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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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
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Career Opportunities
- Archivist
- Curator
- Digital Archivist
- Digital Content Manager
- Director
- Exhibit Director
- Historical Researcher
- Museum Educator
- Public Historian
Plan of study
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:
- Phi Alpha Theta - National History Honor Society
- Student Government Association
- Students of the University of Missouri
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.
