Certificate in Cultural and Environmental Heritage Management

Program Overview

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The Certificate in Cultural and Environmental Heritage Management at Western Michigan University equips students with the knowledge and skills to identify, assess, and manage cultural and environmental heritage resources. Through an interdisciplinary approach, graduates gain expertise in heritage management, environmental law, and community development, preparing them for careers in cultural resource management, environmental consulting, and nonprofit administration.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Certificate in Cultural and Environmental Heritage Management at Western Michigan University aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify, assess, and manage cultural and environmental heritage resources. The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach that combines classroom instruction with field work. Upon completion, graduates will possess the expertise to advise communities on heritage resources and conduct resource studies as required by state and federal regulations.

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Objectives:

• Develop proficiency in identifying and evaluating cultural and heritage resources within an interdisciplinary context.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities and demands of working as heritage management professionals.
• Foster a commitment to ethical and socially responsible management of cultural and environmental heritage.

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Outline:

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Content:

• Cultural and environmental heritage management
• Public history
• Cultural resources management
• Material culture
• Research methods in history
• Environmental law
• Freshwater policy
• Geographic information systems
• Water resources management
• Environmental impact assessment
• Remote sensing
• Grant writing
• Administrative law
• Intergovernmental relations
• Community development
• Nonprofit accounting

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Structure:

• 15 credit hours total
• 6 hours in History (HIST)
• 3 hours in Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENVS)
• 3 hours in Geography (GEOG)
• 3 hours in Public Administration (PADM)
• No more than 6 credits below the 6000 level

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Course Schedule:

• Courses are offered on a rotating basis.
• Students should consult the department for the most up-to-date course schedule.

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Individual Modules:

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HIST 5150: Topics in Public History

• Explores the theory and practice of public history, including museums, archives, historic preservation, and community engagement.

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HIST 6250: Topics in Cultural Resources Management

• Examines the principles and methods of cultural resources management, including identification, evaluation, and preservation of cultural resources.

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HIST 6440: Material Culture

• Studies the role of material objects in understanding the past, present, and future.

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HIST 6730: Research Seminar in History

• Provides guidance and support for students conducting research in history.

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ENVS 4150: Environmental Law

• Introduces the legal framework for environmental protection, including statutes, regulations, and case law.

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ENVS 5400: Freshwater Policy

• Examines the policies and management practices related to freshwater resources.

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GEOG 5010: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

• Provides an overview of geographic information systems (GIS) and their applications in environmental management.

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GEOG 5530: Water Resources Management

• Explores the principles and practices of water resources management, including water quality, quantity, and allocation.

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GEOG 5550: Contemporary Issues in Resources Management

• Examines current issues and challenges in natural resources management.

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GEOG 5570: Environmental Impact Assessment

• Introduces the principles and methods of environmental impact assessment, including scoping, analysis, and mitigation.

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GEOG 5820: Remote Sensing of the Environment

• Provides an overview of remote sensing technologies and their applications in environmental monitoring and management.

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PADM 5830: Grant Writing for Nonprofit Organizations

• Develops skills in grant writing for nonprofit organizations, including proposal development, budgeting, and evaluation.

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PADM 6110: Administrative Law and Governmental Regulation

• Examines the legal framework for administrative agencies and governmental regulation.

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PADM 6170: Intergovernmental and Interorganizational Relations

• Explores the relationships and interactions between different levels of government and nonprofit organizations.

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PADM 6140: Managing Community Growth and Development

• Provides an overview of the principles and practices of community planning and development.

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PADM 6431: Budget Development and Accounting for Nonprofit Organizations

• Develops skills in budget development and accounting for nonprofit organizations.

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Assessment:

• Coursework assignments
• Exams
• Research projects
• Presentations
• Portfolio development

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Teaching:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty from the Department of History and other relevant disciplines.
• Teaching methods include lectures, discussions, field trips, and hands-on projects.
• The program emphasizes experiential learning and provides opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

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Careers:

• Cultural resource manager
• Environmental consultant
• Historic preservation specialist
• Museum curator
• Archivist
• Grant writer
• Nonprofit administrator
• Community planner
• Policy analyst