Certificate in Public History

Program Overview

The undergraduate certificate in public history at Duquesne University equips students with hands-on skills in museum studies, archival methods, historic preservation, and more. Through a combination of required and elective courses, students gain a solid foundation in public history theory and practice, preparing them for careers in museums, archives, and other public history institutions. The program's unique approaches, such as the Digital Lab and Oral History Studio, provide students with cutting-edge tools and experiences. Graduates are well-qualified for entry into graduate programs or for careers in the public history field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The undergraduate certificate in public history allows students to expand on their liberal arts education and develop hands-on skills in various fields, including museum studies, archival methods, historic preservation, grant writing, oral history, and the digital humanities.
• Objectives: Upon completion of the program, students will:
• Have a solid foundation in public history theory and practice.
• Be able to apply their knowledge and skills in various settings, such as museums, archives, libraries, state and national parks, historic homes, and corporations.
• Be well-qualified for entering a graduate M.A.
or Ph.D. public history program.

Outline:

• Program Content: The program's content covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Museum studies
• Archival methods
• Historic preservation
• Grant writing
• Oral history
• Digital humanities
• Program Structure: The program is typically completed in one academic year.
Students will take a combination of required and elective courses.
• Course Schedule:
• Required Courses:
• PHST 223: Practice of Public History (3 credit hours)
• PHST 490: Public History Internship (3 credit hours)
• 6 credit hours of PHST electives
• 3 credit hours of 300- or 400-level HIST elective
• Course Descriptions:
• PHST 223: Practice of Public History: This course provides students with an overview of the field of public history.
Students will learn about the different types of public history institutions, the methods used by public historians, and the ethical issues that public historians face.
• PHST 490: Public History Internship: This course provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a public history institution.
Students will work under the supervision of a professional public historian and will complete a research project related to their internship.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams
• Papers
• Presentations
• Projects
• Assessment Criteria: Students will be evaluated on their:
• Knowledge of public history theory and practice
• Ability to apply their knowledge and skills in various settings
• Critical thinking skills
• Communication skills

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program's faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Hands-on activities
• Field trips
• Faculty: The program's faculty are leading practitioners in the field of public history.
They have a wealth of experience in teaching, research, and public service.
• Unique Approaches: The program offers several unique approaches to teaching public history, including:
• The Duquesne Digital Lab: The Digital Lab is a state-of-the-art facility that provides students with access to the latest digital technologies.
Students can use the Digital Lab to create digital exhibits, conduct research, and learn about the digital humanities.
• The Oral History Studio: The Oral History Studio is a dedicated space where students can conduct oral history interviews.
The studio is equipped with professional recording equipment and software.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Students who complete the program will be qualified for a variety of careers in the public history field, including:
• Museum curator
• Archivist
• Historic preservationist
• Grant writer
• Oral historian
• Digital humanist
• Career Opportunities: Graduates of the program have gone on to work for a variety of organizations, including:
• Museums
• Archives
• Libraries
• State and national parks
• Historic homes
• Corporations
• Career Outcomes: The program has a strong track record of preparing students for successful careers in the public history field.
Graduates of the program have gone on to work for some of the most prestigious institutions in the country.