History

WHY STUDY HISTORY

Historians enrich our awareness through scholarly research and thoughtful analysis. Using documents, oral traditions, material culture, audio-visual data, and other sources, they ask questions that probe beyond simple answers. In the process, they help to explain cultures and peoples, political and economic systems, ideas and issues, and conflict and change to help us understand the complexities of the human experience, both in the past and the present. Studying History develops students’ critical thinking skills and enhances their ability to question, research, argue, understand, and communicate. All of these skills are vital in enabling them to succeed in a wide range of careers and to participate in the life of the world around them as informed citizens.

CAREERS

The strong research, analytical, and communication skills, along with the cultural awareness that History teaches, are valued by employers widely. Therefore graduates follow a broad range of career paths, with business, the public service, creative industries, and non-governmental organizations being common realms where they find work. As well, a certain number of History graduates move into careers in museums, historic sites, and the broader heritage sector. Many individuals with a BA in History continue their education in masters’ and other graduate programs or seek professional training in faculties such as law, education, and information studies.

CAREER RESOURCES

With the introduction of the History BA in 2012, the Department of History will organize events to help students understand the career and post-graduate educational choices ahead of them so they can prepare themselves to compete effectively in seeking to achieve their goals. Beyond the department, the Faculty of Arts has a career counsellor who provides both individual and group advice, and who arranges workshops and other services related to career and educational development for its students. To visit the Faculty of Arts Career Counselling Services, please click here.

Beyond the faculty level, the university also provides career support to students. To visit the Ryerson University Career Development and Employment Centre, please click here.