COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Public History requires a total of 51 units within the major as part of the 120 units needed for graduation. The program is designed to provide students with both a strong academic foundation in history and practical training in how history is presented and applied in public settings. Students begin with 21 units of core courses that cover world history, United States history, and essential skills in historical research and writing. Advanced seminars further develop students’ ability to conduct in-depth research and analyze historical topics critically.A key component of the program is professional preparation. Students complete a dedicated course in public history, followed by nine units of electives in areas such as museum management, archival practices, historical archaeology, exhibition design, and oral history. These courses help students gain hands-on knowledge of how history is preserved, interpreted, and shared with the public. Additionally, students must complete an internship or an approved upper-division course, providing valuable real-world experience in professional settings such as museums, archives, or cultural institutions.The program also includes a 15-unit specialization requirement, where students select courses across five of six major historical areas: Ancient, African, Asian/Middle Eastern, European, Latin American, and United States history. This structure ensures that students gain broad global knowledge while also exploring diverse historical perspectives and themes.Overall, the program combines academic study with applied learning, equipping students with research, analytical, and communication skills. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in museums, archives, public history organizations, and cultural institutions, or for advanced academic and professional study in history and related fields.