). Thus, a bachelor's degree in history is a general admission ticket to career success. According to ZipRecruiter, the median salary of a history major in 2023 was $62,115 or about $30 an hour. Top earners within the 90th percentile earned an average of $105,500 annually. With additional professional study, many history majors enter the specialized fields of education, law, journalism, library science, museum curation, and archival work. In business and government, history majors are valued as public relations specialists, advertising executives, business analysts, and researchers.

Philosophy challenges students to think deeply, question established norms, and develop a unique perspective on life, ethics, and society. As well as preparing you for a wide number of jobs, it is a pathway to a successful, thoughtful, and fulfilling life. The skills and insights gained are invaluable, enriching both personal development and professional success. To learn about all the reasons you might study philosophy, explore the resources collected by the American Philosophical Association in their ‘Why Study Philosophy?’ page. Here are just a few.

Philosophers get jobs

Philosophy majors are employable across various sectors. Their training in critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication equips them for diverse roles in law, business, education, and public service. And contrary to common stereotypes, they earn healthy salaries, with a median mid-career salary of approximately $81,000. See the Payscale date for further information on salaries. For more insights into the employability of philosophy majors, you can explore articles from Business Insider and Huffington Post.

Philosophers excel at postgraduate exams

Philosophy students consistently outperform their peers in standardized tests like the GMAT, LSAT, and GRE used in the admission processes for Law Schools, Graduate Management Program, and other Postgraduate Degree Programs. The analytical and critical thinking skills honed through their studies give them a distinct edge. For more information on how philosophy majors perform on standardized tests, visit Daily Nous and Northern Michigan University's resource.

Philosophers are leaders

Philosophy students have gone on to become leaders in the arts, politics, businesses and more. Here are a few examples: 

1. Reid Hoffman: As the co-founder of LinkedIn, Reid Hoffman's background in philosophy has been instrumental in shaping his approach to business and networking. Hoffman's philosophy-influenced business strategies are detailed in profiles like this one from Wired.
2. Angela Davis: A prominent political activist and scholar, Angela Davis's study of philosophy has deeply influenced her work in social justice and civil rights. Davis's life and philosophical influence are explored in various biographies and articles, such as this profile by The Guardian.
3. Martin Luther King Jr.: The civil rights leader's philosophical studies, particularly in ethics and theology, profoundly shaped his approach to nonviolent resistance and social activism. His philosophical influences are detailed in resources like this article from Stanford's King Institute.

To learn more about the many philosophy students who have become leaders in their fields, see Who Studies Philosophy? by the APA