Programs of Study

Undergraduate Academic Certificate in Heritage and Museum Studies

The heritage and museum studies certificate offers an interdisciplinary program that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in careers in museums, galleries, archives, cultural and historical sites, libraries, and digital humanities.

Our rapidly changing global environment is witnessing dramatic transformations in information and communication technologies — causing institutions that collect, curate, and categorize knowledge to reexamine how our society curates and preserves our culture, tradition, and heritage.

The heritage and museum studies program addresses these challenges by engaging students in contemporary methods, global perspectives, and transferable skills to help them become leaders in the heritage and museum fields.

Degree Requirements and Courses

Interdisciplinary Advantage

The undergraduate academic certificate in heritage and museum studies is designed for students who are interested in disciplines that engage with the production of culture, tradition, and heritage, as well as its critical analysis.

Special Opportunities at Concordia

The heritage and museum studies program offers numerous opportunities for students to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to valuable work experience on campus in the Concordia Archives, Cyrus M. Running Gallery, and the college art collection.

Engaged in Community

Christian Belz '19 worked to preserve the memories and experiences of Fargo-Moorhead community members through his heritage and museum studies PEAK experience. 

Internship Opportunities

We partner with local, regional, and national organizations to open up opportunities for our students to gain valuable real world experience working in vital heritage and museum organizations and municipal offices in the Fargo-Moorhead area and beyond. Our students have interned at a variety of organizations including:

  • Dorothy Molter Museum, Ely, Minn.
  • Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, Moorhead
  • Norway House, Minneapolis
  • Plains Art Museum, Fargo, N.D.
  • Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
  • Village Family Services, Fargo, N.D.

Careers

An undergraduate academic certificate in heritage and museum studies (HMS) offers not only theoretical foundations for a career in cultural heritage organizations but also hands-on experience through coursework and internships.

The HMS program prepares students for careers in a variety of fields: 

  • Archives
  • Cultural and Historical Sites
  • Galleries
  • Genealogy
  • Libraries
  • Museums
  • Public History
  • Tourism

Many alumni from the HMS program have gone on to pursue postgraduate study in art history, library science, and more. The HMS program couples nicely with several majors offered at Concordia, such as history, art history, Greek and Roman studies, communication studies, business, and biology, thereby allowing students to customize their educational program to fit their intended career focus.

It is never too early to contact the Concordia Career Center to determine how to identify and prepare yourself to apply for jobs that interest you.

Contact

Dr. Susan J. Lee

Associate Professor, Art History; Program Director, Heritage and Museum Studies Art, Women's and Gender Studies, Heritage and Museum Studies, Greek and Roman Studies