Historians today also practice their discipline in a variety of careers, as well as, in more traditional settings. Those historians who work in museums, archives, government agencies, historic preservations, businesses, contract history firms, cultural resource management firms, and historic sites are known as public historians because they use their skills as historians to serve a public audience. Students enrolled in the History Program develop strong research, writing, analytical, computer and oral communication skills. They develop abilities to solve problems and do independent research. In addition, they are able to see problems in perspective.
History easily combines as a second major or a minor.
Practicum, internships, and other forms of individual study are available to all students who are both interested and qualified. Students are encouraged to submit their research projects to regional and national competitions. For example, students interested in contemporary history compete for Marshall undergraduate scholarships sponsored by the George C. Marshall Library in Lexington. Winning students engage in original research using the primary collections at the Marshall Library. They are supervised by JMU faculty and the Marshall staff and their final papers are deposited permanently at the Marshall archives.