“I chose SEMO because we are one of only nine schools in the nation with a historic preservation program allowing me to step foot into multiple different areas of concentration,” shared Bailee O'Neal, a historic preservation major in the class of 2026.
What Can You Do with a History or Anthropology Degree? Just Ask a SEMO Student
Continue to main contentAs Bailee mentioned, our degrees in history and anthropology open doors to a wide range of careers. Students are turning their interest in the past into jobs in public service, preservation, education, museums, law, and more. They’re not just exploring options; they’re getting the hands-on experience they need to be ready for those careers.
To help you picture what your future could look like, we asked a few Redhawks at our 2025 Summer Field School to share their career goals. From museum work to nonprofit leadership, here’s where they’re headed, and how their studies at SEMO are helping them get there.
Museum or Archive Work
- “I would like to go into museum work, specifically collections, exhibit design, maybe a little archeology on the side.”
- “I want to go into museum or archive work, but I want to work specifically as a paper conservator.”
State Historic Preservation Office
- “When I’m graduated, I want to work at a state historic preservation office reviewing national register nominations.”
Historic Site
- “When I graduate, I want to work in a historic site with my degree.”
YOUR CAREER IN HISTORY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
Missouri Main Street
- “I’d like to either go into Missouri Main Street or possibly something with national parks.”
- “I love Main Street work and site administration. And, I have gotten a ton of experience in both here at SEMO.”
National Parks
- “I’d like to either go into Missouri Main Street or possibly something with national parks.”
Restoration and Trades
- “After I graduate, I want to go into restoration and trades.”
No matter which direction our students are headed, they’re building a solid foundation at SEMO. Through fieldwork, community projects, and specialized courses, they’re building the skills employers look for. Molly, a student in our Master of Public History program, sums it up perfectly: “When it comes to historic preservation, nationwide, SEMO is the best. There’s a lot of opportunities and I am excited that I will be able to get a good job just because of coming here.”