BSc in Public History in Fargo United States | North Dakota State University

This program was created by the department following an in-depth analysis of effective public history initiatives at universities including the University of Connecticut, University of Delaware, Arizona State University, and UC Santa Barbara. The development process also involved input from regional historical organizations like the State Historical Society of North Dakota. At its heart lies a professional major requiring 69 to 81 credits, featuring a carefully structured blend of courses that equip students with both broad historical knowledge and specialized public history training. The curriculum offers a balanced approach, combining required coursework with opportunities to pursue individual academic interests. Students in the public history program gain comprehensive training in historical research methods while exploring career paths such as archival science, museum operations, artifact conservation, preservation studies, and archaeological practice. A key component involves completing a nine-credit internship at a historical institution, frequently with local museums like Bonanzaville or the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, giving students hands-on professional experience in the public history field.