Public History

Last Updated: February 4, 2021

Department of History
101 South Murray Hall

Stillwater, OK 74078-3054

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Director(s)

Laura J. Arata
[email protected]
405-744-5679

Program Introduction

Oklahoma State University has proudly offered a graduate program in Public History since 1987. The program admits 3-5 new students each year. Public History tracks include a Master's in History with emphasis in Public History (thesis and non-thesis options), and PhD in History with Public History as a field of study. Undergraduate options currently include a Digital History certificate. Traditional areas of strength at OSU include museum studies and historic preservation. Other areas of focus currently include oral and digital history. More than 50 students have graduated from the program since its founding.

Degrees Offered

  • B.A. in History
  • M.A. in History with a Certificate or Concentration in Public History
  • Ph.D. in History

Program Strengths

  • Historic Preservation
  • Museum Studies
  • Oral History

Credit Hour Requirements

36

How Many Students are Admitted Annually

MA3-5

PhD3-5

Financial Aid Available

Assistantships
Stipends
Tuition Waiver
Scholarships

Deadline To Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis

Internship Requirements

A 6-credit hour internship is required. Students work with their advisor and/or the Director of Public History to arrange internships in fields of interest.

Places Where Students Have Interned During the Past 3 Years

  • National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
  • Gilcrease Museum
  • Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial and Museum
  • Washington-on-the-Brazos Living History Center and State Historic Park
  • Sheerar Museum of Stillwater History
  • Oklahoma State University Libraries Department of Special Collections and Archives
  • Oklahoma State University Museum of Art
  • Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office
  • City of Tulsa Preservation Commission
  • Tulsa Foundation for Architecture

Job Placement Assistance

Mentorship, Job Search Counseling, Internship Placement Assistance, Mock Interviews, Letters of Recommendation

Employers Who Have Hired Graduates from this Program within the Past Five Years

  • Oklahoma Historical Society
  • Oklahoma  Territorial Museum
  • Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office
  • National Park Service
  • Northern Oklahoma College