Enrollment in the public history program at the University of North Alabama is expected to increase to five times its current size in the first year, a university official said.

Chris Maynard, chairman of the university’s history and political science department, said he anticipates the newly approved master’s degree concentration will have 30 students by the fall 2013 semester. It has six students this semester, the first time the program is being offered.

The program was approved just three months ago by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education so marketing the program and soliciting students is just now beginning, Maynard said.

“There is only one other master’s program in public history in Alabama, and there is not one at all in Mississippi,” Maynard said. “This is going to draw students from all around the South.

Auburn also offers a master’s program in public history.