Alumni will go on to successful careers as:
- Architectural historians
- Archivists
- Grant managers
- Museum collections specialists
- Librarians
- Community engagement coordinators
- Historians
- Educators
- Historical consultants
Public History
- Bachelor of Arts
- Minor
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In This Section
Public History: Where the Past Meets the Present
Students studying public history at Saint Vincent College will learn that history isn’t just about the past—it’s made and remade in the contemporary world. Through hands-on experiences both in and out of the classroom, they explore how historical understanding is applied in real-world contexts. As part of the History Department, public history students build a strong foundation in historical study and complete a thesis alongside history majors. Whether creating virtual exhibits or digitizing collections, they gain valuable historical knowledge, develop project management skills, and learn specialized techniques to bring history to life.
Undergraduate Programs
Program Highlights
Pioneers in Public History
Saint Vincent College is proud to be among the first institutions in the nation to offer a dedicated major in public history. With only 16 programs like it across the country (as recognized by the National Council on Public History), our department stands at the forefront of this growing and dynamic field. Students benefit from a rare opportunity to explore history through a public lens—connecting the past to the present in meaningful, community-focused ways.
Capstone Projects
Public history students at Saint Vincent don’t just study history—they create it. Through their senior capstone projects, students have designed and launched digital archives, developed site-specific interpretive plans, written and curated museum-style exhibits, and more—each project tailored to real-world audiences and professional standards. These experiences prepare students to enter the field with confidence, creativity, and a portfolio of impactful work.
Travel Opportunities
History students can take national and international research trips. Often funded by our Andeoli Travel Grants and Palumbo Grants, these trips provide invaluable hands-on learning and a global perspective on history. Our students have explored archives and historic sites in locations such as London, Dublin, Paris, South Africa, Madrid, New York City, Boston, Washington, DC, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, and many more.
Internships
Our students gain valuable skills including archival research, exhibit curation, public speaking, and educational programming during internships at places like Fort Ligonier, Blairsville Area Underground Railroad, West Overton Village and Museum, Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor.
Careers After Saint Vincent
Our students have enrolled in prestigious graduate schools:
- Duquesne University
- University of Pittsburgh
- George Washington University
- John Hopkins University
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Shippensburg University
- Loyola University of Chicago
- West Virginia University
Student Success Stories
"Studying public history at SVC helped me turn a passion into a career. I was given the encouragement from faculty and experience from work-study/internships needed to pursue further education and land my dream job as an assistant curator at a museum."Kelsie Patton, C’23
Arts and Historical Specialist/Assistant Curator, Oconee County, SC
Required Curriculum
The Public History major consists of 52 credits. The balance of the 124 credits required for graduation can be composed of electives or courses required for one or more minors or a second major. Students should choose electives in consultation with their major advisor.
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Major - Required Courses
The Public History major consists of 52 credits. The balance of the 124 credits required for graduation can be composed of electives or courses required for one or more minors or a second major. Students should choose electives in consultation with their major advisor.
