M.A.
Master's of Arts

Public History

Bring history to life with SUNY Empire’s online M.A. in Public History.

This program combines research, preservation, exhibition planning, and community engagement to prepare you for roles in museums, archives, and cultural institutions. You’ll take core courses in archival theory, oral history, and museum practices, then complete a capstone project or internship tailored to your interests. With flexible electives and faculty support, you’ll graduate ready to share history in meaningful and accessible ways.

Our team can help you prepare for the next step in your career.

Master of Arts in Public History

M.A.
Earn your M.A. in Public History online and prepare for a career in museums, archives, education, or cultural organizations. This flexible program builds your skills in research, interpretation, and public engagement so you can make history meaningful and accessible. 

Format

100% Online

How it Works

Tuition

$471 / credit

Tuition & Fees

Credits

33

Course Catalog
  • Course List:  

    This 33-credit program is comprised of 21 credits of required courses, 6 credits of electives reflecting a student's area of focus, and 6 credits of capstone course work which includes an internship. Below is a listing of the program's required courses as well as examples of some available elective courses. 

     

    • PBHS 6040 

      Museums and Public History: Theory & Practices  

       
    • PBHS 6025 

      Public History, Ethics & Professionalism 

       
    • PBHS 6325 

      Archival Theory & Practice 

       
    • PBHS 6105 

      Exhibition: Planning & Interpretation 

       
    • PBHS 6215 

      Oral History: Theory & Methods 

       
    • PBHS 6245 

      Preservation Material & History 

       
    • PBHS 6240 

      Preservation Policy & Law 

       
    • Capstone Courses  

       

       
    • PBHS 7005 

      Public History Internship  

       
    • PBHS 7030 

      Public History Final Project  

       
    • Electives (two)   To satisfy the 6-credit focus area requirement of the degree, students may choose from a wide variety of elective courses found in the Graduate Course Catalog, or unique courses developed in consultation with their advisor in the form of independent studies. Just two examples of focus areas and the catalog electives that might be chosen, are listed below. Students are not restricted to these examples and should work with their advisor to determine the area they will focus on and the appropriate electives.  Possible Electives in American History  

    • LACS 6122 

      19th Century US Culture & Society  

       
    • LACS 6130 

      Gender Race & Nation  

       
    • LACS 6160 

      Literature of New York 

       
    • LACS 6190 

      American Modernism  

       
    • LACS 6075 

      Cultural and Visual Studies  

       
    • LACS 6185 

      American Material Culture  

       
    • LACS 6145

      Language & Culture  

       

Ready to Apply?

The deadline for the Fall 2024 term is August 31. How to Apply

A Degree You Can Count On

What you'll learn

  • Apply core principles of public history 
  • Plan and assess exhibitions and programs
  • Conduct oral histories and archival work
  • Engage communities through historical storytelling 

Turn Your Passion for History Into a Career 

An online master’s in public history opens doors in museums, archives, education, and beyond. Graduates are prepared for roles such as: 

  • Museum Educator or Exhibit Curator 
  • Archivist or Records Manager 
  • Historic Preservationist 
  • Cultural Resource Manager 
  • Public History Consultant 
Career Services
student poses for photo by windows
Margaret is a Museum Educator at the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum in the Bronx. On top of being a working graduate student, she was also a single mother and caretaker for her parents while attending SUNY Empire. 

Interested? Take the Next Steps

1

Bring History to Life for Today’s World

We're here to support you every step of the way, making your journey to an M.A. in Public History flexible, engaging, and meaningful. Our dedicated advisors will help you stay on track, build your research and preservation skills, and prepare you for impactful work in museums, archives, education, or cultural organizations.

Get Started 

 

Request Info
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2

Apply for the M.A. in Public History

Make sure you have all the admissions requirements and complete your application to be ready for our next term! 

How To Apply

 

 

 

 

 

 

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