Overview

The Public History major at Central Michigan University provides a comprehensive foundation for students eager to bridge the gap between academic historical research and public engagement. By exploring the social, cultural, and economic facets of past civilisations, students learn to apply historical lessons to contemporary global challenges.

This degree is designed for those who wish to share their passion for the past through diverse professional avenues. The curriculum balances core theoretical knowledge with elective specialisations, ensuring that graduates possess the analytical and communication skills required to shape public understanding of our shared human heritage.

Why Public History at Central Michigan University?

Students benefit from an immersive learning environment that includes the university’s own Museum of Cultural and Natural History. This facility serves as a living laboratory where learners can study authentic artefacts and explore historical logging camps, providing a unique setting for practical skill development.

The institution offers extensive opportunities for hands-on experience through faculty-supervised archaeological field research and service-learning projects. Beyond the classroom, students can join active organisations such as the History Club or Phi Alpha Theta to engage with a community of peers and visit regional museums.

The programme emphasises real-world application, encouraging students to participate in internships and fieldwork that build professional networks. These distinctive teaching features ensure that students are not only well-versed in historical theory but are also proficient in the practical methods used by modern historians.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 22200 per year
National fee: USD 13248 per year
Local fee: USD 13248 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum provides a robust grounding in historical methods and regional studies. Modules may include:

Archaeology of the Americas
Role of History in Society
Origins of the United States
Indian Cultures
Oral History
Natural Resource Management

Careers with Public History

Graduates are equipped for a variety of professional roles within the heritage and education sectors. The programme prepares students for careers as archivists, museum curators, and researchers who interpret history for diverse audiences in public and private institutions.

The analytical skills gained through this major are also highly applicable to roles in writing, teaching, and historical consultancy. Many alumni pursue further academic study to become postsecondary teachers or specialist historians, working in museums, galleries, and government agencies to preserve and present the past.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Political Science

American Government and Politics

Archaeology of the Americas

The Craft of History

Public History

Archival Administration

Internship in Public History

Museums

Public Administration

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-15 00:00:00 , International

More details

National Fall start : Rolling admission

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Mount Pleasant, United States

Disciplines

Modern History View 71 other Bachelors in Modern History in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.8

If your GPA is at least 2.8, we will accept your application using the GPA you provide when you apply.
If your GPA is below 2.8, a transcript is required.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

We take several things into consideration when evaluating applications for admission, including GPA, test scores (optional) and academic improvement over time.

As part of the online application, you’ll need to pay a $40 application fee. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, speak to your high school guidance counselor to see whether you qualify for a fee waiver.

You may submit an unofficial transcript with your application, or ask your school counselor to submit your official transcript. We can provide an admission decision and merit scholarship with either one. Keep us updated with new transcripts at the end of each semester. It may mean an upgrade in your scholarship.

You don’t have to submit a test score in order to be admitted and earn a merit award.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

22200 USD / year

≈ 22200 USD / year
Out-of-State

13248 USD / year

≈ 13248 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13248 USD / year

≈ 13248 USD / year

Additional Details

Lower level (less than 56 credit hours) tuition: For U.S. residents: $11,976 per year, for International students: $21,000 per year

Living costs

Mount Pleasant

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Public History.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Mount Pleasant

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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