Kara Sears
History and law are both disciplines that require critical thinking, analysis, and research skills. While a law degree doesn't necessarily qualify you to teach history, it does provide a solid foundation for a career in education. Many law graduates pursue alternative careers and a number of lawyers have expressed interest in teaching history. In some cases, a law degree can be advantageous for a career in history education, as it can provide valuable skills in critical analysis and research. However, it is important to note that additional qualifications, such as a teaching certification or a master's degree in history, may be required to teach at the post-secondary level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History as a preparation for law school | History hones valuable and transferable skills for law school, including critical thinking, factual analysis and reasoning, reading, researching, essay writing, and critical analyzing. |
| History as a career | A history degree can lead to various careers, including teaching, law, and other professions. |
| Law as a career | A law degree can also lead to various careers, including teaching law, government jobs, public interest work, consulting, and regulatory work. |
| Teaching as a career | Teaching can be a rewarding career, offering opportunities for creativity and impact, but it may come with challenges such as low pay, long hours, and stress. |
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What You'll Learn
Transferable skills from a history degree
A History degree is a versatile qualification that can lead to various career paths, including teaching, research, archiving, and heritage, as well as less obvious careers like publishing, retail, accountancy, and management consultancy. This is because history graduates develop a wide range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers.
Firstly, history students develop excellent written and verbal communication skills. They learn to assimilate and analyse large amounts of data, evaluating both primary and secondary sources, and drawing connections between different concepts and ideas. This fosters intellectual rigour and the ability to construct and communicate arguments and findings.
Secondly, history degrees require strong organisational and time management skills. Students must balance multiple deadlines, often alongside part-time work, and keep track of extensive notes from various modules and projects.
Thirdly, history students become adept at problem-solving. They learn to apply their analytical skills to various situations and develop a sense of social responsibility, understanding the intersections of race, gender, class, economy, military, religion, and urban studies.
Additionally, history graduates possess valuable research skills. They can thoroughly investigate a topic, consider multiple perspectives, and pursue independent research projects. They also gain proficiency in using relevant tools, such as Microsoft Office, Excel, and even coding and digital mark-up if they delve into Digital Humanities.
Overall, a History degree equips individuals with a diverse skill set, enabling them to enter a wide range of careers and apply their knowledge and abilities in real-world settings.
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History as a route to law school
History is a common route into law school, as it helps develop the skills required for the LSAT exams. These include analytical skills, research skills, and writing skills. Studying history also helps develop critical thinking, memory training, and the ability to present arguments, all of which are important for a career in law.
While some may argue that social sciences, humanities, and business disciplines are not good majors for law school, history is a common way in because it covers a range of skills that are useful for a legal career. It is important to note that simply having a history degree will not be enough to get you into law school; you will also need to put in the time and effort to develop the necessary skills and knowledge.
There are various routes to becoming a lawyer, and studying law at university is not the only option. Many people study other subjects at university, such as history, and then complete a conversion course after their undergraduate degree. This allows them to develop a range of skills and knowledge that can be useful in a legal career.
For example, at Harvard Law School, there was a required first-year course in legal history called the "Development of Law and Legal Institutions" from 1963 to 1970. The course aimed to provide students with an understanding of the Anglo-American legal tradition and the development of the American judiciary as an institution in the democratic system. While the course was unpopular with students and was removed from the curriculum in 1970, it demonstrates that history can be a valuable component of legal education.
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History graduates in the legal profession
History graduates possess a variety of skills that are useful in the legal profession. These include the ability to think critically, read and comprehend large amounts of information, conduct research, and communicate effectively. History graduates make up a significant proportion of law school applicants and practicing lawyers in the United States. For example, of the sixteen United States Supreme Court justices appointed in the past fifty years, five were history majors as undergraduates.
The legal profession has a strong affinity for history. Lawyers, judges, and legal scholars frequently cite historical evidence and make historical arguments. This is because law is largely about reconstructing past events and establishing an interpretation of those events. History provides authority and legitimacy to legal arguments and allows them to be grounded in tradition and precedent.
