Overview

Grand Valley's Public History badge allows students to explore how history and historical methods are applied in real-world settings. This face-to-face program is designed for degree-seeking students, offering hands-on experience through place-based and community-engaged projects.

The coursework covers local and community history, museum studies, and public history introduction. These topics provide students with practical skills for creating historical narratives, working with community partners, and understanding professional practices in historical institutions.

This badge offers opportunities to work on real-world projects, collaborate with community partners, and make connections across multiple classes. The badge enhances one's resume with recognized credentials, providing a competitive edge in public history professions and graduate school programs.

A digital badge, or badge, is a record of achievement that recognizes a student's completion of a coherent and meaningful academic experience. GVSU offers both credit and non-credit bearing badges as digital credentials. Credit-bearing badges include anywhere from 0.5 to 15 academic credits and may include additional noncredit criteria. Credit-bearing badges are also posted to the academic transcript.

Admission Information

Admissions to complete a digital badge is open to both degree and nondegree seeking students. If you are not currently a Grand Valley student, start your application here.  

For current GVSU students:

• Declare your badge via myBanner. Login to Banner Self-Service, click on Student, Student Records, Add a Certificate or Badge to your Program, Select the appropriate badge from the drop down list, and click Submit.
• Speak with the appropriate badge coordinator to ensure criteria are being met. You will be able to track your progress toward the badge in myPath as well!
• Once you are done with the requirements, apply to receive the badge via myBanner.
• Once the completion of your badge has been verified, the badge will be posted to your student record and will be viewable on your transcript. In addition, your digital badge will be posted on Credly.com.