Bring the past to life with UMSL’s public history degree

At the University of Missouri–St. Louis, you can learn to make history relevant and accessible in the digital age. Our Bachelor of Arts in History with an emphasis in Public History and Museums in the Digital Age explores the latest trends in museum curation, heritage interpretation and digital storytelling.

Gain the skills to use technology to connect people with the past and create meaningful experiences. Through hands-on experiences, including internships with local museums, libraries, archives and parks — and even archaeological excavations — you’ll prepare for a dynamic career in the museum, heritage or public sectors, or for graduate studies.

Our museums and public history degree is available part- or full-time, on campus or online. We also offer a traditional Bachelor of Arts in History.

History BA for the digital age

Our History BA, Public History and Museums in the Digital Age emphasis equips you to address major challenges facing museums, galleries, libraries, performing art centers, heritage sites and more. You’ll work to interpret the past for and in collaboration with public audiences to offer improved learning experiences and fill the needs of today’s cultural institutions.

 

Program type:

Major, BA

Format:

On-Campus, 100% Online

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Two students examining a detailed architectural model of a dome structure during a hands-on learning session.

Why earn your public history degree at UMSL?

UMSL’s museums and public history degree offers a unique blend of challenging academics and hands-on learning. Our focus on digital competencies and real-world applications sets you apart from other history BA graduates.

  • Immersive learning: In courses like St. Louis: People, Place and Food, you’ll engage with local history through field trips and projects. Other classes will help you gain valuable experience with archival research and digital history skills.
  • Dedicated mentorship: Participate in personalized networking opportunities, like connecting with successful professionals in the field. Plus, you can get financial support for research projects to advance your museum studies.
  • Unmatched resources: Explore our Digital Humanities Lab, Mercantile Library and State Historical Society of Missouri. Off campus, St. Louis’ vibrant cultural scene offers endless opportunities for learning

What can you do with a degree in public history?

What better location to study history than at some of the most historic sites in the United States? St. Louis offers unparalleled opportunities to learn about the past with direct connections to the present and future. Explore world-class museums, attend free historical events and gain valuable experience through internships at museums, historical societies, libraries and archives, heritage tourism sites, national and regional parks, urban revitalization organizations and other entities.

Our public history and museum studies graduates are employed at places like the Missouri Historical Society, Washington University Libraries Special Collections, the Mercantile Library of St. Louis, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the St. Louis Science Center, the National Park Service, and the National Blues Museum. In addition, many alumni use their public history skills in other industries, like sales, management, education, business and more.

You can also use your history BA to prepare for advanced graduate studies, including UMSL’s Master of Arts in History, which also offers an emphasis in Museum Studies.

Employment of archivists, curators and museum workers is projected to grow up to 11% by 2033, with a median annual salary of $57,120, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.


57,120

Median annual salary

11

Employment growth by 2033

Career Opportunities

  • Archivist
  • Curator
  • Digital Archivist
  • Digital Content Manager
  • Director
  • Exhibit Director
  • Historical Researcher
  • Museum Educator
  • Public Historian

 

Plan of study

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Review Full Degree Requirements

All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.

Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

Student organizations

Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as a history major:

Honors College

The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, civility and academic excellence.

Undergraduate research

We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.

College of Arts and Sciences

UMSL Arts and Sciences transforms lives.

Why choose UMSL Arts and Sciences?

The College of Arts and Sciences offers exciting degree programs that cover the academic spectrum from fine arts, humanities and the social sciences, to the natural and applied sciences.

An undergraduate degree from the College of Arts and Sciences provides the intellectual base for a host of career paths, advanced study and research in many academic disciplines. Our graduates are known for their professionalism on the job and their strong sense of civic responsibility.

College of Arts and Sciences

Active researchers, scholars and practitioners

Our accomplished faculty provide students with a well-rounded, hands-on and practical education to best prepare them for success in the modern workforce.

Our faculty are actively engaged in research and scholarship that advances knowledge, theory and applied methods in their fields and provides an unparalleled academic experience. Truly inspired by students’ resilience, creativity, passion for learning and desire to make a difference in their communities, our faculty are driven to educate, prepare and cultivate the innovative spirit UMSL students are so well known for.

UMSL Faculty

An inspired and accomplished Triton network

The College of Arts and Sciences has prepared tens of thousands of graduates to become influential leaders and find career success in the region, nationally and internationally.

The collective expertise of our alumni encompasses an impressive and comprehensive list of disciplines. They are notable journalists, writers, public relations professionals and leaders in private and public sectors. They are scientists, musicians, entrepreneurs, CEOs and much more. Committed to their organizations and communities, our graduates share a constant motivation to inspire others, build inclusive excellence, drive positive change and transform the lives of others through their everyday work.

College of Arts and Science Alumni

Find your passion, chart your path

Our wide range of academic programs are structured to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to set yourself apart and be career ready on day one.

The College of Arts and Sciences offers 31 baccalaureate, 16 master and seven doctoral degrees as well as dozens of minor and certificate programs designed to get you where you want to go. With dedicated academic advisors ready to create a personalized plan to help you succeed in your academic journey, you'll have a clear path from start to finish. Find the program that’s right for you and apply today.

College of Arts and Sciences at UMSL

UMSL Rankings

#1

in Missouri for affordability
(Business Insider)

#1

Online College in Missouri
(Forbes 2024)

60+

non-degree certificate programs

#1

transfer destination in St.Louis

#5

nationally for adult education
(Great Value Colleges)

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