MTSU’s doctoral program was the first in the U.S. to declare public history as the
major field of study. The Ph.D. in Public History at Middle Tennessee State University
is an innovative, practice-based, individualized program of study. This program provides
a community of nationally recognized scholars and cultural heritage professionals
cooperating to train the next generation of leaders in the field. The Department of
History offers the doctorate in partnership with the Center for Historic Preservation, the Albert Gore Research Center, and the Center for Popular Music, along with the Walker Library Media Studio for digital collections and initiatives. Interdisciplinary education is offered for
specialized practice in historic preservation and cultural resource management, museum
management, archival management, oral history, and public archaeology. A year-long
residency is at the heart of the Public History doctoral program, designed to assist
candidates in melding scholarship and theory with professional practice. A limited
number of 12-month long doctoral assistantships are awarded on a calendar-year basis,
with four years of funding available.
Live outside of Tennessee? You could be eligible for in-state tuition and save thousands
of dollars.
Graduate calls MTSU’s Ph.D. program in Public History ‘ideal choice’
When deciding where to pursue his doctorate, Dr. Brandon Owens called MTSU’s Ph.D.
program in Public History his “ideal choice” because of the multiple collaboration
and internship opportunities. “I felt like the program's year-long residency and partnerships
with the Center for Historic Preservation, the Albert Gore Research Center, and the
Walker Library Media Studio would allow me to gain hands-on experience while working
with and receiving mentorship from experts in the field of public history,” he said.
A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Owens is now the Dean of Fisk University’s library
and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. “The program has already helped
me achieve so much personal and professional growth in my career, especially within
such a short period of time,” he said, adding, “MTSU is truly committed to learning,
growth and service. They’re not lying when they say they hold these values dear and
the phrase, ‘I am True Blue’ regularly conveys them.”
NASA employee says MTSU’s Ph.D. Public History program surpassed every expectation
An Alabama native, Dr. Brian Odom earned his Ph.D. in Public History from MTSU in
2019. Now as the acting Chief Historian for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA), Dr. Odom oversees the space agency’s public history program and is responsible
for capturing, preserving and disseminating the agency’s history. Odom said his decision
to attend MTSU came after hearing and discovering “so many great things” about the
program. “From the beginning, the Public History program at MTSU surpassed my every
expectation,” he said, adding, “I learned so much about the field of public history.
The program provides a perfect balance of academic and public history coursework that
can prepare graduates for a wide range of opportunities – whether teaching, research
or working for NASA.”
Related Media
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MTSU College of Graduate Studies
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MTSU | The University of Opportunities
Public historians work in a wide range of professional settings with public audiences
of all ages. Potential employers include archives, museums, historic organizations,
historical societies, historic sites, private consulting firms, and historical agencies
at all levels of government. Examples of career possibilities with an advanced degree
in public history include
- Architectural historian
- Archivist
- Author
- College professor/instructor
- Consultant
- Cultural heritage manager
- Cultural resources manager
- Digital librarian/cataloger
- Historic preservation planner
- Historian
- Museum/collections curator or administrator
- Oral historian
- Public archaeologist
American Association for State and Local History job postings
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Alabama State University
- Appalachian State University
- Arkansas State University
- Blount Mansion
- Center for Historic Preservation, MTSU
- Colorado State Historic Preservation Office
- East Tennessee Development District
- Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
- History Colorado
- Metropolitan Nashville Historic Commission
- Middle Tennessee State University
- North Carolina State University
- North Dakota State University
- Northern Kentucky University
- O’Neil Hagaman
- Smithsonian Institute, National Museum of American History
- Southeastern Archaeological Research Inc.
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Tennessee Agricultural Museum
- Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area
- Tennessee Future Farmers of America
- Tennessee State Library and Archives
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
- Trevecca Nazarene University
- University of Nebraska-Kearney
- Wallace Community College, Selma, Ala.
The History Department offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public History and the Master of Arts (M.A.) in History with a concentration in Public History, as well as a traditional Master of Arts (M.A.) in History.
MTSU’s Public History Ph.D. program is an innovative, practice-based, individualized
program of study offered in partnership with the Center for Historic Preservation, the Albert Gore Research Center, and the Center for Popular Music.
Admission to the doctoral program requires a master’s degree from an accredited university
or college; 18 semester hours of undergraduate or graduate history coursework; and
an acceptable GPA in master’s degree work (and in undergraduate history classes).
Applicants admitted conditionally have a specified period of time to satisfy the conditions
of admission.
