Study History Where It Happens

In Washington, DC, history is being made every day. The unparalleled professional and intellectual opportunities offered by the nation's capital make AU the ideal place to study public history. You will have access to renowned museums and archives — such as the Smithsonian, the National Archives, and the Library of Congress — where you can further your research, explore your career options, and make your unique impact on the field.

With our public history practicum, you will engage in hands-on learning and assist in the development of interpretive programming and exhibits for high-profile institutions such as the National Park Service, the Smithsonian Institution, the Historical Society of Washington, National Public Radio, and the White House Historical Association. As part of the Washington, DC Consortium, American University's students are able to take courses at colleges and universities throughout the DC metropolitan area, providing the opportunity to work with a variety of faculty in diverse programs and fields of study.

You will get a head start on your career by interning at one of the city's many museums, archives, or historic sites. Our local partnerships will help you find an internship with the area's most important institutions and employers. Whether you are interested in working at a government institution or a small nonprofit, DC has something for you. We also offer yearly fellowship opportunities with with a variety of partner institutions.

Learn from Our History-Making Faculty

At AU, you will work closely with experienced scholars whose work blurs the lines between the academic and the public. You will learn from respected professors of AU's Public History program, faculty across the History department, Public Historians in Residence who are practitioners in the field. Our faculty’s variety of research interests and areas of expertise will offer you a wide field of research options.

Explore the Possibilities

Our graduates work for museums, archives, historical societies, and related institutions. With our strong curriculum, prime location, and connections with professional organizations across the United States, our students are well prepared to begin highly rewarding careers. In the DC area, our alumni work at the Smithsonian Institution, the National Archives and Records Administration, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and President Lincoln’s College. Our graduates find positions nationwide in reputable institutions such as the Southern Oral History Program, the Nantucket Preservation Trust, and the Rhode Island Historical Society.