Careers that combine science and history allow you to acquire scientific knowledge and investigate the past. Whether you’re planning your career path or considering a career change, there are jobs involving science and history that you can pursue. The careers vary in titles, duties and educational requirements. For example, archivists working at natural-history museums maintain and oversee artifacts related to science.

Anthropologists

Anthropologists are responsible for studying the behavior and development of humans. Biological anthropologists conduct research on how the human body evolved over centuries. Physical anthropologists study human remains located in archaeological sites to investigate how they lived, worked, ate and died. Socio-cultural anthropologists study past and present societies’ cultures and customs. Linguistic anthropologists look at language and its’ important and change over time. Anthropologists need at least a master’s degree in anthropology to qualify for entry-level positions. As of May 2009, the median salary for anthropologists was $57,230 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Conservators

Conservators work in universities, botanical gardens, historic sites, nature centers and museums. Conservators are responsible for caring for, treating and preserving historical documents, specimens and artifacts. They use scientific methods depending on the items they are saving. For example, their goal is to minimize the deterioration of items or restore them to the original state. Thus, conservators use methods such as chemical testing, special lights and X-rays. Conservators must have a master’s degree in conservation. Conservation apprenticeships are also available. According to the BLS, the median salary for conservators, as of May 2009, was $41,330 a year.

Archaeologists

Archaeologists are responsible for finding, recovering and examining materials found at places such as historic sites. For example, they use tools to dig in specific areas to uncover items such as cave paintings, pottery and tools. They also conduct research on these items. Archaeologists’ goal is learning more about different civilizations and their customers and living habits. Usually, archaeologists work for research firms, government agencies and research firms. Typically, people need at least a master’s degree in archaeology to qualify. According to the BLS, as of May 2009 the median salary for archaeologists was $57,230 per year.

Other Science and History Careers

Geographers investigate different aspects of Earth such as people, land and its features. Geographers specialize in cultural and physical areas of geography. They must have at least a master’s degree in geography to qualify. As of May 2009, the median salary for geographers was $71,420 a year, according to BLS. Curators, also called museum directors, are responsible for authenticating and looking at collections. They may specialize in areas such as botany or history. The median salary for curators was $52,330 a year, as of the May 2009 BLS report.