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BA in History with Emphasis in Public History

Degree Program Description

The Public History emphasis is intended for history majors interested in the application of historical studies in public settings. The course of study encompasses historical work outside of the university setting, including, museums, heritage sites, national parks, archives, public agencies, private corporations and non-profit organizations. The emphasis is designed to prepare students for graduate programs in public history, museum studies, or careers in public service.

Major Program Requirements

In addition to University, general education, and College of Arts and Science requirements, students must also meet the following major program requirements. All major requirements in the College of Arts and Science must be completed with grades of C- or higher unless otherwise indicated. 

I. Introductory Courses *9
II. Research Skills *3
III. Area Specific Courses *9
IV. History Electives6
HIST 4910W: History in the Public + 1 Research in Public History Course HIST 4955 or HIST 4956, each of which must involve some form of public presentation (poster session, conference presentation, museum display or digital exhibit) based on original research with mentorship from a history faculty member.
V. Capstone (Two Internships, HIST 4940)6
VI. U.S. History Requirement *
*

For courses that apply to the requirements for sections I, II, III, and VI see the BA in History program page.

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Semester Plan

Below is a sample plan of study, semester by semester. A student's actual plan will vary based on course choices where options are available.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGLSH 10003MATH 1050, 1100, or STAT 12003
Behavioral Science Course3Biological/Physical/Math Science Course with lab5
Social Science Course3Minor3
Humanities Course3History Course3
History Course3 
 15 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Second Language5Second Language5
Behavioral Science Course3Minor3
Humanities Course3Humanities Course3
Social Science Course3History Course3
History Course3 
 17 14
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Second Language3Humanities Course3
Biological/Physical/Math Science Course4Minor3
History Course3History Course3
History Course3History Course3
Elective Course3Elective Course3
 16 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Minor3Social Science Course3
Minor3History Course3
History Course3History Course3
Elective Course3Elective Course3
Elective Course3Elective Course3
 15 15
Total Credits: 121

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Degree Audit

The degree audit is an automated report reflecting a student’s academic progress toward the completion of a degree. 

MU students can request a degree audit by logging in to myDegreePlanner. Students may also access myDegreePlanner via myZou, in the Student Center, click on the Academic Progress Tile, then select Request Degree Audit. The audit automatically pulls in the student’s MU course work, transfer courses and courses in progress. This is available to current students, admitted students, and those who last attended less than three terms ago.

Past MU students can request a degree audit by contacting the Academic Advising Unit of the division in which they were last enrolled at MU. For contact information, go to https://advising.missouri.edu/contact/.

Prospective students, can access a preliminary MU degree audit via https://www.transferology.com. Information on the college credits already earned will have to be manually entered before it can be evaluated against current degree requirements.

For additional details on degree audits, go to https://registrar.missouri.edu/degrees-audits/degree-audits/.

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Major and Career Exploration

The University of Missouri has many resources to assist you in exploring majors and career possibilities. For guidance, visit the Majors and Careers website or view specific resources below.

  • If you are considering a change of major or are exploring multiple majors, schedule an appointment with an advisor in the Discovery Center by calling (573)884-9700 or through MU Connect Discovery Center service in you success network.

  • If you have decided on a major, visit an academic advisor in the School or College that you are interested in to discuss the process of declaring the major

  • If you would like to learn more about your career interests, abilities, values and talents, visit the MU Career Center. No Appointment is necessary to explore career options with one of our staff members.

For additional major and career exploration resources, visit Major & Career Exploration in the catalog.

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