100%
Online Option
$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
2 years
Average Completion*
Bring History to Life.
Preserve It for the Future.
The Bachelor of Arts in History – Public History Option at Athens State University prepares you to connect people with the stories, places, artifacts, and events that have shaped our communities and our world. You’ll develop a strong foundation in historical research and analysis while gaining specialized knowledge in how history is preserved, interpreted, and shared with the public.
Whether you’re interested in museums, archives, historic sites, cultural organizations, government, or other history-related fields, the Public History option gives you the skills to take history beyond the classroom and make it meaningful to the people who experience it. At Athens State, you’ll learn not only how to understand history—but how to preserve it, interpret it, and bring it to life.
Program Overview
Public history brings the study of the past into public spaces and communities. It includes the work of historians, museum professionals, archivists, curators, preservationists, and other professionals who help people understand and connect with history.
The Bachelor of Arts in History – Public History Option combines the broad historical foundation of a history degree with focused study of the methods and practices used to preserve and interpret history for public audiences.
You’ll study historical events, people, cultures, and institutions while developing the research and analytical skills needed to understand the past. You’ll also explore how historical information and resources can be collected, preserved, interpreted, and communicated through museums, archives, historic sites, exhibits, public programs, and other forms of public engagement. The result is a degree that combines traditional historical scholarship with practical skills for working with communities, cultural institutions, and the public.
What You’ll Learn
The Public History option develops your ability to research and understand history while teaching you how to share that knowledge with audiences beyond the traditional classroom.
You’ll build a strong foundation in historical research, analysis, and interpretation while learning to work with primary and secondary sources. You’ll develop the ability to evaluate historical evidence, recognize different perspectives, conduct research, and construct well-supported interpretations of the past.
Your specialized public history coursework will introduce you to the practices involved in preserving and presenting historical information. You’ll explore areas such as museums, archives, historic preservation, public programming, collections, exhibits, and communicating historical information to diverse audiences.
You’ll also strengthen your writing, communication, project management, and collaboration skills—preparing you to work with colleagues, organizations, communities, and the public.
By completing the program, you’ll be prepared to apply historical knowledge in professional settings where preserving and interpreting the past is the central mission.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
Public history offers opportunities for professionals who want to combine their interest in history with hands-on work in museums, archives, historic sites, cultural organizations, and communities.
Explore your career pathways with the B.A. in History – Public History Option, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$52k
Historian Estimated Entry Salary
$83k
Historian Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
Athens State University is committed to making a high-quality bachelor’s degree accessible and affordable for transfer students and working adults.
Whether you’re transferring after completing an associate degree, returning to college to finish your bachelor’s degree, or continuing your education after time in the workforce, Athens State offers a straightforward path toward your degree.
Our Admissions & Aid team can help you understand admission requirements, transfer credit, financial aid, scholarships, and other options for making your education more affordable.
Ready to take the next step? Explore your admission and financial aid options and see how Athens State can help you reach your goals.
Why Choose this Program at Athens State?
Life doesn’t stop while you’re earning your degree. That’s why the Bachelor of Arts in History is offered through a variety of flexible course formats, allowing you to complete coursework when it fits your schedule without sacrificing academic quality.
Built for Today’s Professionals
You shouldn’t have to choose between advancing your education and advancing your career. Athens State’s degree programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Flexible learning options allow you to pursue your degree while continuing to meet your professional and personal commitments.
Invest in Your Future The Smart Way
Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn an advanced degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt. Plus, our learning partnerships make a degree from Athens Sate even more accessible.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey alone—our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.
Our Faculty
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*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.