The Certificate in Public History program was created in response to the growing demand for professionals trained to engage diverse audiences with the past beyond traditional academic settings. While the undergraduate certificate itself is new, it reflects long-standing trends in the field of history—where museums, archives, historic sites, cultural institutions, and community organizations have increasingly sought graduates with practical skills in preservation, interpretation, and public engagement.
The program provides students with foundational coursework in historical methods while offering specialized training in areas of emphasis including, but not limited to museum studies, archives and preservation, digital history, and community-engaged history. It also emphasizes applied learning opportunities through internships, field experiences, and collaborative projects with local institutions.
Areas of Interest may include:
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Museum Studies and Material Culture
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Archives and Records Management
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Digital History and Public Engagement
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Community and Oral History
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Genealogy
Career Paths for students who complete the certificate include positions in museums, archives, historic preservation, cultural resource management, heritage tourism, nonprofit administration, government agencies, and education. Many might also pursue advanced study in history, public history, library science, or related fields.
Graduation Requirements
Students will take the Comprehensive Course/Project: Public History Seminar (HST 475 History Internship) to complete their capstone project for the certificate. The total credit hours is 16.
