Public History (CERT)
This certificate combines seminars in history with electives across related fields and includes a required internship at a historical institution. Students may pursue the certificate alongside an MA in History or a related field, or as a stand-alone credential. Designed for careers in museums, archives and preservation, the program blends academic training with hands-on professional experience.
Graduate Certificate in Public History
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (GA)
Department: History
Program Webpage
Academic Plan Code(s): PHISCHI
Program Information
The graduate certificate in Public History is a specialized program of study that trains students for careers in museums, archives, historical interpretation, and historic preservation. Students may pursue the certificate either in combination with a Master of Arts in History (or a closely related field) or as an independent credential.
Students enrolled in the program take seminars in history and electives in history and related fields. All students are required to complete an internship at a historical institution.
Admission Requirements
Students seeking the certificate as a stand-alone program should apply through the Graduate School. Create an account. When asked to choose a program, select "Graduate - non-degree." On the next page, select "College of Arts and Sciences," then "Public History (CHI)."
The following materials are required for the certificate program:
- Two letters of recommendation
- Undergraduate transcripts
- GRE scores
- Personal statement of interest in public history (500 words)
- Application fee
History MA students who wish to enroll in the certificate program must complete the online application (see link above) and submit:
- A letter of recommendation from a University of Louisville faculty member
- A personal statement of interest in public history.
All materials from applications for the MA program will also be considered.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 597 | Introduction to Public History | 3 |
| HIST 608 | Practicum in Public History (Internship) | 3 |
| Two 600-level non-public history courses in the Department of History | 6 | |
| Two public history electives at the 500 level or above | 6 | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 18 | |
- HIST 607 Oral History
- HIST 610 Introduction to Historic Preservation
- ARTH 647 Introduction to Critical and Curatorial Studies I and ARTH 648 Critical and Curatorial Studies II
- URBS 666 Nonprofit Management