History (MA) / Library and Information Science in Archives Management or Cultural Heritage Informatics (MS): Dual Degree Program
Description
The program is designed for students pursuing archival or cultural heritage positions. Students gain the knowledge efficiently through a dual-degree program in history and archives management or cultural heritage informatics. You'll master skills in library and information science, archives management, cultural heritage informatics, historical methods, and research and history.
Students do internships at Boston institutions such as the Massachusetts State Archives, the Massachusetts Historical Society, the U.S.S. Constitution Museum, and Harvard University. You'll also complete a thesis project based on original research.
Requirements for entry into program
Only one application is necessary to apply to both programs. Applicants to this dual-degree option must be admitted to both programs. See the Library and Information Science (MS) and History (MA) sections in this catalog for detailed entry requirements.
Program Requirements
The Dual Degree program in History and Library and Information Science (LIS) in Archives Management or Cultural Heritage Informatics consists of a total of 57 credit hours:
- History: 8 credit hours of required History core courses; 12 credit hours of History electives (400-level or above), and a 4 credit hour History thesis.
- LIS: 9 credit hours of required LIS core courses; 15 credit hours of required core courses in either Archives Management or Cultural Heritage Informatics; and 9 credit hours of LIS electives.
Full-time students may complete the program in approximately two years. Part-time students must complete the program within six years of enrollment.
History (MA) Program Requirements
Core Courses in History (8 credit hours)
*Students may take these classes as either an LIS elective for three credit hours (LIS 443 or LIS 532I) or as a History elective for four credits (as shown above).
Elective Courses in History (12 credit hours)
The three courses selected must be at the 400-level or above.
Graduate Thesis in History (4 credit hours)
Library and Information Science (MS) Program Requirements
Core Courses in Library and Information Science (9 credit hours)
| LIS 407 | Information Service, Behaviors & Ethics | 3 |
| LIS 415 | Information Organization | 3 |
| LIS 488 | Technology for Information Professionals | 3 |
Option 1: Five LIS courses in Archives Management (15 credit hours)
Complete the following three courses (9 credit hours):
| LIS 438 | Introduction to Archival Theory and Practice | 3 |
| LIS 440 | Archival Access and Use | 3 |
| LIS 442 | Establishing Archives and Manuscript Programs | 3 |
Complete one of the following courses (3 credit hours):
Select one of the following courses (3 credit hours):
Option 2: Five LIS courses in Cultural Heritage Informatics (15 credit hours)
Complete the following four courses (12 credit hours):
| LIS 432 | Concepts Cult Heritage Informatics | 3 |
| LIS 438 | Introduction to Archival Theory and Practice | 3 |
| LIS 477 | Digital Asset Management | 3 |
| LIS 507 | Museum Studies | 3 |
Complete one of the following courses (3 credit hours):
Elective Courses in Library and Information Science (9 credit hours)
Dual degree students will complete three LIS elective courses.
Library and Information Science (MS) Students in the Archives Management or Cultural Heritage Informatics Concentrations
Students currently enrolled in the Library and Information Science (MS) program and in the Archives Management or Cultural Heritage Informatics Concentrations can apply for admission to the dual degree (MA/MS) program by submitting an application and the required materials with the University's Office of Graduate Admissions. Once these materials have been received, an interview with the History Graduate Program Director is also required.