Cert in History

The Public History Certificate at Western Carolina University lets students apply their interest in history and research beyond the classroom. Public historians work at heritage locations, museums, archives, the National Park Service and state offices that promote cultural tourism. The certificate is usually completed alongside a major, with flexible pacing. It sits within the history department and the College of Arts and Sciences and is based on the Cullowhee campus. Students also have access to a four-plus-one accelerated bachelor's and master's route in history, which lets undergraduates begin graduate work early. Graduates with this background pursue work as museum educators, archivists, site interpreters, collections managers and cultural resource specialists, or join nonprofits, tourism boards and public bodies focused on community heritage.