BA in Public History

Last Updated: October 22, 2026

One University Ave

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

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Director(s)

Sarah Parry Myers
[email protected]
717-796-1800 ext 2093

Program Introduction

Messiah University offers an undergraduate Public History major that was established in 2021 with the first graduate of the program in 2023. There have been 5 Public History major graduates, as well as a number of majors with the Public History concentration. There is also a Digital Public Humanities minor, and there are fellowships with the NEH-funded Center for Public Humanities at Messiah University. Students have the opportunity to conduct research and publish articles for Harrisburg Historical, a website and app. (Prior to the Public History major, there was a Public History concentration and 25% of History majors chose this concentration.)

Degrees Offered

  • B.A. in Public History
  • B.A. in History

Program Strengths

  • Archival Practices
  • Digital Media
  • Historical Archaeology
  • Local/Community History
  • Museum Studies
  • Oral History

Credit Hour Requirements

43

Full-time Program Staff/Faculty

4

Financial Aid Available

The Center for Public Humanities has fellowship opportunities for students. The amount awarded to Public Humanities Student Fellows is $2,000 ($1,000 per semester) and 6 credit hours (3 credit hours per semester). There are also Smith Scholar internships for conducting research with faculty.

Deadline To Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis

Internship Requirements

Two internships are required. These internships are typically paid and part of the regular coursework. Internships are arranged by the University's Career and Professional Development Center and advisors in the History program.

Places Where Students Have Interned During the Past 3 Years

Cumberland County Historical Society
Dauphin County Library System
Dún Na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park (Ireland)
Eisenhower Historic Site and Farm
Harrisburg Historical
The Old Barracks Museum (NJ)
Pennsylvania House Archives
Pennsylvania State Archives
Messiah University Archives
Metlar-Bodine House Museum (NJ)
Pennsbury Manor Historic Site
Susquehanna Art Museum
University of Southern Mississippi’s “Mapping Freedom”
York History Center

Job Placement Assistance

Students work closely with the University's Career and Professional Development Center and history program faculty.

Job Placement Percentage Within One Year

85%

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

Americorps (Ohio History Service Corps)
Dauphin County Historical Society
Mechanicsburg School District
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
South Brunswick Public Library (NJ)
U.S. Navy