Certificate in Cultural and Environmental Heritage Management

The certificate program in cultural and environmental heritage management in the Department of History at Western Michigan University will prepare students to identify and manage cultural and environmental heritage through an interdisciplinary approach that includes class and field work. Students who complete this program will be well versed in the interdisciplinary content and methods necessary to effectively advise communities regarding heritage resources and to conduct resource studies such as those mandated under state and federal law.

This graduate certificate is designed to provide students with the following:

• The skills necessary to expertly identify and assess cultural and heritage resources within an interdisciplinary context.
• A comprehensive understanding of the demands inherent in working as heritage management professionals under contract to individuals, organizations, corporations, and various levels of government.
• The ability and commitment to work as socially and ethically responsible managers of cultural and environmental heritage.

Admission requirements

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
• Submission of a letter of intent stating specific interests and academic and professional goals.
• Two letters of recommendation from persons able to evaluate the applicant’s potential for graduate study.

Program requirements

The cultural and environmental heritage management certificate consists of 15 credit hours, six of which must be in HIST, plus three each in ENVS, GEOG and PADM. No more than six credits may be taken below the 6000 level. All classes must be chosen from the attached list (updated as necessary). Substitutions may be approved when a clear statement of professional appropriateness is presented.

Required courses

History (6 hours from the following):
HIST 5150: Topics in Public History
HIST 6250: Topics in Cultural Resources Management
HIST 6440: Material Culture
HIST 6730: Research Seminar in History

Environmental and Sustainability Studies (3 hours, from the following):
*ENVS 4150: Environmental Law
ENVS 5400: Freshwater Policy

Geography (3 hours, from the following):
GEOG 5010: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
GEOG 5530: Water Resources Management
GEOG 5550: Contemporary Issues in Resources Management
GEOG 5570: Environmental Impact Assessment
GEOG 5820: Remote Sensing of the Environment

Public Administration (3 hours, from the following):
PADM 5830: Grant Writing for Nonprofit Organizations
PADM 6110: Administrative Law and Governmental Regulation
PADM 6170: Intergovernmental and Interorganizational Relations
PADM 6140: Managing Community Growth and Development
PADM 6431: Budget Development and Accounting for Nonprofit Organizations

*Note: use of a 4000-level course requires department approval.

For more information on this graduate certificate, fill out our webform.