Program Introduction

Established in 1979, the Public History Program at Eastern Washington University is among the oldest in the Northwest. We admit 10-12 graduate students a year and typically offer support for graduate students in the second year of our program. Public history at EWU has a digital emphasis and a partnership with the Washington State Archives, Digital Archives, which is located on the EWU campus. EWU public history graduates are currently employed by the United States Department of State, the National Park Service, the Washington State Archives, the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, and other public history institutions around the nation.

Degrees Offered

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

Program Strengths

  • Archival Practices
  • Editing
  • Other

Credit Hour Requirements

50

How Many Students are Admitted Annually

BA100

MA12-20

MAs produced last year

12

Financial Aid Available

Teaching assistantships, with in-state (and one out of state) tuition waivers with a small stipend, are typically available in the second year of the program. Graduate students who work in the archives may also have the opportunity to work for wages during breaks and over the summer.

Deadline To Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis

Internship Requirements

Internships are available at the Washington State Archives, at museums and historic preservation offices in Spokane, with the National Park Service, and at other public history institutions. Archival internships are usually paid, other internships might be.

Places Where Students Have Interned During the Past 3 Years

  • Washington State Archives, Digital Archives
  • City and County of Spokane Office of Historic Preservation
  • Northwest Museum of Arts & Cultures
  • Shaker Historical Society
  • National Park Service
  • Washington State Parks
  • Spokane Valley Heritage Museum
  • Library of Congress

Job Placement Assistance

We have career counseling available.

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

  • Library of Congress
  • United States Department of State
  • Washington State Archives
  • Northwest Museum of Arts & Cultures
  • Phoenix Heritage Square
  • National Park Service
  • Spokane County Government
  • City of Seattle Archives
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • Spokane Falls Community College
  • Rearden School District
  • Edmonds School District
  • Spokane School District
  • Latah County Historical Society
  • Carroll College
  • Gonzaga University
  • Washington State University, Pullman
  • Washington State University, Spokane
  • Washington State University, Vancouver

Degrees Offered

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