Public History Minor or Certificate

Last Updated: September 9, 2025

1227 W 27th St.
319 Seerley Hall - UNI code 0701 (History)

Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0701

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Director(s)

Kevin Mason, PhD
Assistant Professor of Public History
[email protected]
319-273-5507

Program Introduction

The Public History program at UNI began in 1976 at the undergraduate level. Currently, it consists of a Public History Minor and Certificate at the undergraduate level as well as a Museum Studies Certificate. There are approximately 40 students enrolled in these programs each year, and the Public History and Museum Studies programs are stackable, with many students completing both. Alumni have gone to work in museums, libraries and archives, historical societies, and Main Street offices in Iowa and many neighboring states.

Degrees Offered

  • B.A. in History
  • B.A. in History with a Certificate or Concentration in Public History
  • Public History Minor
  • Museum Studies Degree, Certificate, or Minor

Program Strengths

  • Digital Media
  • Historic Preservation
  • Local/Community History
  • Museum Studies

Credit Hour Requirements

18

How Many Students are Admitted Annually

BA48

MA24

MAs produced last year

NA

Full-time Program Staff/Faculty

13 Tenured and Tenure-Track faculty staff the UNI History program.

Financial Aid Available

Scholarships
Assistantships
Tuition Waivers
In-State Tuition Status
Loans

Internship Requirements

Required. Students in the Public History Minor and Certificate are required to complete two internships arranged in consultation with the Public History coordinator. Internships consist of 120 hours of work and are worth 3 credit hours each. Students in the Museum Studies Certificate are required to secure and complete one off-campus External Museums Internship.

Places Where Students Have Interned During the Past 3 Years

• Grout Museum District in Waterloo
• Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area
• John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
• Cedar Falls Historical Society
• Cedar Falls Community Main Street
• Parkersburg Historical Society
• Salisbury House
• Iowa Children’s Museum
• African American Museum of Iowa
• Rural Schools Project
• Postville Project
• Fortepan Iowa Project

Job Placement Assistance

UNI's outstanding Office of Career Services offers students support in selecting employment opportunities and preparing application materials.

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

  • African American Museum of Iowa
  • Grout Museum District
  • Cedar Falls Historical Society
  • Clinton County Historical Society and Museum
  • Good Samaratin Society
  • Main Street Waterloo
  • John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
  • Johnson County Historical Society
  • Rod Library (UNI)
  • Park County Archives (Cody, Wyoming)