Master of Arts in Applied History and Public Humanities

The M.A. degree in Applied History and Certificate in Public Humanities is an innovative, interdisciplinary program that teaches students the practical skills and content knowledge they need to succeed in a wide range of careers, whether in humanities organizations, businesses, government, or the non-profit sector. This program incorporates UA’s Graduate Certificate in Public Humanities, which is administered by UA's Smithsonian-affiliated Center for the History of Psychology. Graduates earn both the M.A. in Applied History and the Certificate in Public Humanities. Graduate students in history at The University of Akron work individually with faculty who are active researchers, accomplished teachers, and experienced practitioners of applied history. This personal approach gives students valuable opportunities to learn both by watching and by doing and to work in a wide range of historical subjects and methodologies. Our graduates begin their careers equipped with a diverse skillset that includes historical and theoretical knowledge, applied skills in archival and museum work, and training in fundraising, digital media development and production, exhibit design, grant writing, and project management. Because students enter the program as part of a cohort of new students, they benefit from shared learning experiences, collaboration, and networking opportunities. The core curriculum of this program consists of 31 credit hours. The coursework is interdisciplinary, combining historical content, theory, and methodology with experiential learning. It includes hands-on work in archives and exhibit design through The University of Akron’s Smithsonian-affiliated Center for the History of Psychology. 

Career Path 

Graduate career path includes Community Engagement Coordinator (Public Programs, Cultural Outreach), Museum Curator/Collections Manager, Oral Historian (Community Documentation, Cultural Preservation), Public Historian (Museums, Historical Societies, Cultural Institutions), Archivist (Libraries, Government, Universities, NGOs), Cultural Heritage Specialist (UNESCO, NGOs, Government Agencies). Historic Preservation Officer (Urban Planning, Architecture, Conservation), Exhibit Designer / Interpretive Planner (Museums, Heritage Sites), Digital Humanities Specialist (Online Archives, Interactive History Projects), Policy Analyst (Government, Cultural Affairs, Public History Policy), Education & Outreach Specialist (Museums, Historical Parks, Community Programs), Public Programs Director (Libraries, Cultural Centers, NGOs), Grant Writer/ Development Officer (Cultural & Historical Organizations).