About

Students interested in Public History may pursue the following:
  • Master’s in History with a Major in Public History
  • Master’s in History with a complementary field in Public History
  • PhD in History with a complementary field in Public History

For more information please contact the program director: Dr. Jennifer Koslow or review the Graduate Handbook at the History Department's website.

About our Program

The History Department at Florida State University offers graduate students an opportunity to learn best practices in Public History; the collection, preservation, and interpretation of history with and for public audiences.

Recognizing that Public Historians need specialized training to be effective in their chosen careers, our Public History courses blend theory with practice. Students complete a core set of courses in Historical Methods, Public History, Historic Preservation, and the history of American Architecture. Students may take additional electives in Managing Archives, Exhibiting History, and Digital History. An internship experience provides students an opportunity for career exploration. The culmination of a student’s experience is a final project (thesis or capstone research project) that demonstrates their mastery of the field.

Why Florida State University?

Florida State University’s location offers students a unique advantage. Beyond the department’s lengthy tradition of scholarly excellence and academic achievement, Florida State is situated in the state capital. Just blocks away from campus, the capitol complex is home to many places that work with history, such as the Museum of Florida History, the State Archives of Florida, the Bureau of Historic Preservation, and the Florida Historic Capitol Museum. Consequently, students have access to numerous historical resources and opportunities at their doorstep.

Student Body Statistics for Admissions Fall 2020 to Fall 2024:

Admitted: 15
Matriculated: 11
Median Undergraduate GPA Admitted: 3.68
Graduated: 12

Tallahassee: More then a College Town

Visit Tallahassee describes this city as a “place where college town meets cultural center, politics meets performing arts and history meets nature.” http://www.visittallahassee.com/. Students will find an impressive variety of restaurants, parks, and other attractions when the time comes to put the books down for a moment. Tallahasseans frequently take in concerts at Cascades Park, enjoy time shopping and dining in the midtown district, playing pinball, rock climbing, and exploring art galleries in Railroad Square, and taking a leisurely cruise down the area’s beautiful oak-line canopy roads. While pursuing an advanced degree, our students find that Tallahassee is a lovely place to live, too.