Program Overview
The University of South Carolina's Public History M.A. program offers hands-on experience for students seeking careers in archival, historical, and museum professions. With full funding available, the program places a strong emphasis on internships, original research, and thesis projects. Ranked highly by the National Research Council, the program boasts award-winning faculty and students, providing students with a comprehensive public history education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Public History, M.A. program at the University of South Carolina is described as one of the nation's strongest programs, offering full funding to most students. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, with graduates finding success in various fields, including archives, libraries, museums, historic preservation agencies, historic sites, documentary editing projects, state and national parks, consulting firms, and academia.
Careers:
Potential career paths for graduates include:
- Archivist
- Historic Preservationist
- Museum Director
- Documentarian
- Professor
- Writer Workplace settings for graduates include:
- Preservation and Archives
- State and National Parks
- Publishing
- Media
- Education
- Museums and Galleries
Other:
- The program is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences.
- The history department is consistently ranked highly in the South and nationally by the National Research Council.
- The program has received a Robert Kelley Memorial Award and three student awards from the National Council on Public History.
- Students participate in hands-on research with partner organizations locally, nationally, or abroad.
- The program is located in Columbia, South Carolina, a city with a deep connection to its past as an epicenter of the African American experience.
- Public history students learn through experience, with extensive time committed to an internship, a portfolio of original research, and a thesis.
- Students may take courses focused on historic preservation or museums, along with public history more broadly.
- Students should demonstrate reading knowledge of one foreign language (in most cases).
- The program emphasizes the development of professional and personal skills, including project management, research, teaching, writing, cultural awareness, and critical thinking.
Overview:
The University of South Carolina is a public research university with a rich history spanning over 200 years. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence, fostering a welcoming community of scholars and leaders, and providing a diverse range of academic programs.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide array of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Provides resources and assistance to help students succeed in their studies.Career Prep:
Offers guidance and support for students seeking internships, jobs, and career development.Study Abroad:
Facilitates opportunities for students to gain international experience and broaden their horizons.Dining:
Provides various dining options on campus, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.Clubs and Organizations:
Offers a vibrant student life with numerous clubs and organizations for students to join and pursue their interests.Sports and Outdoors:
Provides opportunities for students to engage in sports and outdoor activities, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.Arts and Entertainment:
Offers a variety of cultural events, performances, and entertainment options for students to enjoy.Inclusive Excellence:
Promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background or identity.University 101:
Provides resources and information for new students to navigate campus life and academic expectations.My USC Experience:
Offers a platform for students to connect with each other, engage in events, and access resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of South Carolina can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university boasts a welcoming community, numerous clubs and organizations, diverse dining options, and opportunities for sports, arts, and entertainment. The campus is also home to a variety of traditions and events that create a sense of belonging and shared experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
The university is recognized for its high-quality academic programs and its commitment to research.Diverse Programs:
Offers over 350 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and specialties.Welcoming Community:
Provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.Unrivaled Experience:
Offers a unique blend of academic rigor, student life, and opportunities for personal growth.Strong Alumni Network:
Provides graduates with a network of support and connections for their future careers.Academic Programs:
The University of South Carolina is home to 15 colleges and schools, offering a wide range of academic programs. Some of the key academic strengths include:
Arts and Sciences:
Offers a broad range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.Business:
The Darla Moore School of Business is renowned for its strong programs in finance, marketing, and management.Engineering and Computing:
Offers programs in various engineering disciplines, computer science, and information technology.Medicine:
The university has two medical schools, one in Columbia and one in Greenville, offering programs in medicine, nursing, and pharmacy.Law:
The Joseph F. Rice School of Law is known for its strong legal education and its commitment to public service.Other:
The university is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students. It offers various resources and services to support student safety and well-being, including a campus police department, emergency alert system, and counseling services.
