B.A. in Creative Industries and Entrepreneurship
York College of Pennsylvania offers over 70 baccalaureate majors across professional pr...
B.A. in Public History
York, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Public History at York College of Pennsylvania offers a specialized and dynamic program that explores how historical knowledge is interpreted, presented, and preserved for the public. Unlike traditional history programs focused solely on academic research, public history at YCP focuses on "history at work" – making the past accessible, engaging, and relevant to broad audiences outside of conventional classrooms. This program is ideal for students passionate about connecting communities with their heritage, working in museums, historical societies, archives, or contributing to historical preservation efforts. Graduates develop a unique blend of rigorous historical research skills and practical communication techniques for public engagement.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Public History is comprehensive, blending core historical study with specialized training in public history methodologies. Students delve into foundational history courses that cover various periods and regions, fostering a deep understanding of historical inquiry and analysis. Key public history specific courses often include "Museum Studies," "Digital Public History," "Archives Management," and "Oral History." The program emphasizes hands-on learning through coursework that involves public historical interpretation and preservation. Students learn to present historical information effectively through exhibitions, digital platforms, and educational programs, ensuring they are well-versed in the practical aspects of communicating history to diverse audiences.
Research Focus: The "research focus" within the Public History program at York College is distinctly applied and geared towards making historical knowledge meaningful for public consumption. While students conduct traditional historical research using primary and secondary sources, a significant portion of their inquiry involves understanding how to translate complex historical narratives into accessible and engaging formats. This includes researching best practices in museum exhibition design, archival preservation, oral history collection, and digital storytelling. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects that culminate in tangible public history products, such as curated exhibits, digital history projects, or oral history collections, demonstrating their ability to bridge academic history with public engagement.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the Public History program, providing extensive opportunities for real-world application and career preparation. The curriculum often incorporates community-based projects and emphasizes internships as a crucial component of learning. Students are encouraged to pursue internships with local or national historical societies, museums, archives, historic preservation offices, or government agencies. These hands-on experiences allow students to apply their historical and public engagement skills in professional settings, build valuable networks with practitioners in the field, and gain practical insights into the operations of various cultural heritage institutions. The faculty, often active in public history initiatives, provide mentorship and connections to the industry.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Public History program at York College of Pennsylvania inherently fosters a global perspective by exploring diverse historical narratives and the universal human need to understand and interpret the past. While specific courses might focus on American or regional history, the principles of public history – such as ethical representation, community engagement, and making history accessible – are universally applicable. Students may engage with examples of public history from around the world, understanding how different cultures preserve and present their heritage. The program's emphasis on critical interpretation and sensitivity to diverse perspectives prepares graduates to contribute to historical projects that transcend national borders, promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of global heritage.
Location
York, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 26920
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
York College of Pennsylvania offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in achieving their academic goals while easing financial burdens. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and other special talents among international applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to York College are considered for merit-based scholarships automatically during the admissions process. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. High-achieving students can receive significant tuition discounts, which help make studying in the U.S. more affordable.
International Student Scholarships: York College provides dedicated scholarships for international students, which may include renewable awards throughout the duration of their degree program. These scholarships acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and contributions international students bring to the campus community.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments at York College offer scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional performance or promise in their chosen field of study. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities by contacting their academic departments directly.
York College of Pennsylvania's Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Public History offers a distinctive program focused on making historical knowledge accessible, engaging, and relevant to a broad audience. Unlike traditional history degrees, this program emphasizes "history at work," preparing students for careers in fields that connect the public with their heritage.
Museum Curator/Collections Manager: Curators research, acquire, care for, and interpret artifacts and exhibits. Collections managers focus on the physical care, documentation, and accessibility of museum collections. Both roles require strong historical knowledge and practical skills in object handling and interpretation.
Archivist: Collects, organizes, preserves, and makes accessible historical records, documents, and digital materials for research and public use. This role is crucial in historical societies, universities, government agencies, and corporate archives.
Historic Preservationist/Conservation Officer: Works to identify, protect, and preserve historic buildings, sites, and cultural landscapes. This can involve conducting surveys, writing preservation plans, or advising on restoration projects for government agencies, non-profits, or private firms.
Oral Historian: Conducts, transcribes, and archives interviews with individuals to document personal experiences and perspectives, creating primary source materials for historical research and public understanding. They often work for universities, historical societies, or cultural institutions.
Park Ranger (Interpretation/Education): At historic sites, national parks, or state parks, park rangers interpret historical significance, lead tours, develop educational programs, and engage visitors with the site's past.
Historical Consultant: Provides historical research, analysis, and expertise to various clients, including film and television productions, legal firms, corporations, or non-profit organizations for historical accuracy, background information, or litigation support.
Museum Educator: Designs and delivers educational programs, workshops, and tours for diverse audiences (e.g., K-12 students, families, adults) at museums, historical societies, or heritage sites, translating complex historical topics into engaging experiences.
Digital Public Historian: Creates and manages online historical content, digital exhibits, interactive maps, podcasts, or virtual reality experiences, making history accessible through new technologies. This role combines historical research with digital media skills.
Heritage Tourism Developer/Manager: Works to promote and manage tourism experiences that highlight a region's cultural, historical, and heritage assets. This involves creating themed tours, developing interpretive materials, and collaborating with local businesses and communities.
Genealogist/Family Historian: Assists individuals or organizations in researching family histories, tracing lineages, and preserving ancestral records. This role requires meticulous research skills and knowledge of archival practices.
