History is far more than just dates and names in textbooks. It’s a dynamic force that shapes our present and future. Whether you’re considering a career as a historian or simply aiming to broaden your understanding of the world, grasping the importance of history offers profound personal and professional benefits.
Study History at SNHU
For many, history might seem confined to classrooms and exams – a dusty collection of facts and figures. However, history’s significance extends far beyond academic requirements. Dr. Robert Denning, Associate Dean of Liberal Arts at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), emphasizes that historical knowledge is universally beneficial, providing crucial context to the human story and our journey to the present day.
“History,” Dr. Denning explains, “is essentially the narrative of change over time. It reveals the fascinating interplay between evolving circumstances and the consistent threads of human nature.” He points out that while technologies and societal structures transform, core human desires remain remarkably constant across eras. People throughout history, much like today, have strived for fundamental needs and aspirations: security, prosperity, happiness, influence, and a sense of community and purpose. Understanding this continuity provides a powerful lens through which to view contemporary issues and personal motivations.
History’s transformative power is vividly illustrated in the story of individuals like John Roos, a 2018 SNHU graduate who redirected his career path by embracing his lifelong passion for history.
A split image showing a younger John Roos visiting Gettysburg battlefield and an older John Roos in his Park Ranger uniform, illustrating his career transformation through history.
History as a Catalyst for Transformation
John Roos’s journey exemplifies how history can be more than just an academic pursuit; it can be a driving force for personal and professional fulfillment. His childhood visit to Gettysburg National Military Park in 1990 ignited a passion that would eventually reshape his life. “Seeing the battlefields, the monuments, and park rangers sharing stories of the past,” Roos recalls, “sparked a dream in me to work in that environment.”
Despite this early passion, Roos initially pursued a career in a different sector, finding financial success in the fast-paced startup world of package delivery. However, the pull of his childhood dream proved irresistible. “I was earning a good income,” Roos admits, “but I felt a deep sense of dissatisfaction. The decision to return to education was a pivotal moment, a realization that I needed to align my career with my true interests.”
Enrolling at SNHU, Roos earned his bachelor’s degree in history, specializing in American history. This step led him directly into the career he had envisioned decades prior. He began volunteering at a Revolutionary War park in New Jersey, gaining practical experience and honing his interpretive skills at George Washington’s Headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey. Building upon this experience, his degree, and valuable internships at historical sites, Roos secured a full-time position as a park guide at Fort Washington Park near Washington D.C.
“My experiences and qualifications allowed me to lead tours across four battlefields, historic residences, and numerous special events,” Roos explains. His dedication to deepening his historical knowledge at the park solidified his commitment to securing a permanent role there. Roos’s journey demonstrates that a history background opens doors to diverse career paths, with park guide being just one compelling example.
The Broad Importance of Studying History
Like Roos, many individuals drawn to history pursue formal education in the field, recognizing the value of a history degree in the professional landscape.
Dr. Matthew Schandler, a history instructor and academic partner at SNHU with extensive experience in political science, underscores the versatility of a history background. Dr. Schandler’s academic journey included a focused interest in intellectual history and the history of philosophy.
“Given the natural connections between these areas and political theory and political science,” Dr. Schandler notes, “I transitioned into teaching and research within the broader social sciences.” Intriguingly, his historical foundation also led him to explore the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI), demonstrating the unexpected relevance of historical perspectives to cutting-edge technology.
“My understanding of AI’s historical development provided crucial context for grasping its current trajectory and foundational principles,” he explains. This historical lens equipped him to engage with quantitative applications, including data science and analytics, further broadening his professional skillset.
Dr. Schandler’s career path exemplifies how a history background fosters adaptability and allows individuals to shape their careers around evolving interests. Whether aspiring to become a historian or taking history courses for broader education, the fundamental skills cultivated through historical study are transferable and valuable across a wide spectrum of professions.
Dr. Schandler highlights several fields where a history background proves particularly advantageous:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
“Our diverse interests and backgrounds often lead us to career paths that, while seemingly disparate, are interconnected through the skills we develop in our education,” Dr. Schandler points out, referencing the broader career possibilities explored in resources like “What Can You Do with a History Degree?”. He emphasizes that history is inherently interwoven with virtually every aspect of human existence, both tangible and intangible.
Studying history cultivates essential skills, including strong traditional and digital literacy, and the ability to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data. These competencies empower individuals to navigate a complex world and contribute meaningfully in diverse professional settings. With a robust foundation in historical thinking, individuals are well-prepared to shape their futures and contribute to a dynamic world.
The Personal Significance of History
Beyond professional advantages, history offers profound personal enrichment, enabling a deeper understanding of the present and contemporary events. “A student of the past,” Dr. Schandler asserts, “gains a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the present.”
A historical perspective enhances our ability to engage in meaningful conversations and navigate challenging dialogues. “Familiarity with the past,” Dr. Schandler explains, “provides a valuable framework for engaging with others in constructive dialogue. By building upon these conversations, we can foster deeper, shared understandings, potentially mitigating conflict and societal polarization.”
Dr. Denning, holding bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in history, emphasizes the positive impact of his historical background on his interpersonal relationships.
“Knowledge of historical events and their differential impact on diverse populations cultivates empathy for individuals from varying social, economic, and cultural backgrounds,” Dr. Denning explains. Understanding that different groups have distinct historical experiences fosters a more inclusive and compassionate worldview.
Furthermore, Dr. Denning underscores history’s encompassing nature, arguing that it underpins every other field of human knowledge. “Every discipline, from mathematics and economics to biology and engineering, possesses its own history,” he states. “None of these fields emerged in isolation; their development is intrinsically linked to broader political, social, cultural, and religious contexts.”
However, Dr. Denning cautions against simplistic interpretations of history, urging us to move beyond clichés like “history repeats itself” or “those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
“Historians generally reject these simplistic notions,” he clarifies. “While in rare instances historical knowledge might offer guidance for present actions or cautionary tales, historical circumstances are rarely precisely replicated. Instead, historians believe that a thorough understanding of the past empowers leaders and individuals to make informed decisions based on a comprehensive analysis of available information.”
The Practical Application of Historical Thinking
John Roos’s experiences as a park guide highlight the practical application of historical understanding in navigating complex perspectives. Interacting with visitors holding diverse and often strongly held viewpoints on historical figures and events underscored for Roos the multifaceted nature of history, moving beyond simplistic black-and-white interpretations.
“History reveals that contemporary issues are rarely straightforward,” Roos observes. He illustrates this point with the common tendency to judge historical military leaders solely on battlefield victories or defeats, often overlooking the complex web of political pressures and multifaceted factors influencing their decisions. This realization prompted Roos to revise his college thesis and fundamentally reshape his perspective on both past and present events.
“Understanding history involves recognizing layers of causation,” Roos explains. “Historical moments arise from a confluence of factors, and their consequences unfold in similarly layered ways. It’s not a single event but a series of interconnected moments shaping the past, influencing the present, and directing our future trajectory.”
Explore SNHU’s online history degree to discover the curriculum, skill development opportunities, and how to request program information.
Ryan O’Connor contributes to higher education marketing at Southern New Hampshire University. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
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