Program in Public History

Last Updated: February 4, 2021

History Dept. Maginnes Hall
Lehigh University

Bethelehem, PA 18015

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Director(s)

Kimberley Carrell-Smith, PhD
[email protected]

Program Introduction

In 2000 Lehigh University’s Department of History established a concentration in Public History for undergraduate history majors and MA students, and a minor field in Public History for the PhD. As part of their public history concentrations, undergraduate history majors may also earn a minor in Documentary Storymaking, and graduate students may earn a Certificate in Documentary Film. Both undergraduates and graduate students are trained in the theory and practice of public history, including constructive community engagement practices. Students may work closely with professionals in museums, archives, and historic sites, and/or partnering community organizations, as part of their coursework.

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

Program Strengths

  • Film/Video
  • Local/Community History
  • Oral History

Credit Hour Requirements

16 credit hours for undergraduate concentration; 10-12 credit hours for graduate student public history concentration; PhD field credits may vary

How Many Students are Admitted Annually

BAvaries

MAvaries

PhDvaries

MAs produced last year

1

Financial Aid Available

Some partial/full tuition remission (MA and Ph.D.)
Teaching Assistantships (Ph.D. only)
Fellowships (Ph.D. only)
Students may also seek Grad Assistant positions elsewhere within the university (eg, Student Affairs); grads with experience may apply to become advisers in residence halls.

Internship Requirements

Internships are required for undergrad and graduate concentrations: 5 hours a week (for 2 credit hours), or 10 hours a week (4 credit hours) in a 14 week semester. Internships for credit are unpaid. Students arrange an internship in consultation with and approval from the program director.

Places Where Students Have Interned During the Past 3 Years

  • Martha’s Vineyard Museum
  • Ephrata Cloisters
  • Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites
  • The Moravian Archives
  • Moravian Historical Society
  • Red Mill Museum Village
  • The Sigal Museum

Job Placement Assistance

Director of the Public History program consults with students, puts them in touch with public history alumni, etc.

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

  • Colonial Williamsburg
  • 9/11 Memorial Museum
  • Chicago Field Museum
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art
  • National Park Service
  • Pennsbury Manor
  • Chemical Heritage Foundation
  • Moravian Historical Society
  • Lehigh University Library and Art Galleries

BA in History with a Concentration in Public History

Last Updated: January 19, 2022

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Director(s)

Kimberley Carrell-Smith
[email protected]
610-704-3604

Degrees Offered

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