MA Concentration in Public History

Last Updated: December 12, 2024

One University Plaza

Springfield, Illinois 62702

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Director(s)

Devin Hunter

[email protected]

(217) 206-7432

Program Introduction

Public History at UIS has roots in the early 1970s, when courses in oral history, museum studies, and community history were first offered. Core curriculum includes the Public History Colloquium, Graduate History Colloquium, Researching and Writing History, two additional seminars, and History and Digital Media. For the remainder of the Public History requirement, students select from six regularly offered Public History courses. For program closure, students have the option of an 8-hour thesis or an 8-hour sequence of internship and practicum.

Degrees Offered

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

Program Strengths

  • Archival Practices
  • Digital Media
  • Historic Preservation
  • Historical Administration
  • Local/Community History
  • Material Culture
  • Museum Studies
  • Oral History

Credit Hour Requirements

35

How Many Students are Admitted Annually

MA8-10

MAs produced last year

8

Full-time Program Staff/Faculty

Public History courses are distributed among four tenured faculty members, and two adjuncts from the public history field (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Museum).

Financial Aid Available

Graduate Assistantships (full in-state or out-of-state tuition waiver and stipend)
Graduate Public Service Internships (full in-state or out-of-state tuition waiver and stipend, and fulltime summer work)
Annual Research Awards
Donor-Funded Scholarships

Deadline To Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis

Internship Requirements

Internships are arranged jointly by academic advisor and the historic site. Advisor supervision is a part of the internship.

Places Where Students Have Interned During the Past 3 Years

  • Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
  • Lincoln Home National Historic Site
  • Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
  • Illinois State Military Museum
  • Illinois Regional Archival Depository
  • Lincoln Heritage Museum
  • Historic Edwards Place

Job Placement Assistance

Professional networking through class projects that collaborate with historic sites and museums. Students are also advised on job search strategy, resume building, and interview skills.

Job Placement Percentage Within One Year

100 percent

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

  • Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
  • Illinois State Museum
  • Illinois State Department of Natural Resources–State Historic Sites
  • Minnesota Historical Society–Mille Lacs Indian Museum
  • Washington University (St. Louis)
  • National Archives and Records Administration
  • State of Illinois Archives
  • Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum, Illinois
  • Greater Peoria Economic Development Council
  • McAdoo Cultural Center–Tennessee State Museum
  • Roosevelt County Historical Museum–Eastern New Mexico State University
  • New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, Massachusetts
  • National Museum of the US Army, Ft. Belvoir, VA
  • National Museum of American Diplomacy, Washington, DC
  • Federal Emergency Management Administration

Community & Institutional Connections

UIS Sangamon Experience

UIS Center for Lincoln Studies

UIS Archives

State of Illinois public history agencies and offices

Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum

Abraham Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument