Cultural Heritage and Environmental Resource Management, MA

Cultural Heritage and Environmental Resources Management is an interdisciplinary field that combines archaeology, geography, environmental studies, and museum studies to examine the relationship between cultural heritage and environmental resources. The program prepares students for careers in cultural heritage and environmental resource management through coursework focused on preservation, interpretation, public engagement, and legal and ethical resource management practices. Integrating research, public education, and community engagement, the program provides students with opportunities to develop professional skills for work in government agencies, museums, non-profit organizations, tourism, and private resource management firms.

Focus of Study

The program combines the pursuit of discovery with public education, community-engaged research, and cultural heritage and environmental resource impact assessment and preservation. Students develop an understanding of the theoretical, legal, and technical aspects of heritage management. Students will learn how to advocate for the preservation of cultural sites and natural resources while also interpreting and protecting cultural heritage and environmental resources with stakeholders and the public ethically.

Program Goals

• Introduce students to professional practices in environmental, cultural, and economic contexts;
• Prepare students for roles as heritage managers, public interpreters and collaborators, preservationists, museum professionals, and compliance administrators
• Examine the status of heritage management and ethical considerations related to balancing public and stakeholder perceptions
• Learn legal frameworks, definitions of and common challenges related to environmental and cultural heritage
• Familiarize students with the history and theory related to environmental and cultural heritage management, including related laws and policies
• Expose students to various methods and techniques commonly used in cultural and environmental heritage management to formulate and implement policy choices from environmental, cultural, and economic perspectives
• Introduce students to integrated resource management with an interdisciplinary and holistic 
  focus
• Understand indigenous, descendant, and other cultural perspectives on resource management issues and how to integrate those perspectives into policy and practice
• Develop critical thinking, research, writing, and presentation skills in a heritage management context