The Ph.D. in Public History requires foreign language competency or alternate research
skill set.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.
Other programs
Students in the traditional Master of Arts in History program may choose a major field in United States or European History, but graduate classes
in global history can fulfill requirements for the minor field.
A graduate history minor also is offered.
Undergraduate
The undergraduate degree in history comes in four forms: the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History, the B.A. in History
with Teacher Licensure, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in History, and the B.S. in History with Teacher
Licensure.
An undergraduate minor in history is also offered. The department additionally coordinates
interdisciplinary minors in African American Studies; Media, History, and Culture;
Environment and Human Society; Medieval Studies; Southern Studies; Twentieth-Century
European Studies; American Culture; and War, Policy, and Security.
Public History, Ph.D.
Public History, Ph.D.
Ashley Riley Sousa, Graduate Studies Director
(615) 898-5805
Ashley.RileySousa@mtsu.edu
Lisa Pruitt, Public History Program Director
(615) 898-2051
Lisa.Pruitt@mtsu.edu
The History Department offers the Master of Arts in History, Master of Arts in History with concentration in History Education and Public History, and a Ph.D. in Public History.
For the most current information about the program, department policies, and admission standards, please visit the department website at www.mtsu.edu/history.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public History program requires
- an earned master's degree in history or a related field from an accredited university of college.
- completion of at least 18 semester hours of graduate or undergraduate history credit. Applicants who do not meet these minimums and are admitted conditionally have one year to satisfy the conditions of admission.
- an acceptable grade point average (GPA) in master's degree work (and an acceptable GPA in undergraduate history classes).
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Application deadline for the Ph.D. is February 1. The History Department does not consider graduate students for spring or summer admission.
Applicant must
- submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
- submit letters of recommendation from at least three public history professionals or academics that address the candidate's potential for successfully completing a Ph.D. in Public History and describe the qualities that will make them an excellent public historian;
- submit an approximately 500-word letter of intent noting why applicant wishes to pursue a Ph.D. in Public History, why applicant wishes to do so at Middle Tennessee State University, and career goals after a Ph.D. in Public History is attained;
- submit a professional portfolio containing work that demonstrates mastery of research methods, historical analysis, interpretation, and presentation. The portfolio may include research papers, projects, publications, proposals, exhibits, and other public history-related work.
Degree Requirements
The Doctor of Philosophy in Public History requires completion of 60-80 semester hours.
Once admitted to the program, each candidate must
- complete 60-80 hours of graduate history courses, all at the 6000 and 7000 level, with a minimum of 42 hours at the 7000 level (see Curriculum section below for specifics);
- fulfill a foreign language/professional skill requirement;
Before filing a degree plan with the College of Graduate Studies, students must elect to satisfy the foreign language/professional skill requirement by choosing one of the following options:
- demonstrate reading proficiency in a foreign language for research purposes by passing the specific proficiency examination administered by the World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures;
- elect an alternative research or professional skill such as GIS, oral history, quantitative analysis for history, American Sign Language, a specialized area of critical theory, or a professional level of competency in relevant information technology platforms. Students are responsible for finding appropriate courses or an expert willing to train them and test competency. The public history director, graduate director, and major professor all must approve petitions for alternative research or professional skills. Regardless of the option selected, a student will demonstrate proficiency in the professional portfolio.
- maintain satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree each semester;
- develop a residency proposal and identify a professional mentor for the professional residency colloquium;
- take and pass written and oral preliminary exams in the history field and interdisciplinary field. The written exams are based on coursework and a substantial reading list developed by both the student and the field advisors. As part of the oral exam, the candidate must defend the residency proposal. The written exams are evaluated by the student's history advisor and interdisciplinary advisor; the oral exam is evaluated by the student's dissertation advisory committee.
- enroll in the Professional Residency Colloquium for at least one semester and develop a professional portfolio;
- constitute a dissertation committee and develop a dissertation proposal;
- orally defend the professional portfolio (which includes an essay integrating experience, knowledge, and practice) and dissertation proposal;
- complete a dissertation and successfully defend it in the final oral examination.
Curriculum: Public History
The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 32 hours of dissertation research may be required to fulfill degree requirements.
Required Core (18 hours)
HIST 7510 - Seminar: Public History
3credit hours
The professional nature of public history, the interpretation of history for diverse audiences, and the application of historical methods in the wider world. Combines reading and discussion, interaction with practicing professionals, and possible experiential learning component.
HIST 7991 - Professional Residency Colloquium
3-6credit hours
Students participate in a colloquium in conjunction with an assignment to a professional residency at one of the centers of excellence or at an institution of similar national reputation. Participants meet at least once each month, in sessions open to faculty and staff, to analyze common readings and individual/group projects.
HIST 7992 - Professional Residency Colloquium
3-6credit hours
Students participate in a colloquium in conjunction with an assignment to a professional residency at one of the centers of excellence or at an institution of similar national reputation. Participants meet at least once each month, in sessions open to faculty and staff, to analyze common readings and individual/group projects.
HIST 7993 - Current Issues in Public History Practice
3credit hours
Examines timely issues of public history practice in depth with a nationally recognized scholar in the field of historic preservation, cultural resources management, museum management, or other area of professional practice.
Note: Students who have substantial, management-level professional experience in Public History may replace up to nine hours of HIST 7991/HIST 7992 with approved electives; permission of advisor and public history director required.
Electives (30 hours)
Students must complete 30 hours of field electives with a minimum of 9 hours each in public history, history, and an interdisciplinary field.
- Public History Field (at least 9 credit hours) - Students will choose from public history seminars offered by the department according to their areas of specialization.
- History Field (at least 9 credit hours) - In order to practice public history effectively in any area of specialization, students must have an excellent grasp of historical context. Hence, in consultation with the public history director and dissertation advisory committee, each student will construct a history field focused chronologically, geographically, or topically, selecting courses from the history seminars offered by the department. Each student will demonstrate mastery of this field through qualifying exams.
- Interdisciplinary Field (at least 9 credit hours) - It is important that students understand public history practice from multiple perspectives. Hence, in consultation with the public history director, advisor, and dissertation advisory committee, each student will design an interdisciplinary field that complements and strengthens his or her public history and history fields. Each student will demonstrate mastery of the interdisciplinary field through qualifying exams.
Dissertation (12-32 hours)
HIST 7640 - Dissertation Research
1 to 6credit hours
Selection of a research problem, review of pertinent literature, collection and analysis of data, and composition of dissertation. Once enrolled student should register for at least one credit hour of doctoral research each semester until completion. S/U grading.
Note:
No more than six hours of HIST 6910, HIST 6920, HIST 7910, or HIST 7920 may be counted toward degree requirements.
No more than nine hours of HIST 6930 or HIST 7930 may be counted toward degree requirements.
No more than six hours of HIST 6994 or HIST 7994 may be counted toward degree requirements.
Program Notes
Students entering with a Master's in History and extensive, recent, professional experience may have up to 12 credit hours applied after a determination that the content of previous courses and the nature of recent professional activities meet the student learning outcomes for graduate courses in history.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Academic links
On-campus partners
For students
Public History news
Program history
The MTSU Department of History added an emphasis in historic preservation to its master’s
program in 1976 and to its former doctorate degree in 1981. Historic preservation
and the preservation of American popular music assumed a public dimension in 1984
when MTSU established the Center for Historic Preservation and the Center for Popular Music, with missions that combined research and public outreach. After adding courses in
museum studies, material culture, and archival methods, the master’s program concentration
changed its name to Public History in 1991. History faculty also developed the Albert Gore Research Center, which opened in 1993. In 2005, the department launched a new Ph.D. in Public History,
the first doctoral program nationally to declare public history as the major field
of study. Today, MTSU’s Public History program partners with all three campus centers
and collaborates with the Walker Library Media Studio to develop digital collections and other digital initiatives.
Financial aid links
Graduate Assistantships
To help support students pursuing graduate study, the Department of History offers
a number of graduate assistantships at both the M.A. and the Ph.D. levels. These assistantships
are awarded on a competitive basis and are renewable for up to two years for M.A.
assistantships and up to three years for Ph.D. assistantships. Graduate assistants
receive a tuition waiver plus a stipend to cover living expenses. In return, graduate
assistants work a maximum of 20 hours a week during the semester on an assignment
determined by the History Department. These assignments include work as teaching assistants,
research assistants, and other duties related to the ongoing work of the department
and our on-campus partners. To apply for a graduate assistantship with the History
Department, complete the College of Graduate Studies' Graduate Assistantship Application, and submit it to the Department of History along with the rest of your application.
Many M.A. and Ph.D students in the History Department also work as research fellows,
graduate assistants, and hourly employees for MTSU's Center for Historic Preservation. The Center has a separate application and review process for these positions. You
can read full descriptions of these opportunities on the Center's Academic Opportunities page and download the Center's Application for Student Academic Support. The department
urges students applying for a graduate assistantship with the History Department to
apply to the Center as well.
Tracks in Public History
Public history embraces a wide array of history-related fields. The MTSU Public History
program offers specialized education and professional training in historic preservation, cultural resource management, museum management, archival management, oral history, and public archaeology. The Program also collaborates with the Walker Library Media Studio to develop digital collections and other digital initiatives.
Historic Preservation
Historic preservation involves the identification, preservation, and interpretation
of historic resources determined to be "significant" in American history. Examples
of significant historic resources include properties such as: buildings, structures,
objects, districts, archaeological sites, cultural and religious sites, historic landscapes,
and examples of innovative architecture and engineering. Whether considered significant
for their historic associations or architectural aesthetics, preservationists approach
historic resources as "texts" that help reveal details about the past lives and values
of the people who created them. In addition to their utility as sources for research,
historic resources provide communities with a sense of character and identity. The
preservation of our historic built environment is vital to our understanding of history
at the national, state, and local levels.
Students trained at MTSU will be equipped to work with historic resources in a variety
of public and private settings, including such venues as downtown historic districts,
state historic preservation offices, military bases, national parks, federal agencies,
historic sites, preservation or cultural resources management consulting firms, architectural
and engineering companies, departments of transportation, and various non-profit organizations.
In recent decades, historic preservation has become increasingly focused on economic
development programs that adapt or recycle historic buildings for such new uses as
offices, stores, restaurants, museums, and housing. Historic preservation planning
is another field attracting increasing attention, particularly as communities struggle
to deal with the destructive effects of suburban "sprawl" on historic buildings and
rural resources. See Center for Historic Preservation.
Cultural Resource Management
Of the four area concentrations, students are least familiar with cultural resources
management or CRM. In fact, historic preservation is integral to cultural resources
management (identification, preservation, and interpretation of historic resources),
both are shaped strongly by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which
created the National Register of Historic Places, and a variety of other laws and
regulations. For example, both fields require knowledge of historic architecture,
but CRM incorporates the study and analysis of cultural landscapes, archaeological
sites, natural resources, and Native-American burial grounds.
CRM typically involves the responsibilities of major federal land-management agencies
in the United States such as the National Park Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Bureau of Land Management. With jurisdiction over
millions of acres of land and cultural resources (buildings, objects, sites, structures,
and districts), these agencies operate within a regulatory system that requires not
only careful stewardship of the national domain but also interpretive programs for
public education and entertainment.
The training and skills involved in historic preservation and CRM are closely intertwined,
both conceptually and organizationally. Separating the two areas of concentration
can be difficult, but they do have distinguishing characteristics. Moreover, MTSU's
other two areas, Museum Management and Archival Management, also deal with the identification,
preservation, and interpretation of "historic resources."
Museum Management
The museum concentration at MTSU is designed to give students the training they need
to succeed in a wide variety of museum careers, such as museum administrators, curators,
registrars, and educators. The goals of our museum studies courses are to provide
in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and methodological issues that effect today's
museums and to apply that knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. Our course
offerings emphasize applied training in museum administration, collections management,
exhibit development, fundraising, museum education, and other technical and communication
skills. As new technologies and ideas continue to transform traditional museum practices
and employment patterns, our concentration in museums has responded to these changes
by offering the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed by current and future museum
professionals.
Archival Management
Governments, organizations, and individuals throughout history have recorded information
in a variety of textual, visual, aural, and electronic documents as they carried out
their daily activities. Those documents preserve personal, community and institutional
memory and extend that memory over time, space, and place. Individuals and societies
depend on these documents to establish their legal rights and to insure the accountability
of governments, businesses, and other institutions. Society charges archivists with
selecting and preserving those documents that have enduring legal or social value
and making them available to present and future users.
Students in the archival concentration acquire the skills they need to meet that responsibility.
Introductory and advanced courses cover the seven domains of archival practice recognized
by the Society of American Archivists and the Academy of Certified Archivists: appraisal,
arrangement and description, access, preservation, outreach, professional responsibilities,
and management. Students also have an opportunity to achieve proficiency in a single
domain through an archival practicum and to acquire broad professional experience
through an internship in one of a variety of cooperating repositories. See Albert Gore Research Center, Center for Popular Music, Rutherford County Archives.
Graduates can expect to find employment in national, state, and local government archives;
manuscripts repositories and special collections associated with historical societies,
educational institutions, and other cultural agencies; and a wide range of organizations
and businesses. They should also be able to pass the examination to become a Certified
Archivist.
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
