Public History Certificate Program

Last Updated: April 1, 2026

Archives and Special Collections
One John Marshall Drive

Huntington, WV 25705-2060

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Director(s)

Nathaniel DeBruin
[email protected]
304-696-3524

Program Introduction

The Public History Certificate Program at Marshall University accepted its first applicants to the program in 2012. As a Graduate Certificate Program within the University’s Department of History, the Program admits two students per year on average. Students must complete a total of 18 credit hours at the graduate level to earn the certificate. Three students have been awarded the Certificate in Public History to date.

Degrees Offered

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

Program Strengths

  • Archival Practices
  • Digital Media
  • Local/Community History
  • Material Culture
  • Oral History

Credit Hour Requirements

18 credit hours in the prescribed Public History Certificate Program are required.

How Many Students are Admitted Annually

MA2

Financial Aid Available

The History Department at Marshall University has a limited number of Graduate Assistantships available.

Deadline To Apply

October 1 (spring term); March 1 (fall term).

Internship Requirements

Required. Internships, which are a required six (6) credit hours, are arranged through the Certificate Program Director. The internships are part of the regular coursework and are unpaid.

Places Where Students Have Interned During the Past 3 Years

• Marshall University Archives and Special Collections Department
• West Virginia State Archives

Job Placement Assistance

The University offers a job placement service and successful students in the Certificate Program receive letters of recommendation.

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

• West Virginia Legislative Research Services
• Franklin Park Conservatory (Columbus, OH)

Public History Undergraduate Program

Last Updated: April 1, 2026

Director(s)

Director: Dr. Molly C. Mersmann, [email protected]

Program Introduction

Marshall University’s undergraduate Public History program builds on a long-standing departmental tradition of preparing students for careers that engage the public interpretation and presentation of the past. Launched in 2026, the program offers flexible pathways for both majors and non-majors, including a 15-credit Public History minor, a 15-credit Area of Emphasis for History majors, and a 16-credit Public History certificate. Students will gain hands-on experience working closely with regional and institutional partners, including Marshall University’s Special Collections, the Mine Wars Museum, the West Virginia State Museum, and the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office.

Degrees Offered

  • B.A. in History
  • B.A. in History with a Certificate or Concentration in Public History
  • Public History Minor

Program Strengths

  • Archival Practices
  • Historic Preservation
  • Local/Community History

Credit Hour Requirements

16

How Many Students are Admitted Annually

BA10

Full-time Program Staff/Faculty

Two Faculty Members that teach public history among other courses

Financial Aid Available

Internships; Scholarships

Internship Requirements

An internship is a required component of both the Public History Certificate and the Public History Minor, carrying 3–6 credit hours. Through the NEH-funded HerdWork Humanities Internship Program, students have the opportunity to gain paid, hands-on professional experience in public history while also supporting the partner organizations that host them. For more information: https://www.marshall.edu/herdwork/

Places Where Students Have Interned During the Past 3 Years

  • West Virginia’s State Historic Preservation Office
  • The Ramsdell Historic House and Museum
  • Huntington Art Museum
  • The Mine Wars Museum in Matewan
  • The Central City Museum
  • Glenwood Estate in Charleston

Job Placement Percentage Within One Year

NA

Community & Institutional Connections

  • Marshall University Special Collections
  • West Virginia State Museum
  • West Virginia State Historic Preservation Organization
  • Preservation Alliance
  • The Mine Wars Museum