How long does a Bachelor's Degree in History last? Where can you work?

Do you know how a degree in history works and how this type of academic degree works?

If this is a path you want to follow in the future, let's look at more details about this type of teaching, how it works and especially how many years it lasts.

What is a bachelor's degree?

A bachelor's degree is a type of academic degree granted by higher education institutions, which can be universities or faculties.

To finish, it is necessary to successfully complete a study program related to a certain area, which in this case would be history. 

Bachelor's degree courses are focused on offering a curricular base with a focus on the pedagogical training of a professional, making them qualified to teach about the area in question or discipline.

During the course, the student will take classes, participate in practical activities, do research and internships to be able to learn by working in their field.

There are several types of degrees, covering different academic areas, such as science, humanities, arts, engineering, medicine, law, economics, among others.

With the diploma received by the undergraduate student, he or she can have several opportunities in his or her professional career related to his or her field of activity.

Difference between bachelor's degree and licentiate degree

Like a bachelor's degree, a bachelor's degree is a type of academic degree offered by higher education institutions.

And even though they are both higher education degrees, they have significant differences.

A bachelor's degree is a type of education that seeks to provide students with broad and in-depth knowledge in a specific area of study.

The course's approach is more comprehensive and theoretical, exploring different aspects of the chosen field, bringing theoretical and technical knowledge.

While the degree is aimed at training teachers and educators, focusing on pedagogy, teaching methodologies and practices to be used in the classroom.

The Bachelor's Degree in History

Now that we know what a degree is and how it differs from a bachelor's degree, we can now talk about the degree course in history.

This is an academic training that will prepare future teachers to teach elementary and high school students.

It combines in-depth study of History with learning teaching methods, pedagogy and educational practices.

The professional in this area will be able to transmit historical knowledge through critical analysis, research and good communication practices.

How long does a degree in history last?

The undergraduate degree in history is a higher education course for teacher training, it lasts on average 4 years and can be found in several educational institutions in Brazil.

In these 4 years of course, the degree is divided into 8 semesters, but the duration may vary depending on the college or university where you are studying.

Where can professionals in this field work?

Professionals with a degree in history can work in a number of areas, the main one being as a History Teacher in public or private schools.

The position of history teacher can be obtained through interviews, in the case of private schools, or in public schools through competitions held by the municipality or state.

You can also teach in higher education, such as teacher of history in courses such as Museology, Architecture and Urban Planning and History.

It can also work with historical research, as a historian of various subjects. This type of profession is generally carried out in conjunction with museums, institutes and universities.

Another area in which a graduate in history can work is in consulting and advisory in public and private bodies and companies.

Historians will be able to work in cultural management also, in positions in museums, theaters, cultural organizations and cultural centers.

They can also work in the area of journalism, working as journalists or researchers, in newspapers, magazines, television and the internet.

Finally, historians will also be able to work in the area of tourism, such as guides, researchers or consultants. Positions are generally available in travel agencies, tourism agencies and public bodies.

How much does a history graduate earn?

As we can see, professionals with a degree in history can work in different areas and positions, and each position has a different minimum wage, or average.

Let's look at the average salary according to data taken from Glassdoor based on the remuneration indicated in institutions in Brazil:

• History teacher – from R$1,800 to R$5,093;
• Historian – R$3.714;
• Tourist guide – R$18 thousand to R$36 thousand;
• Librarian – R$1.566 to R$5.080;
• Museologist – R$4.452 to R$8.535;
• Archivist – R$1,600 to R$6,000;
• Cultural Manager – R$4.253 to R$9.111;
• Cultural Mediator – R$2.174;
• Cultural Assistant R$1.718 to R$3.781.

These are just some of the positions that the professional can work in, but the value and title of the position will vary according to the region and the type of company in which they are working.

What do you learn in a degree in history?

The curriculum for the degree in history includes theoretical and practical subjects that aim to train professionals to work as teachers.

Among the subjects that we can find in the course, we have:

• Ancient history;
• Didactics;
• Fundamentals of education;
• Education, culture and diversity;
• Educational psychology;
• Brazilian historiography;
• Research practice in education;
• Regional history;
• History of Portuguese America;
• Medieval History;
• Heritage, Museums and Archives;
• Educational Practices in Non-School Spaces;
• Production and Analysis of Teaching Material;
• Trajectories and Perspectives of History Teaching.

The type of subject and curriculum you may take during your undergraduate degree in history may vary depending on the educational institution you are studying at.

The course offers a wide range of subjects covering different historical and cultural periods and significant events for the world.

Students will also learn to analyze historical sources, interpret past events, and understand the contexts that have shaped societies throughout history.

After completing a degree in history, professionals can follow different career paths, as mentioned above, whether in communications, pedagogy or the cultural sector.