Public/Applied History

Also known as: Public History, Applied History, History with a Public Focus, Cultural Heritage Studies

In a Public/Applied History program, you will learn how to research, interpret, and present historical knowledge for diverse audiences outside of traditional academic settings. This program focuses on applying historical methods and theories to real-world problems, emphasizing community engagement, cultural preservation, and public education. You will explore subject areas like archival management, museum studies, oral history, digital history, and historic preservation to prepare you for careers that bring history to life for the public.

Social SciencesHistoryScienceMuseum StudiesPreservationCultural HeritageSocial ScienceResearch

A Week as a Student

Your "Introduction to Public History" lecture explores community-based archives today. Afterwards, you grab coffee with a classmate, discussing the assigned reading on ethical storytelling. Later, you delve into a journal article about interpreting difficult pasts, feeling the weight and importance of the subject matter. Campus hums as you walk to the dining hall, mentally preparing for a busy week ahead, already immersed.

High School Preparation

Required Subjects

U.S. HistoryWorld HistoryEnglish LiteratureSocial StudiesForeign Language

Recommended GPA

3.0-3.5

Advanced Courses (AP/IB/Honors)

AP U.S. History
AP World History
AP European History
AP English Language and Composition
AP Government and Politics
Honors Social Studies Seminar

Recommended Activities

History Club
Debate Team
School Newspaper/Yearbook
Volunteer at a local museum or historical society
Participate in a National History Day competition
Genealogy research

Application Essay Topics

Discuss a local historical site or event and how you would interpret its significance for a public audience.
Choose a controversial historical figure or event and explain how you would present a nuanced perspective to the general public.
How does the preservation of historical memory contribute to a community's identity and future?
Describe a historical skill (e.g., oral history, archival research) you are interested in learning and why it's important for engaging the public.

Alternative Path

While a traditional bachelor's degree is common, you could start your journey by earning an Associate's degree in History or a related field at a community college, then transferring those credits. Volunteering at local museums, historical societies, or archives can also provide valuable experience and help build a portfolio.

Core Subjects

Click on "i" to learn more about each subject

Career Prospects

Stable Study Prospects

Graduates of this program often pursue careers as museum curators, archivists, historic preservation specialists, cultural resource managers, park rangers at historical sites, documentary researchers, oral historians, or public historians working for government agencies and non-profits.

Impact of AI on this Study

AI is increasingly impacting the field by assisting with the transcription of oral histories, digital preservation of fragile documents, and the analysis of vast historical datasets. Students will learn to leverage AI tools for text mining historical documents, enhancing accessibility features for digital archives, and employing machine learning for pattern recognition in historical records, thereby streamlining research and public engagement.