History - Public History University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Overview

The History - Public History M.A. at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire provides comprehensive professional training for students aiming to work in historic preservation, museums, and archives. This postgraduate programme combines rigorous academic research with practical applications to prepare graduates for the diverse challenges of the public history sector. Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasises the complexity of historical developments and the importance of presenting history to diverse audiences.

Why History - Public History at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire?

Students at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire gain unparalleled access to professional resources, including the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Division of Public History and Historic Preservation, which maintains an office within the department. The university also hosts one of the state's Area Research Centres, providing extensive archival materials for student research. Learning is led by award-winning faculty, including recipients of the Wisconsin Professor of the Year award and the University of Wisconsin Regents Teaching Excellence Award.

The programme is highly customisable, offering three distinct pathways: a 30-credit thesis option, a 30-credit thesis and practicum route, or a 33-credit non-thesis track. This flexibility allows students to align their academic focus with specific career goals in American history, military history, or world cultures. Experiential learning is central to the experience, with students frequently collaborating on digital exhibits and historic registry projects that serve the local community.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 1283 per credit
• National fee: USD 1283 per credit
• Local fee: USD 619 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on historical methodologies and professional practice. Modules may include:

• Public History
• Readings in World History
• Current Trends in History
• American History
• American Indian History
• Modern Military History
• Comparative World Cultures
• Women’s History

Careers with History - Public History

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional roles within government agencies, non-profit organisations, and private institutions. The programme's emphasis on gathering, analysing, and presenting material ensures that students are competitive for roles such as museum curators, historical researchers, and site managers. Many alumni find success as executives at historical societies or as analysts for preservation agencies.

The required internship component provides vital first-hand experience, allowing students to apply their research skills to real-world community problems. This practical foundation, combined with the university's strong reputation, contributes to high employment rates for graduates. Common career destinations include historic sites, archival centres, and various public history subfields where expertise in historical preservation is essential.