Public History

Part of: Behavioral & Social Sciences Department

Offered as: Major Emphasis

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in History

Part of: Behavioral & Social Sciences Department

Offered as: Major Emphasis

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in History

The Public History emphasis introduces you to the associated fields of historic preservation, archival sciences, museum curatorship and oral history while being supported by historical content courses. Through intensive coursework, you will expand your historical knowledge and develop practical field skills.

The Public History emphasis is made up of a History core supported with multidisciplinary courses including Anthropology, Geography, Communication Arts, Environment & Sustainability and Recreation & Outdoor Education. Students who successfully complete this degree earn a major emphasis in history, a minor in anthropology, certificate of cultural resource management and potentially a GIS certificate.

Upon graduation, you’ll have the preparation needed to continue your studies in cultural resource management, archival management or museum studies. This degree can be the foundation for your career as a museum curator, registrar, collections manager, archivist, museum or historic site educator, or National Park Interpretive Ranger.

Public History Requirements

A major emphasis dives deeper into a specific interest within your major. It allows you to focus on a particular area of study, replacing the need for a separate minor. By tailoring your coursework, a major emphasis equips you with specialized knowledge and skills to better prepare you for career opportunities or advanced studies in your chosen field.

Program Requirements Degree Plan

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

Explore Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

Analytical Thinking
Communication
Critical Thinking
Cultural Competence
Historical Research
Public Speaking

Archivist
Curator
Museum Educator
Museum Exhibit Designer
Oral Historian
Researcher

Department News

Western Students Tackle the World’s Biggest Challenges at Model United Nations

War, corruption, hunger, climate change, the struggle for human rights. The next generation of leaders has their work cut out for them. Professor Maria Struble…
Read More
Western Psychology Program Gives Students the Opportunity of a Lifetime

Since the summer of 2018, Western Colorado University’s Behavioral and Social Sciences Department has offered psychology students the opportunity to study for seven weeks in…
Read More
Internships Set Psychology Students Up for Success

Opportunities Both On and Off Campus As part of Western Colorado University’s dynamic Psychology program, students are given opportunities both on and off campus to…
Read More
Western History Through an Expert’s Eyes

A University’s History What better way to know the history of Western Colorado University than from an institutional legend? History Professor Duane Vandenbusche, PhD.—who has…
Read More
Leadership and Experiential Learning Projects at Western

Leadership and experiential learning projects are one of the core components of the Western Colorado University experience. With program-specific clubs, on-campus events, off-campus trips, and…
Read More
Western Adjunct to Discuss Urban Living with International Panel

As cities grow and change, urban studies researchers must answer a difficult question: How can we make urban life more sustainable? Western Colorado University’s Jim…
Read More
Lunchtime Charla Features African Advocate, Alumnus

It was his interest in basketball that brought alumnus Melvin Foote to Western Colorado University. Little did he know that the connections made on campus…
Read More
Model UN Provides Global Experience for Western Students

You never know when a class at Western Colorado University and the involvement in a club can result in the launching of a career. Such…
Read More
Western Alumni Uses Books, Mindfulness to Counsel Young Clients

Jamie Frank-O’Connell ‘91 is the Director of Counseling at Palmetto Scholars Academy, a school for gifted students in South Carolina. Many of the students she…
Read More
School of Graduate Studies announces recipients of Dean’s Award for Inclusive Excellence

Western’s School of Graduate Studies (SGS) is fully committed to fostering and creating a welcoming and rigorous academic and professional environment for all. In its…
Read More