Learning Outcomes

  • Students will deepen and expand their command of the "facts" (content knowledge) and interpretations (historiographical schools) of history.
  • Students will practice historical research and analysis by finding, interpreting, critiquing, and synthesizing numerous and varied primary sources and secondary works.
  • Students will sharpen their reasoning, oral, and written communication skills in both theoretical (academic history) and practical (public history) assignments that demand original research and/or practicums.
  • Students will develop the basic skills for entry-level positions in public history institutions.

Requirements for the
M.A. Degree (36 credits)

The Public History Program at Duquesne University is set up so that students can complete the degree in four semesters, if taking the full courseload of three courses per semester. All courses are 3 credits. No more than 6 transfer credits may be applied to the graduate Public History degree.

Methodological Course - REQUIRED

PHST 601 Introduction to Public History

Theoretical and Professional Courses - 
5 REQUIRED

  • PHST 511 Studies in Material and Visual Culture
  • PHST 512 Museums and Society
  • PHST 513 Cultural Resources Management
  • PHST 514 Commemoration and Preservation
  • PHST 515 Special Topics (All-offered in lieu of 511, 512, 513 or 514)
  • PHST 516 Building Narratives in Public History

Internships - 2 REQUIRED

  • PHST 654 Oral History Internship
  • PHST 655 Digital History/Humanities Internship
  • PHST 656 Historic Preservation Internship
  • PHST 657 Historical Editing Internship
  • PHST 658 Archival Internship
  • PHST 659 Museum Internship

History Courses: 4 REQUIRED

Students are required to take one course in each of these historical areas:

  • American/U.S. History
  • European History
  • Global/International History
  • One additional course in any of these above areas.