Download Program Brochure Complete the Application Browse Electives Applied History Certificate Understand the Past. Shape the Future. Offered by the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences history department and the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) How do historical decisions influence today’s policies? How can a deeper understanding of the past lead to better choices for the future? UGA’s new Applied History Certificate helps students answer these questions by connecting historical analysis with real‑world policy challenges – what some historians call, “thinking in time.”This interdisciplinary, 18‑credit program prepares students to think critically, act thoughtfully, and apply historical context to contemporary issues in government, law, public health, and global affairs. Program Overview The Applied History Certificate combines coursework in history, political science, and international affairs with hands‑on professional experience. Students gain analytical skills, policy awareness, and historical perspective—tools that are increasingly valuable across public and private sectors. Credit Requirements (18 hours) Required Courses (6 credits) - HIST/POLS/INTL 2800: Introduction to Applied History - HIST/POLS/INTL 5800: Applied History Internship (minimum 3 credits) Elective Courses (12 credits, from a list of approved electives) - 3 credits Upper‑Division History - 3 credits Upper‑Division International Affairs - 3 credits Upper‑Division Political Science - 3 credits Student Choice from approved electives Flexible Electives Students can tailor the certificate to match their interests and career goals. Approved electives include topics such as: - Environmental History & the Modern World - US Law & Public Policy - Women & Politics in History - Guerrillas, Terrorists & Insurgents - Arms Control & Disarmament - Russia & the West Since 1989 - Humanitarianism & Human Rights - Development & Decolonization - US‑Mexico Border: From NAFTA to El Chapo A full list of approved electives is available through advising sheet [to be hyperlinked] Internship Experience Every student completes an applied history internship, gaining practical experience in policy research, nonprofit work, public service, or historical analysis. Students may secure their own internship or apply to one of the program’s partners, including: - Southern Alliance of Public Health Leadership - Birds Georgia - John Adams Memorial Foundation - BSI Global Intelligence Team - Science for Georgia - Bethany Services – Refugee Resettlement - Athens Area Community Foundation Two organizations—SAPHL and Birds Georgia—offer dedicated roles specifically for Applied History students. Career Pathways The Applied History Certificate prepares students for impactful careers in: - Law - Local, state, and federal government - Public policy - NGOs and nonprofits - Consulting and research - International affairs - Private‑sector policy analysis Employers increasingly value graduates who can interpret complex issues, understand historical context, and communicate clearly—skills at the heart of applied history. Who Should Apply This program is ideal for students who want to: - Connect historical knowledge to real‑world challenges - Strengthen their policy and analytical skills - Prepare for careers in public service, law, or global affairs - Understand how the past shapes today’s decisions If you’re interested in using history as a tool for navigating the future, the Applied History Certificate offers a powerful path forward. Apply Here Step 1. To add the Applied History Certificate program, go to the Programs tab in Athena and add the program. Step. 2. A short application is also required. Once approved, the certificate program will be approved in Athena. Complete the Application Applied History Lab (VIPR) Applied History Lab, a UGA Vertically Integrated Project for Research (VIPR) Team This multidisciplinary team will work collaboratively to produce a multimedia web project for UGA’s new Applied History program. The team will produce original content and solicit content from relevant Applied History courses to create articles, blogs, newsletters, podcasts, and videos that demonstrate the value of “thinking in time” and show how the analysis of historical precedent and parallel can guide responsible decision-making in public policy and public affairs. The digital content produced by the team will cement the status of UGA as a pioneer in the field of Applied History. Team Leads: Kevin Jones (History) Department Contacts ELIZABETH SHERMER Director, Applied History Certificate Program Professor of HistoryOffice: 124 LeConte Hall Email: etshermer@uga.edu JAMIE L. CARSON SPIA LiaisonUGA Athletic Association Professor in Public and International Affairs IIProfessor of Political ScienceOffice: 304 Baldwin Hall Email: carson@uga.edu
