About the Certificate

The Public History and Cultural Heritage Certificate equips students with foundational knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experiences for careers in public history, museum studies, cultural heritage, archival and historic preservation, archaeology, and cultural resource management. Reflecting the integration of History and Anthropology in the Department of History and Global Cultures, the program combines historical interpretation with heritage practice, offering students an interdisciplinary framework that prepares them for professional work across diverse settings. The certificate also provides strong preparation for advanced study at the M.A. or Ph.D. levels in history, anthropology, archaeology, historical preservation, cultural resource management, and related fields.

The certificate is open to BA and MA  students who have completed their lower-division requirements and who are interested in pursuing careers in public history or cultural heritage. Graduate students should consult with their Graduate Coordinator to determine appropriate course substitutions and may be required to complete additional units beyond the 30 typically required for the MA degree.

Careers

Public history and cultural heritage are vibrant and expanding career fields. To learn more about professional opportunities, students are encouraged to explore the National Council on Public History, the National Association for Interpretation, and the American Cultural Resources Association. Career paths include:

• Historical consultants
• Museum professionals
• Curators and exhibit developers
• Archivists
• Oral historians and ethnographers
• Cultural resource management personnel
• Archaeologists and heritage preservationists
• Film and media producers
• Historical interpreters
• Policy advisers
• Government agency historians and archaeologists
• Local and community historians
• Public educators and activists

California, and the Bay Area in particular, offers abundant opportunities in public history and cultural heritage, supported by museums, archives, historic sites, archaeological projects, and community organizations. Faculty at Cal State East Bay provide students with enriched exploration of these fields through their professional networks, community partnerships, and expertise.