Public History University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Overview

The Public History programme at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee provides a robust academic foundation for students seeking professional roles in the historical sector. This Master of Arts degree integrates rigorous graduate-level coursework with hands-on experience to bridge the gap between academic theory and public engagement.

The curriculum is designed to be highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies toward specific career goals. Participants engage in topical history colloquia and research seminars while completing core requirements in local history methods and professional practice. A significant component of the degree involves completing internships with various organisations in the Milwaukee region and beyond.

Why Public History at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee?

Students benefit from the university's strong connections with local historical societies, museums, and archives, providing unparalleled access to professional networking and practical training. The programme is situated in a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, offering a diverse range of sites for field research and community-based projects.

The faculty includes experts across multiple historical disciplines who provide personalised advising and mentorship throughout the degree. Facilities and partnerships support a wide array of specialisation tracks, ensuring that graduates possess the technical skills and theoretical knowledge required by modern cultural institutions and non-profit organisations.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 27090 per year
• National fee: USD 27090 per year
• Local fee: USD 13659 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Public History Seminar
• Research Methods in Local History
• Graduate Internship in Public History
• Museum Fundamentals
• History and Theory of Museums
• Administration and Organization of Museums
• Museum Collections Management and Curation
• Visitor Experience Design in Museums
• Professionalism Capstone in Museum Studies
• Fundraising and Development for Nonprofit Organizations
• Accounting for Nonprofit Organizations
• Governance of Nonprofit Organizations
• Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations
• Nonprofit Advocacy and Public Policy
• Nonprofit Revenue Streams and Portfolios
• Historic Preservation
• History of Building Technology
• American Vernacular Architecture
• Preservation Technology Laboratory
• Modern Archives Administration
• Digital Libraries
• Arrangement and Description in Archives
• Archival Outreach: Programs and Services
• Preserving Information Media
• Advanced Appraisal
• History of Milwaukee
• History and the New Media
• Master's Capstone

Careers with Public History

Graduates are prepared for professional roles within historical societies, museums, and archives. The programme also equips students for careers in libraries, government agencies, and non-profit organisations. Many alumni successfully transition into professional fields such as historic preservation, digital curation, and non-profit administration, or pursue further doctoral studies in the field.