Public History Minor

Why study public history at Whitworth?

• Gain hands-on experience through diverse internship opportunities. Public history students complete internships at the Smithsonian, the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, Spokane's Office of Historic Preservation and the Whitworth University Archives, to name just a few.
• Examine your vocation as you address your personal call to become a public historian. Students are encouraged to discuss the ways in which their faith or worldview can contribute to their studies and how their values can be lived out in their careers.
• Learn from faculty who are dedicated to student success. Professors are invested in the holistic development of their students and encourage them to have fun! Plus, our faculty are well connected and eager to help students get started in their careers.
• Develop leadership skills as you confront challenges in class and during internships.
• Become who you're meant to be.

Our public history grads make a difference (and get jobs)

The public history minor prepares students for roles in museums, archives, documentary filmmaking, cultural and historic site interpretation, and historic preservation. Students who graduate from this program are also well prepared for graduate-level study.

Recent job placements include:

• Michelle Terrell, social studies teacher, Shaw Middle School
• Linnea Rash, archival conservator, WSU Manuscripts, Archives & Special Collections
• Amber Glen, administrative assistant, Division of Libraries Archives and Museums in the State of Alaska network
• Heather Glady, project administrator, Design and Production Incorporated (an exhibit management company)
• Sarah Cochrane, archivist, Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM)
• Chloe Dye Sherpe, curatorial project manager, Lumiere Group
• Katie Pratt, co-founder, Northwest Vernacular (historic preservation consulting firm)

Our recent public history grads further their studies in top graduate programs at institutions including:

• University of Glasgow
• George Washington University
• Colorado State University
• University of Alaska
• Eastern Washington University
• University of Maryland, College Park

What related majors can I explore?

• History
• Political Science
• International Studies
• Business Management