In Penn State Abington’s History department, you can start with the introductory public history course to learn about the field. Stay on for the advanced practice course, then do a three-credit internship that we’ll help you find.
Public History Minor
The Public History minor also includes skills in management, communication, marketing and education, all of which are needed in the work.We welcome majors in those and other fields. Public history helps you to a career, or a chance to be a valuable volunteer, board member, or advocate for history in your community.The minor will give you meaningful hands-on experience, the beginnings of a professional network, and our full and continuing support in getting your first career job and moving ahead.
New historic sign in Cheltenham, created by public history students, April 2023.
Minor Requirements
18 credits
Required, 6 credits
- HIST 112, Introduction to Public History (offered in Spring semesters)
- HIST 404*, Advanced Public History Practice (offered in Fall semesters)
- Each introductory and advanced public history class completes a hands-on public history project. One class's family history research project is available here.
Electives, 12 credits
Public History minors must complete 3 credits from each of the following four categories:
History
- HIST 20 American Civilization to 1877
- HIST 21 American Civilization since 1877
- HIST 10 World History to 1500
- HIST 11 World History since 1500
- HIST 395** Internship
Management
- MGMT 215 Entrepreneurial Mindset
- ACCTG 211 Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making
- BA 421 Project Management
- BA 422W Strategic Business Planning
- BA 322 Negotiation Skills for Business Professionals
- MIS 204 Introduction to Business Information Systems
Education
- ECE 451 Instruction in Early Childhood derived from Developmental Theories
- ECE 479 The Young Child’s Play as Educational Processes
- EDPSY 014 Learning and Instruction
- EDTHP 115 Education in American Society
Marketing/Communication
- MGMT 301 Principles of Marketing
- CC 402~ The Media and Public Relations
- ENGL 420 Writing for the Web
- IST 250 New Media and the Web
- MKTG 301 Principles of Marketing
- MKTG 310 Public Relations and Marketing
* Note that American Studies 482 will be accepted in place of HIST 404 for the minor
** Minors are encouraged to arrange internships with the program coordinator
~ Abington faculty have agreed to waive prerequisites for public history minors.
