Program Overview

Archives and Public History (MA)

The Archives and Public History program at New York University prepares students for successful careers as archivists, museum curators, documentary editors, cultural resource managers, historical interpreters, and media specialists. With nearly four decades of experience, the program's Director, Professor Ellen Noonan, ensures that the program is responsive to the needs of the ever-evolving fields of archives and public history.

Program Description

The program emphasizes a solid grounding in historical scholarship, intense engagement with digital technologies, and project-based learning. Students can pursue an MA or, if they already hold an MA in a humanities or related field, an Advanced Certificate, electing to pursue a concentration in either Archives or Public History. A dual degree program in Library Science with Long Island University is also available.

Admissions

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation
• A non-refundable application fee

Program Requirements

The program requires the completion of 32 credits, and students choose one of the following concentrations:

Archives

• HIST-GA 1010: Introduction to Archives (4 credits)
• HIST-GA 1011: Digital Archives (4 credits)
• HIST-GA 2011: Internship Seminar (2 credits)
• HIST-GA 3023: Independent Readings in Public History and Archives (2 credits)
• HIST-GA 2031: Advanced Archival Description (4 credits)
• HIST-GA 3013: Research in Public History and Archives (4 credits)
• Electives (12 credits)

Public History

• HIST-GA 1750: Introduction to Public History (4 credits)
• HIST-GA 2033: Creating Digital History (4 credits)
• HIST-GA 1757: Approaches to Public History (4 credits)
• HIST-GA 2011: Internship Seminar (2 credits)
• HIST-GA 3023: Independent Readings in Public History and Archives (2 credits)
• HIST-GA 3013: Research in Public History and Archives (4 credits)
• Electives (12 credits)

Additional Program Requirements

Capstone Project

Students in this program are required to complete a capstone project.

Sample Plan of Study

Archives

• 1st Semester: HIST-GA 1010 (4 credits), General Elective (4 credits)
• 2nd Semester: HIST-GA 1011 (4 credits), HIST-GA 2011 (2 credits), HIST-GA 3023 (2 credits)
• 3rd Semester: HIST-GA 2031 (4 credits), General Elective (4 credits)
• 4th Semester: HIST-GA 3013 (4 credits), General Elective (4 credits)

Public History

• 1st Semester: HIST-GA 1750 (4 credits), HIST-GA 2033 (4 credits)
• 2nd Semester: HIST-GA 1757 (4 credits), HIST-GA 2011 (2 credits), HIST-GA 3023 (2 credits)
• 3rd Semester: General Elective (4 credits), General Elective (4 credits)
• 4th Semester: HIST-GA 3013 (4 credits), General Elective (4 credits)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have achieved:

1. Analytical and critical mastery of key scholarly literature on the history, theory, and practice of archives or public history.
2. Proficiency with digital methods as used in the practice of archives or public history.
3. Familiarity with professional norms, tasks, roles, and relationships in archives or public history work settings.
4. Capacity to intellectually conceptualize, plan, and carry out an original project or article-length research paper in archives or public history.

Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages. Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page.