Overview

The Public History programme at Northern Kentucky University provides a comprehensive exploration of how historical narratives are constructed and shared within the public sphere. This advanced degree bridges the gap between academic scholarship and community engagement, preparing students to interpret the past for contemporary audiences. By focusing on the practical application of history, the curriculum ensures that graduates can manage complex cultural resources with professional integrity.

Why Public History at Northern Kentucky University?

Students benefit from a curriculum that is deeply rooted in the Greater Cincinnati region, offering a unique laboratory for historical study. The university emphasises a collaborative approach, where learners work alongside faculty experts to co-create narratives that reflect diverse human experiences. This institutional commitment to civic engagement allows students to participate in meaningful dialogue regarding the moral responsibility of historical representation.

The programme is distinguished by its focus on active learning and professional skill acquisition. Beyond traditional research, the university provides training in grant writing, project design, and digital tools, ensuring that graduates are versatile practitioners. The integration of ethical considerations into every module prepares students to lead with nuance in a variety of professional environments.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 910 per credit
National fee: USD 910 per credit
Local fee: USD 593 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Public History
Museum Studies
Archival Practices
Digital Humanities
Research and Analysis
Communication and Project Design
Grant Writing
Audience Engagement

Careers with Public History

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in a wide range of cultural and heritage sectors. The programme equips students with transferable skills in communication and analysis that are highly valued by employers in both the public and private sectors. Common career paths for alumni include positions within museums, historical societies, and government agencies.

Specific professional opportunities often include roles in archival management, historic preservation, and heritage tourism. Furthermore, the rigorous training in research and collaborative practice allows graduates to pursue successful careers in journalism, law, business, and the civil service. The programme's focus on digital platforms also prepares students for modern roles in digital history and content curation.

Programme Structure

Courses Included:

Public History

Museum Education and Interpretation

Administration and Collections Management

Research and Writing Public History

Historical Preservation

Cultural Site Interpretation

Museum Education and Interpretation

Exhibits in Museums and Historical Sites

Theory and Practice of Oral History

Local and Regional Research Methods

Cultural Heritage Tourism

Historical Editing

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-10 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Highland Heights, United States

Disciplines

History View 534 other Masters in History in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Complete an Online Application

Pay the $40 Application Fee

Submit Passport Photocopy

Submit your Official Transcripts

Submit Proof of English Fluency

ACT: English 18, Math 19, Reading 20

SAT (Prior to 3/2016): Writing 430, Math 460, Reading 470

SAT (After 3/2016): Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 480, Math 500

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

32760 USD / year

≈ 32760 USD / year
Out-of-State

32760 USD / year

≈ 32760 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21348 USD / year

≈ 21348 USD / year

Living costs

Highland Heights

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Public History.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Highland Heights

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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