Program Details

Students will get a solid introduction to public history and historic preservation and apply that knowledge through our internship program and entry-level employment opportunities at historic sites, museums, and parks. Students will also learn about historical archaeology, museum studies, material culture, the nomination process for the National Register of Historic Places, historical archives, digital history, and preservation efforts throughout the Northern Virginia region.

• Transfer Opportunities

  Students who wish to continue their studies at Mary Washington will graduate from NOVA by completing the Liberal Arts Associate of Arts degree and our certificate in Public History and Historic Preservation.

  Students can then transfer into the historic preservation degree program at Mary Washington with junior-level standing, credit for HISP 100, a required course at MWU equivalent to our HIS 181, credit for HISP 105, another required course at MWU equivalent to our HIS 180, and 6 credits of major HISP electives (for our HIS 183 and 187). That makes a total of 12 of the 36 required credits for the historic preservation Bachelor of Arts degree at Mary Washington. See the degree requirements at MWU.

• Credit for Prior Learning

  Northern Virginia Community College accepts industry-standard certifications, credentials and/or professional courses for credit. Broadly, licenses, credentials and/or certifications must be current and valid for consideration. For more information regarding the status of the certification and its eligibility for credit, please see an advisor or faculty members in the discipline area that awards CPL credit.

  • Credit for Prior Learning
• Career Prospects

  The Public History & Historic Preservation Certificate is designed for students interested in training to become historic preservation professionals and who want to continue their studies at a four-year school. Graduates may also volunteer at historic sites or with organizations to or become advocates for local preservation efforts and public history initiatives. Students will learn to work with an array of non-profits and local government agencies dedicated to preservation, education, interpretation and outreach for local historical sites and organizations.