Program Introduction

The Baldwin Wallace University Public History program began admitting students in 2014. At that time it was the only undergraduate public history BA program in the State of Ohio. BW also offers a certificate program for those who already have or are pursuing BAs in related fields. This program combines coursework in history with practical skills in writing, digital media, oral communication, archival research, and oral history. The University Archivist intensively mentors all Public History majors and involves them in hands-on research and work in the university archive from their first semester. The capstone of the program is an internship with a public history organization such as the Western Reserve Historical Society, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, or the Cleveland Institute of Art.

Degrees Offered

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

Program Strengths

  • Archival Practices
  • Digital Media
  • Local/Community History
  • Oral History
  • Other

Credit Hour Requirements

49-53

How Many Students are Admitted Annually

BA10

MAN/A

PhDN/A

Financial Aid Available

Academic and need-based scholarships are available for qualified applications (application deadline March 1)

Deadline To Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis

Internship Requirements

Required. Some prearranged for-credit internships are available, but students may seek their own paid or for credit internships as well. 4 credit hours (180 clock hours) are required for the degree; 12 are permitted.

Places Where Students Have Interned During the Past 3 Years

  • Western Reserve Historical Society
  • Cleveland Institute of Art
  • Cleveland Indians
  • Lorain County Historical Society
  • Berea Community Development Corporation
  • Midwest Railway Preservation Society
  • Hale Farm and Village

Job Placement Assistance

BW's Career Services works individually with each student to identify job opportunities.

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

  • Baldwin Wallace University Archive
  • Cleveland Indians
  • National Park Service
  • History Associates
  • Western Reserve Historical Society