Why study Heritage Studies?

The heritage studies program is designed to develop an appreciation for and a working knowledge of various anthropological issues and techniques. The certificate is awarded to undergraduate students upon the successful completion of required coursework, including a core curriculum of eight required courses, which includes an internship and a field course in archaeology. Those enrolling in the program pursue the certificate from the Department of Anthropology. The heritage studies certificate is offered both to students who are in the process of completing the requirements for an academic or professional degree, as well as to those who already hold bachelor's degrees. The certificate is not an accredited degree by itself, but offers a specialization to those earning other accredited degrees.

Career Possibilities

Graduates of this major pursue many different careers. They are employed as:

• Archaeologists
• Anthropologists
• Librarians
• Educators
• Diplomats

Graduates may work in research, evaluation or administration, at private or public archaeological firms, or in such specialized fields as medicine, epidemiology, law enforcement and linguistics.

Major Maps

• Guide: Heritage Studies Certificate Curriculum Guide

Advising

Contact the program director, whose name and information appear at the top of this screen.

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Special Programs

Internships

Internships offer the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on, learn-by-doing experience in the practice of heritage studies. In consultation with the program advisor, students select a company, government agency, not-for-profit organization, museum or heritage foundation whose involvement in heritage studies best fits their interests and goals.

Internships require at least 90 hours of time that, ideally, is somewhat equally divided between instruction and practical application. In addition, the student is asked to submit a brief paper on the internship experience to the heritage studies program advisor, who may also seek an appraisal of the student's performance from the company, government agency, not-for-profit organization or museum.

There are three kinds of internships:

(1) Those with heritage studies or environmental engineering firms doing contract work.

(2) Those with museums, not-for-profit historic preservation organizations or local interest groups working on heritage studies issues (e.g., Archaeological Conservancy, Cincinnati Museum of Natural History).

(3) Those with federal, state, county or municipal government agencies engaged in heritage studies (e.g., National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, State Department of Highways, State Department of Natural Resources, State Historic Preservation Offices, etc.)

Interns are expected to immerse themselves as thoroughly as time and circumstances permit in the practice and processes of heritage studies. Interns should seek opportunities to observe and participate in as broad a range of heritage studies. There may also be particular needs on the part of those who sponsor internships or specific requirements of the program advisor, such as learning how to prepare archaeological site forms, Phase I, II and III compliance reports, and National Register of Historic Places nominations.

Admission Requirements

Students already pursuing a degree in any college at UC can add the certificate to their program. Be sure to submit a declaration of the certificate program using our online form.

In addition, you must meet with the program director so that they are aware that you are pursuing the certificate and can advise you appropriately. Do this early enough to avoid delay in obtaining your certificate.

Students not currently pursuing a degree may declare the certificate after establishing non-matriculated status.

Graduation Requirements

Make sure that you have declared the certificate program online. Next, make sure that the certificate program director is aware of when you are finishing the program. If you are pursuing another bachelor's degree, then your certificate will be reviewed at the time that you submit your separate degree application.

Accreditation