Graduate Certificate in Archival Studies

Graduate certificate student doing archival studies work

Learn about archival practices as they affect the composition and meaning of cultural artifacts and historical records.
 

About the Certificate

The four-course, 12-unit Graduate Certificate in Archival Studies provides a specialization in an area of growing interest within the library and information science field as well as an opportunity to learn more about archival practices as they affect the composition and meaning of cultural artifacts and the historical records.

This certificate may be completed on main campus or through Arizona Online.

This certificate program also offers advanced continuing education opportunities to practitioners working in libraries and archives, especially on the challenges posed by the emergence of digital record-keeping.

Archival studies programs have become common in the United States in recent decades. In an era of historic change in record-keeping practices and an increasingly competitive job market, students pursuing careers in archives and records management today need formal credentials based on a rigorous education in the theory and practice of the profession.

The program is designed to give you foundational core knowledge of the archives profession. The curriculum is structured around the guidelines for graduate programs set by the Society of American Archivists, ensuring that students have a comprehensive understanding of professional archival standards that may not otherwise be acquired without an archives concentration in their graduate level education.

Request Information

For more information about the Graduate Certificate in Archival Studies, complete the form below or contact us at infosci-grad@arizona.edu.

Loading...

Learning Outcomes

The archives certificate will acquaint you with the core knowledge of the profession, focusing on the nature of records and the basic archival functions of records appraisal, acquisition, arrangement, description, preservation, reference, access, outreach and archives administration. You will also gain essential contextual knowledge of the sociocultural factors shaping archival records as they are created and managed over time in different communities of practice and localities.


Certificate Requirements

The certificate requires a minimum of 12 units in total, which includes 9 units from required courses (LIS 540, LIS 640 and LIS 671) and 3 units from an elective course.

If you are a current MLIS student or you already have an MLIS degree from an accredited ALA school, LIS 504 is prohibited from being used in the elective category.


Curriculum

Archival Studies Graduate Certificate students take the following three required courses:

You can transfer up to 6 units from other accredited institutions with the approval of the Archival Studies committee.

We also accept the following courses from the Arizona State University Public History Program:  

  • 502: Public History Methodology
  • 598: U.S. Cultural Institutions and Public Practice

Up to 12 units can be shared between the certificate and Master's degree. Up to six units can be shared between certificates.


Admissions

Application Deadlines

Domestic Applicants

  • Fall Semester: February 15
  • Spring Semester: October 15
  • Summer Semester: March 15

International Applicants

  • Fall Semester: February 15
  • Spring Semester: September 1

How to Apply

To apply, you must complete the University of Arizona Graduate College online application. Follow these steps:

  1. Create a GradApp account
  2. Complete your GradApp profile under "My Account".
  3. Select "Apply to a Program" from the sidebar.
  4. Choose "Graduate Certificate" under application type and then choose the certificate you are interested in.
  5. Choose the semester during which you wish to enter the program.
  6. Your application should now be initiated under "My Active Applications."

Admission Requirements

Applications to our certificate programs are reviewed by our Certificate Coordinator. To be admitted, you must meet the minimum requirements of the University of Arizona Graduate College, which include:

  • A bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona or from an accredited college or university recognized by the University of Arizona
  • A grade point average of 2.75 or higher

View All Graduate Certificate Admissions Information


Policies & Resources

Learn more about resources and policies applicable to graduate certificate students, as well as additional academic resources for new and current students, on our Graduate Certificate Policies and Procedures page:

View Graduate Certificate Policies & Resources

Ready to transform your future with a College of Information Science graduate certificate?

Learn more about our graduate certificates by contacting us at infosci-grad@arizona.edu, or review the admissions process and begin your application now:

Start Your Application