Average IQ of History majors

The average IQ of History majors is estimated at about 120, higher than about 91% of people. The estimate comes from SAT and GRE score research. It describes a typical student, not a requirement: people in every major score well above and below it.

History majors average about 120. What's yours?

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Key facts

Estimated average IQ
120
Basis
SAT and GRE correlation research, converted to the IQ scale
Dominant archetype
The Chronicler
Common traits
Pattern Recognition, Narrative Building
Career paths
Academia, Writing, Policy

History next to other degrees

Estimated averages for the nine degrees nearest History in our ranking of 51. Gaps of a few points are smaller than the error in the estimates.

DegreeEstimated IQHigher than
Civil Engineering12293% of people
Political Science12192% of people
Architecture12091% of people
English Literature12091% of people
History12091% of people
Environmental Science11990% of people
International Relations11990% of people
Anthropology11888% of people
Information Systems11888% of people

Check any score with the IQ percentile calculator or the IQ chart.

What studying History is like

Choosing History isn’t only about interest, it’s about temperament. The same curriculum can feel like flow to one person and chronic friction to another.

The hardest part of History is not the content, it’s the feedback loop. You’re often judged by correctness, precision, and the ability to explain your reasoning.

Dominant archetype: The Chronicler. This archetype tends to be rewarded in the culture and study style of History.

Common traits include Pattern Recognition and Narrative Building. Typical career paths include Academia, Writing, and Policy.

Jobs for History graduates

  • ProfessorIQ evidence and demands for the role
  • LibrarianIQ evidence and demands for the role

History: common questions

What is the average IQ of History majors?

Estimated average IQ is about 120. This is a rough proxy derived from standardized-test correlations; it’s not a hard requirement for success.

Is History hard?

It’s hard if the feedback loop taxes your weaknesses. If you enjoy deep focus and structured problem-solving, the same workload can feel manageable, sometimes even enjoyable.

What kind of person enjoys History?

Common traits include Pattern Recognition and Narrative Building.

What careers can History lead to?

Typical career paths include Academia, Writing, and Policy.

History majors average about 120. What's yours?

Interest and effort decide how a degree goes, not an IQ number. Your score is one more piece of self-knowledge to bring to the choice.

Take the IQ test

25 questions · about 12 minutes

Sources

  1. Frey, M. C., & Detterman, D. K. (2004). Scholastic Assessment or g? The relationship between the Scholastic Assessment Test and general cognitive ability. Psychological Science, 15(6), 373-378.

Estimates describe groups, not individuals. Last reviewed January 2025.