How to Apply

Application Deadline: Jan. 7

The Heritage Studies and Public History program has an application deadline of January 7 for fall enrollment. It is important to note that you will be notified about funding decisions after you have been accepted into the program.

Apply Now

Questions?

Contact the Anthropology Graduate Program Coordinator at dgsanth@umn.edu.

Fall Admission Only

There is no spring admission. The January deadline is for admission to the HSPH program beginning the following fall semester.

Who should apply?

Prospective students with a background in anthropology, archaeology, history, historic preservation, landscape architecture, community engagement, critical ethnic studies or related fields are encouraged to apply. Likewise, students with public interpretation, museum-based, or field and/or laboratory experience are invited to submit an application.

All applicants to the program will be considered and students with little or no background in heritage studies or public history are encouraged to explain how their interest and training prepare them for graduate study. This program especially welcomes students from a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives.

Application Materials

All materials must be received by the program's deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Materials & How to Submit

To complete the University of Minnesota Graduate School application, follow the instructions on the Online Application on the Graduate Admissions page.

Submit unofficial transcripts of all college or university coursework. Instructions can be found on the Graduate School's Unofficial Transcripts and Credentials page.

With your personal statement please tell us how you came to your interests in the fields of heritage studies and public history, and what broad aims and career goals you have with the degree. Let us know if you have particular areas of study, advocacy, or professional experience you wish to pursue. Review the Program Track Descriptions at the link below and tell us why you think this program track will prepare you for the career you aspire to. 

Please write a statement of no more than 500 words.

Supporting the development of a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota's mission. This program in particular aims to facilitate the inclusion of academically excellent students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and/or a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Please write a statement that identifies the distinctive characteristics and/or life experiences, such as successfully overcoming obstacles or hardships, that  you would bring to your graduate program and to the professional fields of heritage studies and public history.

Two or three letters of recommendation: Applicants are encouraged to submit at least one letter from a faculty member who is familiar with their aptitude for academic work.

Provide a writing sample from a recent, related course or project (professional reports, published articles, or exhibition texts are also accepted).

The writing sample should be an example of your work that reflects your ability to think critically and to articulate ideas. It might be a 20-25 double-spaced page seminar paper, an undergraduate research paper, a professional report or published article, a presentation poster, or a digital exhibit. The writing sample can be interdisciplinary and does not have to be in the context of an academic course or major.

 

Questions About Funding?

Learn more about funding opportunities for the Master in Heritage Studies and Public History.