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Public History Certificate

Combine theoretical and hands-on training to prepare for careers in public history, including museums, archives and cultural resource management.

Be in demand by gaining a broader understanding of public history. This certificate will enable you to demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities that are valued within your profession.

Program type:
Certificates/Programs - Undergraduate
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
1 year
Credit hours:
18

Why earn a public history certificate at UND?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Public history makes the past interesting and relevant for everyone, not just scholars. Unlike academic history, which can be more focused and research-oriented, public history is about sharing historical knowledge with a broader audience. You'll help others understand and appreciate the people, places, and events that have made an impact over time. Learning public history will get you excited about the past and connect you with history in a fun and engaging way.

Our certificate program aims to provide that job experience for students in a BA program in History or a related field as well as for people with a degree looking to gain real-world experience.

Pairing your certificate in Public History with a complementary major can enhance your skills and career opportunities. Here are some bachelor's degrees you could consider:

  • Classical Studies: A major in Classical Studies can provide a strong foundation for understanding the roots of Western culture and history.
  • Communication: A Communication bachelor's degree can help you effectively communicate historical narratives to diverse audiences.
  • Environmental Geoscience: An Environmental Geoscience major can offer insights into how geological and environmental factors have influenced historical events.
  • Geography: Geography majors study the spatial dimensions of historical events, making it a relevant field for those interested in historical geography and mapping.
  • History: A History degree provides a solid foundation in historical analysis and research, complementing the practical skills gained through UND’s Public History certificate.
  • Social Science: Our interdisciplinary Social Science degree provides a broad understanding of human societies, combining elements from various social science disciplines.

Public History Certificate at UND

  • Receive practical training from experienced faculty in different aspects of public history.

  • Lean in a flexible interdisciplinary program.

  • Gain skills employers seek through hands-on activities and real world projects.

What can you do with a public history certificate?

 

UND's Public History certificate can help prepare you for a career in public history, including museums, historic sites and parks, libraries, archives, historical societies, and other non-profit historical organizations. Other graduates may want to pursue graduate studies.

Your Public History certificate will prepare you for career paths such as:

  • Archivist: Manage and preserve historical documents, records, and artifacts in archives, libraries, or other institutions.
  • Museum creator: Work in museums as a curator, historian, or educator, creating exhibits, conducting research, and educating the public about historical events.
  • Collections manager: Oversee the management, organization, and care of historical collections. You’ll be responsible for acquiring, cataloging, and preserving artifacts.
  • Conservator: Specialize in the preservation and restoration of historical artifacts, artworks, and documents. You’ll use various techniques and methods to ensure the integrity of items.
  • Digital historian: Use digital platforms to curate and share historical content online, contributing to the digitization of historical records and resources.

Public History Certificate Courses You Can Take

HIST 253. History of Stuff. 3 Credits.

What do your belongings say about you? Learn to interpret historic objects from ancient tools to modern toys and trash. Research, write and publish your findings online. S, odd years.

HIST 310. Monuments, Museums and Memory. 3 Credits.

How should we remember our history? How do museums and public monuments influence our understanding of the past? Explore these questions through case studies and extended role-playing games. On demand.

ANTH 172. Introduction to Archaeology. 3 Credits.

This course looks at how we investigate past cultures using the artifacts that people have left behind. What questions do archaeologists ask about the past?How do archaeologists find and record archaeological sites? What field and laboratory techniques are used to collect evidence and gather data, and how do these methods work? How do we interpret and understand the past using archaeological hypotheses, explanations, models and theories? Case studies will be drawn from different regions, cultures, and time periods to illustrate course concepts. F,S.

HIST 481. Public History Practice. 3 Credits.

A practicum in which the student learns through experience the techniques of public history work. F,S.

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Students at UND take chances, seek challenges and become leaders in the community.

 

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