The study of history also equips individuals with the necessary skills for success in law school and the legal profession. These include analytical skills that are useful for exams and the ability to conduct research and write effectively, which are essential once law school begins.
The history of the legal profession itself is fascinating and provides insight into the development of the profession and the role of lawyers in society. In Western Europe, the legal profession declined during the Dark Ages, re-emerging in the 12th and 13th centuries with experts on canon law. The profession became regulated and extended its reach to civil and ecclesiastical law. The first individuals who could be considered lawyers in the modern sense were the orators of ancient Rome, who were allowed to practice and charge fees by Emperor Claudius.
In conclusion, history graduates possess many transferable skills that are advantageous in the legal profession. The study of history provides a strong foundation for success in law school and the profession. Additionally, the legal profession has a close relationship with history, often relying on historical evidence and arguments. Finally, understanding the history of the legal profession provides valuable context for the role and responsibilities of lawyers.
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History degree vs law degree salaries
While a degree in history can be a good stepping stone to law school, there are differences in the salaries associated with each degree. History graduates tend to take longer to find employment, but they typically earn high salaries compared to the national average. The average salary for history majors sits between $55,000 and $68,000 per year, with the top earners making $94,213 and the bottom 20% earning closer to $31,935. The median graduate salary is $54,852, and the typical early career salary is $29,787, increasing to an average of $47,582 within five years of graduation.
On the other hand, law school graduates can expect a wide range of starting salaries, from a low of $50,000 to as high as $205,000. The median first-year salary at law firms with 100 or fewer lawyers is $155,000, while larger firms with 501 to 700 lawyers offer a median starting salary of $200,000. The geographical location also impacts the salary, with 11 cities and metro regions, including New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., offering a median starting salary of $215,000.
While the salaries for law school graduates are generally higher, it is important to consider the cost of living in different areas. A lower salary in a city with a lower cost of living may provide a better standard of living than a higher salary in a more expensive city. Additionally, the legal market has been strong in recent years, with lawyer salaries increasing regardless of employer size or sector.
Both degrees offer lucrative career paths, but it is essential to consider factors beyond salary when making a decision. The choice between pursuing a history degree or a law degree depends on individual interests, career goals, and other personal factors.
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History teaching qualifications
The American Board's History Teacher Certification program is designed for career changers who want to transition into teaching without returning to school or taking on loan debt. The program can be completed in less than a year and covers both United States and World History. It includes online study materials, practice exams, final exams, and support services.
To earn the American Board History Teacher Certification, individuals must hold a bachelor's degree or higher and submit their transcripts. They must also pass a standard background check, the PTK exam, and the American Board History exam. The PTK exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and a writing component, while the History exam covers both United States and World History topics.
In addition to the American Board's program, some states may have their own certification requirements. For example, the state of Arkansas requires individuals wishing to teach history in high school to pass the Secondary Social Studies PRAXIS II exam. It is important to research the specific requirements for the state and education level you are interested in teaching in.
While a master's degree in history is not always required, it can be beneficial for those seeking to teach the subject. A master's degree demonstrates a higher level of qualification and passion for the subject matter. It also provides a deeper understanding of the content, making it easier to teach and facilitate student learning. Additionally, administrators and peers often view teachers with master's degrees as more valuable assets.
Overall, the qualifications to teach history vary depending on the state and educational level. A bachelor's degree or higher is typically required, with some states offering specific certification programs. A master's degree in history can also be advantageous, providing additional qualifications and demonstrating a strong foundation in the subject matter.
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Frequently asked questions
While a law degree can help you teach history at the university level, it does not qualify you to teach history at the school level. You would need to obtain a teaching qualification or a postgraduate degree in history to teach the subject at school.
The qualifications needed to teach history at a school vary depending on the region and the level of schooling. In most states, you do not need an education degree to teach history at the junior high or high school level, but you would typically need at least a bachelor's degree in history or a related field.
Yes, it is possible to teach history at the university level with a law degree. Obtaining a law degree, along with relevant experience and a good network, can help you secure a teaching position at a law school or history department. However, it is important to note that full-time faculty positions at universities are highly competitive, and additional qualifications such as a master's or PhD in history may be advantageous.
