Dedicate Your Career to the Preservation of History with Liberty’s Online Master’s in Public History
In light of the technological advances of the 21st century and the ever-changing cultural landscape, it’s sometimes easy to forget about historical figures, events, and artifacts. Too often, we give our past little thought or regard – though there is a tremendous amount of wisdom to be gleaned from it. From the U.S. to Europe, China, and Australia, the pen of history has spilled its ink across the globe – gracing buildings, battlefields, remote areas, and cities. With Liberty University’s online Master of Arts (MA) in Public History, you can learn to make sense of this history and share it with others.
This public history graduate program seeks to equip you with the skills you need to convey historical information to the general public. Our online public history master’s program can help you pursue careers in museums, archival departments, national parks, and other areas that deal with the preservation of history. Partner with us, learn how to share historical knowledge with others, and take your career to new heights.
What is public history?
Public history is an area of historical study that goes beyond academia and classrooms. Though public historians do teach others, they don’t necessarily do so in classroom settings – instead opting for a storytelling approach that helps them connect with their listeners. Public history centers on an attempt to create public awareness of history without academic lectures or tests.
*Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.
Why Choose Liberty’s Online Public History Master’s Degree?
As a pioneer in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to design a respected online degree program that challenges you to grasp new concepts while honoring your personal commitments. Our MA in Public History is offered 100% online with no set login times and no required intensives – allowing you to remain committed to your family, career, and community throughout your degree.
In addition, our MA in Public History could be your ticket to your dream job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), historians earned a median salary of $63,100 in 2020.* The BLS also reports that to become a historian, a master’s degree is typically required.* Our MA in Public History won’t just help you learn about the past and develop the ability to share history with others – it can help you break into a career field that you are passionate about.
Additionally, Liberty University holds institutional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This accreditation ensures that our degree programs have met high academic standards and are capable of helping you pursue your career goals. Partnering with Liberty for your public history degree isn’t just a 1.5-year decision – it is a decision that can serve you well for decades to come.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at Historians (viewed online Dec. 8, 2021). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
What Will You Learn in Our Public History Graduate Program?
Our master’s degree in public history is made up of 3 sections: core courses, an archeology course, and elective courses.
In the core courses of this public history degree, you will explore archival methods, theories of public history, and museum studies. You will also study conservation and preservation, local historical research, digital history, and America’s Christian heritage. In addition, the core section of this degree covers grant writing and includes a history internship.
This public history degree online also offers you the opportunity to study historical archeology or complete archeological field studies. Whether you’d like to gain hands-on experience during your degree or simply learn more about historical archeology, our MA in Public History online has an option for you.
In addition to providing core courses and an archeology class, this degree allows you to choose 6 credit hours of elective courses. You can study nonprofit management, geographical information systems, remote sensing, historical filmmaking, or strategic communication campaigns for the digital age – thereby gaining a diverse skill set.
Featured Courses
- HIST 503 – Public History and Archival Methods*
- HIST 610 – Museum Studies*
- HIST 611 – Conservation and Preservation*
- HIUS 530 – American Christian Heritage
*Course guide coming soon
Highlights of Liberty University’s Master’s Program in Public History
- We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America. Earning your Master of Arts in Public History from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
- You can complete our online master’s degree in public history in as little as 1.5 years.
- Students in our MA in Public History can benefit from networking opportunities with other professionals in the program from around the country.
Online Master’s in Public History Degree Information
- The online Master of Arts in Public History falls under the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Download and review the Degree Completion Plan.
- View the Graduate Arts and Sciences Course Guides (login required).
Military Benefits for Online Public History Master’s Degree Students
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe. Whether you are a current service member, discharged or retired from service, or the spouse of a service member or veteran, we are here to support you every step of the journey.
As a thank-you for your dedication and service to our country, Liberty is honored to serve and support you in your pursuit of online education by offering the following benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
Potential Career Opportunities for Public History Graduates
- Archivist
- Conservator
- Director of education and engagement for a museum or historical site
- Historian
- Museum curator
Admission Requirements for Our Master’s in Public History
A regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or above cumulative GPA is required for admission in good standing. Please visit our admission requirements page for more detailed admissions-related information.
All applicants to the MA in Public History online program must submit the following:
- Admission application
- Application fee*
- Official college transcripts
- Unofficial college transcripts may be accepted with a completed official transcript request form**
- Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)
*There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required.
**An official transcript is needed within 60 days of acceptance or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first.