Major Requirements (48 CREDITS)
Public History majors are required to complete two of the following area studies courses for a total of 12 credits at the 100 level:
- HI 102, 103 Ancient Greece and Rome, and Medieval and Renaissance Europe
- HI 104, 105 Contemporary Europe I and II
- HI 106, 107 Topics in U.S. History
- HI 108, 109 East Asian Societies Traditional and East Asian Societies Modern
- HI 110, 111 English History
- HI 123, 124 Global History I and II
Upper Division History Classes
Public History majors must take two courses, or six credits, from the 200-level offerings.Majors-only courses
Public History majors will be required to take HI 100 in their first semester as a major; HI 101: the fall of their sophomore year, HI 300: in the spring of their sophomore year; HI 301: in the spring of their junior year; and HI 302 in the fall of their senior year. 15 credits. The courses are:
- HI 100 Introduction to History Major
- HI 101 Historical Writing
- HI 300 The Historian’s Profession
- HI 301 Junior Research Seminar
- HI 302 Senior Writing Seminar
Public History Requirements
Public History majors must complete five courses, 15 credit hours, in Public History courses. The courses are:
- HI 201 Introduction to Public History
- HI 202 Practicum in Public History
- HI 293 Museum Studies: An Introduction
- BA 326 Nonprofit Management
Public History Electives (3 credits)
Select one from the recommended electives:
- BA 398 Project Management
- CA 100 Introduction to Comm and Media Studies
- CA 230 Writing for Media
- CA 304 Social Media Strategies
- DA120 Digital Layout and Design
- DA 140 Digital Photography
- DA 150 Digital Video Production
- DA 190 Interactive Media
- EL 107 News Writing
- EL 133 American Lit: Beginnings to Present
- EL 113 Women’s Literature
- EL-138 Multiethnic Literature of the United States
- EL 139 African American Literature
- EL 244 Creative Nonfiction Workshop
- AN 101 Introduction to Anthropology
- AN 222 Cultural Anthropology
- AN 230 Archaeology
- SO 200 Race and Ethnicity
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Minor - Required Courses
18 credits
Required courses:
- HI 201 Introduction to Public History
- HI 202 Practicum in Public History
- HI 293 Museum Studies: An Introduction
- HI 306 Introduction to Non-Profit Organizations
- HI 550 Internship in History
The remaining credits may come from:
- BA 398 Project Management
- CA 100 Introduction to Comm and Media Studies
- CA 230 Writing for Media
- CA 304 Social Media Strategies
- DA120 Digital Layout and Design
- DA 140 Digital Photography
- DA 150 Digital Video Production
- DA 190 Interactive Media
- EL 107 News Writing
- EL 133 American Lit: Beginnings to Present
- EL 113 Women’s Literature
- EL-138 Multiethnic Literature of the United States
- EL 139 African American Literature
- EL 244 Creative Nonfiction Workshop
- AN 101 Introduction to Anthropology
- AN 222 Cultural Anthropology
- AN 230 Archaeology
- SO 200 Race and Ethnicity
Students are urged to take additional 200-level history courses. HI 201 and HI 202 cannot fulfill history major requirements. The option list may change as new courses are developed; check with the Public History minor director or your advisor for the most current list.
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Key Courses
Introduction to Public History: This course introduces students to the field of Public History—how the past is shared with the public through museums, archives, historic sites, and more. While exploring a local historical topic, students will learn how professionals present history to diverse audiences. Activities include readings, discussions, field trips, and hands-on projects.
Museum Studies: An Introduction: This course offers an inside look at how museums work, from creating exhibits and managing collections to designing educational programs and tackling ethical questions. Students will learn how museums preserve and share history, art, and science, while also exploring how these institutions are evolving in the 21st century. Ideal for anyone curious about museums or considering a career in the field.
Public History Practicum: In this hands-on course, students will use research and writing skills to create a real-world history project for a public audience. Working in teams, students will take a project from idea to final presentation—examples include museum exhibits, oral histories, tourism guides, or historic site nominations. Great for those interested in making history meaningful beyond the classroom.
Facilities and Research
The Center for Northern Appalachian Studies
The Center for Northern Appalachian Studies documents the heritage of Northern Appalachia through interdisciplinary study and community projects. It offers students hands-on learning experiences and collaborates with local and international communities to preserve and interpret regional histories.
Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery
Preserving and interpreting the history of weaving and folk traditions in the Northeastern US, the McCarl Coverlet Gallery offers students hands-on experience through paid work-study positions and internships, and fosters research, exhibits, and educational events centered around its collection of over 300 antique American coverlets.
Saint Vincent College Archives
The Archives serves as the repository of artifacts from the college’s long history and as a welcoming host for history interns working with the collections and on exhibits.
Fred Rogers Archives
The official repository of materials from Mr. Rogers’ life and work housed in the Fred Rogers Institute welcomes history students doing internships on archival collections and management.