University of Northern Iowa* | National Council on Public History

MA in History with a Public History Emphasis

Last Updated: February 25, 2022

1227 W 27th St.
319 Seerley Hall - UNI code 0701 (History)

Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0701

[email protected]

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Director(s)

Cheryl Dong, Ph.D.
[email protected]
319-273-2097

Program Introduction

The Public History program at UNI began in 1976 at the undergraduate level and expanded to include a graduate emphasis in 2002. Currently, it consists of Public History Minor at the undergraduate level and a Public History Emphasis at the graduate level. The graduate emphasis supports both thesis work and professional development. The program also offers a Public History Certificate to students not enrolled in a degree program. A number of alumni have gone to work in museums, libraries and archives, historical societies, and Main Street offices.

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
Public History Minor
Museum Studies Degree, Certificate, or Minor

Program Strengths

Digital Media
Historic Preservation
Local/Community History
Museum Studies
Oral History

Credit Hour Requirements

30 hours

How Many Students are Admitted Annually

MA5-10

MAs produced last year

Full-time Program Staff/Faculty

16 Tenured and Tenure-Track faculty staff the History MA program

Financial Aid Available

Scholarships
Assistantships
Tuition Waivers
In-State Tuition Status
Loans

Internship Requirements

Required. Students are required to complete two internships arranged in consultation with the Public History coordinator. Internships consist of 120 hours of work and are worth 3 credit hours each.

Places Where Students Have Interned During the Past 3 Years

• Grout Museum District
• Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area
• John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
• Rod Library Special Collections
• Cedar Falls Historical Society
• Cedar Falls Community Main Street
• Parkersburg Historical Society
• Salisbury House
• Iowa Children’s Museum
• African American Museum of Iowa
• Rural Schools Project
• Postville Project
• Fortepan Iowa Project
• National Museum of American History
• Grey Towers National Historic Site

Job Placement Assistance

UNI's Career Center offers students support in selecting employment opportunities and preparing application materials.

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