Archival Studies Graduate Certificate

(CARST)

About the Program

Archivists systematically identify, select, protect, organize, describe, preserve, and make available to users archival materials—that is, society’s records and documents broadly defined, regardless of form or medium. Archivists preserve and transmit our cultural and social heritage, protect the legal rights of individuals and institutions, and aid citizens in holding their governments and other organizations accountable.

The Graduate Certificate in Archival Studies (GCAS) is designed to give students a solid grounding in the core knowledge of the archival profession. The curriculum meets the Society of American Archivists (SAA) Guidelines for a Graduate Program in Archival Studies (GPAS), ensuring that students will be competitive for jobs in a range of institutions possessing archival collections. Specifically, graduates will meet the following learning objectives:

• Demonstrate an understanding of archival theory, practice, methodology, history and scholarship.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and decision-making skills related to all forms of records in the context of business, government, public needs, scientific research, or the protection of cultural heritage.
• Understand the ethical and legal dimensions of archival work, including professional and social responsibilities for serving diverse groups and the public good.
• Ability to manage and preserve authentic and trustworthy records, as well as relevant materials, regardless of format.

This is the only archival studies program in Louisiana, outside of the Masters in Library & Information Science (MLIS).

This is an entirely online certificate.

Student Profile

The certificate program is designed for individuals who already possess a graduate degree or are currently pursuing a graduate degree, and wish to pursue an archival career. Students who complete the certificate will be qualified to take the Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) Certification Exam for full or provisional certification.

Course Requirements

Two required courses (6 hours):    

• LIS 7408 Introduction to Archival Theory, Principles & Practice  
• LIS 7704 Archival Arrangement & Description   

Complete one of the following (3 hours):

• LIS 7504 Preservation Management of Physical Records  
• LIS 7505 Introduction to Digital Curation  
• LIS 7506 Preservation and Digitization of Audiovisual Materials  

Complete two of the following electives (6 hours):

• LIS 7410 Digital Libraries  
• LIS 7504 Preservation Management of Physical Records  
• LIS 7505 Introduction to Digital Curation  
• LIS 7506 Preservation and Digitization of Audiovisual Materials  
• LIS 7604 Principles of Records Management  
• LIS 7700 History & Theory of Cultural Heritage Institutions  
• LIS 7702 Seminar in Archival Appraisal  
• LIS 7703 Advanced Seminar in Archival Studies  
• LIS 7705 Introduction to Museum Management  
• LIS 7900 Internship in Library & Information Science  
• LIS 7909 Directed Independent Study  
• LIS 7808 Special Topics in Library & Information Science  (when appropriate)

Admission

Admission to the certificate program requires a previous graduate degree –OR— concurrent enrollment in a graduate degree program. Applicants must also meet the requirements for admission listed for the Master’s of Library & Information Science Program. Students should apply through the LSU Graduate School.

For information on graduate tuition and fees, see Office of Budget and Planning website. Fee payment deadlines are published in the Schedule Book found on the Office of the University Registrar website. 

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