Frequently Asked Questions

Graduate Certificate in Archives and Special Collections

What courses are required for the Certificate?

Required courses:
• LIS 646: Special Collections and Archives
• LIS 647: Introduction to Archival Organization
• LIS 648: Archival Practicum
• LIS 675: Seminar in the Organization of Material: Introduction to Digital Libraries
• LIS 675: Seminar in the Organization of Material: Metadata

Electives (choose one)
• LIS 506: Advanced Cataloging and Classification
• LIS 558: Internet Resources and Applications
• LIS 631: History of Libraries
• LIS 634: History of Children's Literature

Are there any additional requirements other than coursework?

Yes, after completing the required coursework, students are required to write a 2500-word paper on an approved topic related to archives, special collections, or digitization that is approved by faculty teaching archival-related courses.

Who can earn the Certificate?

Graduate students may earn the Certificate while working on their graduate degree or those who have already earned a graduate degree may register as a non-degree student and take classes to earn the Certificate.

Can graduate students in other majors earn the Certificate?

Yes, non-LIS graduate students are required to take LIS 505: Cataloging and Classification as a prerequisite.

How can graduate students in other majors register for courses required for the Certificate?

Non-LIS majors may contact the School of Library and Information Science and request permission to enroll in the required courses.