Overview

The Public History M.A. at the University of South Carolina provides a comprehensive foundation for students aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and the general public. This programme emphasises practical application, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to manage historical narratives in various professional settings. Students engage in rigorous academic study while developing the technical skills necessary for modern historical preservation and curation.

Located in a region with a profound connection to the past, the programme offers a unique environment for exploring complex historical narratives, particularly regarding the African American experience. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and cultural awareness, preparing students to handle sensitive historical data with professional integrity.

Why Public History at the University of South Carolina?

The university hosts one of the most respected history departments in the nation, consistently earning high rankings from the National Research Council. The programme has been distinguished with the Robert Kelley Memorial Award and multiple accolades from the National Council on Public History. Students benefit from an epicenter of historical significance, providing an authentic backdrop for research and professional development.

Partnerships with local, national, and international organisations allow students to participate in authentic research experiences that extend beyond the classroom. The faculty are recognised experts who provide mentorship in diverse areas, from documentary editing to academic research. This supportive environment is further enhanced by the fact that the university provides full funding to the majority of its students in this discipline.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14880 per semester
National fee: USD 14880 per semester
Local fee: USD 6867 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on experiential learning, requiring students to complete an internship and a portfolio of original research alongside their thesis. Modules may include:

Public History
Historic Preservation
Museums
Research Methods
Project Management
Writing

Careers with Public History

Graduates from this programme are prepared for diverse roles across the heritage and education sectors. Many find success in archives, libraries, and museums, or work as historic preservationists and site managers. The skills gained also support careers in documentary editing, consulting firms, and national park services.

Common career paths for alumni include:

Archivist
Museum Director
Historic Preservationist
Documentarian
Professor
Writer

Workplace settings range from state and national parks to media outlets, publishing houses, and galleries. The programme's strong emphasis on professional intelligence ensures that graduates can transition effectively into leadership roles within these organisations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Memory, History, and Space
Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation Field Experience—Charleston, S.C
Historic Site Interpretation
Material Culture Studies
Comparative Applied History, U.S. and U.K
History and Theory of Museums

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-06 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Columbia, United States

Disciplines

Modern History View 61 other Masters in Modern History in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Official Transcripts
Official GRE Score
3 Letters of Recommendation
Writing Sample
Personal Statement

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

29760 USD / year

≈ 29760 USD / year
Out-of-State

29760 USD / year

≈ 29760 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13734 USD / year

≈ 13734 USD / year

Living costs

Columbia

United States

999 - 1508 USD / month

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

Financing

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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

Columbia

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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