Economic history is a graduate-level field, so anyone interested in pursuing it should plan on enrolling in a graduate program. A suitable undergraduate degree is usually required for admission to a graduate program in economic history, though students with exceptional life histories may be granted some leeway. Economic historians typically work for governments, businesses, or academia after graduation, though specific qualifications vary slightly.
Economic history combines some of the conventional economic modeling techniques and theories with some of the techniques and approaches used academic historians. The field focuses much of its attention on the historical development of economic trends and forces, with a special emphasis on the history of specific events. In the course of analyzing past events, this discipline frequently employs rigorous statistical modeling.
A graduate degree is usually required to enter the field of economic history. Some universities, particularly in the United Kingdom, offer economic history degrees. Other school systems offer economic history as a subject that can be studied in history or economics departments. There are terminal masters programs that can be combined with other degrees, such as business administration degrees.
Graduate economics programs look for students who have a diverse set of skills. Mathematical and analytical thinking are important, but so is the ability to read and write well. An undergraduate student interested in pursuing a career as an economic historian should concentrate on both economics and history, as well as demonstrate mathematical and analytical skills. Some universities offer economic history undergraduate degrees that teach these skills in depth.
A candidate interested in becoming an economic historian can seek employment in academia after obtaining the necessary education. These positions are in high demand, and a successful candidate for a professorship will typically have a strong track record as a graduate student, as well as glowing recommendations from faculty mentors. A student aspiring to be an economic historian should have a track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.
In some cases, a student pursuing a career as an economic historian may not want to work full-time in academia. Such students may be able to find part-time work as economic history lecturers. Many universities now hire adjunct faculty to teach many of their classes, and are willing to hire lecturers on a course-by-course basis. This type of work may also be appropriate for economic historians who work in other fields but want to stay connected to the academic community.
Economic history training can also prepare a student for a career as an economic historian in the private or public sector. Businesses can benefit from economic historians’ skills for a variety of modeling purposes. Governments can benefit from these skills as well in order to improve their planning and regulatory functions.