History always involves asking how we can make sense of complex situations in which the relation between origins and results, intentions and consequences, is not immediately evident, and in which we have to search near and far for the answers to our questions. That kind of openness to research and awareness of the complexity of events is exactly what decision-making in business, government, law, journalism, and other fields often requires. And they have to read critically, not only to follow arguments but to measure the distance between the purposes of an author and the meaning of his text. Historians research and analyze the past. Biographers collect detailed information on individuals.
Genealogists trace family histories.
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.