History – Public History
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire Campus, United States
Master of Arts in History – Public History
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
Public History
Program Overview: MA in History – Public History
The Master of Arts in History – Public History at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire prepares graduates for careers in historic preservation, museum work, archives, and other public history subfields. The program combines rigorous academic training in historical research methods with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that connect you directly to community organizations and cultural institutions.
Students benefit from a unique partnership with the Wisconsin Historical Society, whose Northern Field Services Office is housed within the UW–Eau Claire History Department. This collaboration provides exceptional access to internship placements, archival resources through a network of 14 Area Research Centers, and professional development opportunities across the state of Wisconsin.
You can choose from three program pathways: a 30-credit thesis option, a 30-credit thesis with practicum option, or a 33-credit non-thesis option. Each pathway is designed to be personalized with the guidance of a dedicated faculty mentor, allowing you to align your coursework and research with your specific career goals in the public history field.
Key Program Highlights
- Direct partnership with the Wisconsin Historical Society's Northern Field Services Office, located within the History Department
- Required internship at museums, archives, historic sites, or public agencies providing real-world professional experience
- Access to UW–Eau Claire's Special Collections and Archives, part of a 14-center Area Research Center network
- Award-winning faculty, including two Wisconsin Professor of the Year recipients and a UW Regents Teaching Excellence Award-winning department
Curriculum and Modules
The MA in History – Public History curriculum blends foundational coursework in historical theory and methodology with specialized public history training. Students choose from a wide range of elective courses spanning American history, American Indian history, women's history, military history, and comparative world cultures, enabling a highly personalized degree experience.
Introduction to Public History
3 CreditsIntroduces the theory and practice of history-related pursuits aimed at audiences outside the university. Students explore career options available to public historians and the unique challenges they face in the field.
Historiography Seminar
3 CreditsFamiliarizes students with major issues of historical debate through intensive reading of secondary literature. Students produce a term paper summarizing and evaluating scholarly views on a specific historical issue.
Graduate Research Seminar
3 CreditsIntroduces students to secondary literature on a topic as preparation for research in original sources, leading to the writing and presentation of a scholarly research paper.
Public History Internship
3 CreditsA supervised assignment at a museum, archives, historical site, or public agency where students gain working experience as a public historian and apply research skills to community-based projects.
Thesis Research and Writing
3–6 CreditsIndependent study involving in-depth reading in the student's area of concentration, culminating in the presentation of a thesis prospectus and completion of the thesis under faculty supervision.
Professional Development Seminar
3 CreditsExplores the development of the discipline of history as a professional field at American universities, helping students build a professional identity as historians.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the MA in History – Public History is competitive, with the department selecting the best-qualified applicants from each application pool based on available space and the candidate's potential for graduate-level work. Students are normally admitted for the fall semester, though spring or summer admission may be possible depending on qualifications and program capacity. Apply through Uni4Edu to begin your application process.
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor's DegreeA completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required
- History CourseworkMinimum of 24 semester credits of undergraduate history; 30 credits strongly recommended
- GPA RequirementMinimum 3.00 overall GPA, or 3.15 in the second half of undergraduate work and 3.30 in history
- Research SampleA major research paper (minimum 10 pages preferred) from an undergraduate research seminar, with a letter from the supervising professor
- Application FeeUSD 56 non-refundable graduate application fee
Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
- IELTSContact Uni4Edu for current minimum band score requirements
- English ProficiencyNon-native English speakers must demonstrate English language proficiency; contact Uni4Edu for accepted tests and scores
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
UW–Eau Claire offers several financial support options for graduate students, including assistantships, fellowships, and grant programs. In the 2024–25 academic year, 95% of eligible students who applied for a graduate assistantship position received an offer. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on available funding and the application process.
Graduate Assistantship
Graduate assistantship positions provide a stipend and may include tuition benefits. Assistants work approximately 10 hours per week supporting faculty research, departmental activities, or administrative functions. Priority consideration is given to applications completed by March 1.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MA in History – Public History program are well-prepared for diverse careers across the cultural heritage and public history sectors. The program's emphasis on hands-on experience through internships, community partnerships, and archival work ensures that graduates enter the workforce with practical skills and professional connections.
Potential Career Paths
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire has been consistently recognized as one of the top public regional universities in the Midwest for over three decades. Its strong emphasis on faculty mentorship, undergraduate and graduate research, and community engagement has earned it accolades from multiple national ranking organizations.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Public Universities (Midwest) | U.S. News & World Report | Top 10 |
| Best Value Schools (Midwest) | U.S. News & World Report | Ranked |
| Best Colleges for Veterans (Midwest) | U.S. News & World Report | #13 |
| Public Universities (National) | Forbes | #128 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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