History (MA) / Library and Information Science in Archives (MS)
Description
The program is designed for students pursuing archival positions. Students gain the knowledge efficiently through a dual-degree program in history and archives management. You'll master skills in library and information science, archives management, historical methods, and research and history.
Students do internships at Boston institutions such as the Massachusetts State Archives, the Massachusetts Historical Society, the U.S.S. Constitution Museum, and Harvard University. You'll also complete a thesis project based on original research.
Requirements for entry into program
See the MS, LIS and MA History sections in this catalog for entry requirements
Degree Requirements
The Dual Degree program in History and Archives Management consists of a total of 57 credit hours. Students take 9 credit hours of required library and information science courses, 15 credit hours of required core archives courses, and 9 credit hours of electives. In the History department, students complete 8 credit hours of required courses, 12 credit hours of History seminar electives at the 400 level or above and a 4 credit thesis. Only one application is necessary to apply to both programs. Applicants to this dual-degree option must be admitted to both programs.
Full-time students may complete the program in approximately two years. Part-time students must complete the program within six years of enrollment.
Program Requirements
The core courses in library and information science:
| LIS 407 | Information Sources & Services | 3 |
| LIS 415 | Information Organization | 3 |
| LIS 488 | Technology for Information Professionals | 3 |
Five courses in archives management (15 credit hours)
| LIS 438 | Introduction to Archival Theory and Practice | 3 |
| LIS 440 | Archival Access and Use | 3 |
| LIS 442 | Establishing Archives and Manuscript Programs | 3 |
| | | |
| LIS 433 | Oral History | 3 |
| | OR | |
| LIS 441 | Appraisal of Archives and Manuscripts | 3 |
| | OR | |
| LIS 443 | Archives, History and Collective Memory | 3 |
| | OR | |
| LIS 456 | Records Management Environments | 3 |
| | OR | |
| LIS 471 | Photographic Archives | 3 |
| | OR | |
| LIS 472 | Moving Image Archives | 3 |
| | OR | |
| LIS 476 | Outreach and Advocacy for Cultural Heritage | 3 |
| | OR | |
| LIS 505M | Government Archives | 3 |
| | | |
| LIS 439 | Preservation Management | 3 |
| | OR | |
| LIS 444 | Digital Preservation | 3 |
| | OR | |
| LIS 448 | Digital Stewardship | 3 |
| | | |
Three elective courses (9 credits)
24 credit hours in the History Department
| HIST 597 | Historical Methods | 4 |
| HIST 527 | Archives, History, and Collective Memory | 4 |
| | OR | |
| HIST 568 | Seminar in Public History: Sites of History | 4 |
| | 12 credit hours of history electives at the 400 level or above | |
| | 4 credit hours of final thesis | |
All dual-degree students must take Collective Memory or Sites of History. Students may take these classes as either an LIS elective for three credits (LIS 443 or LIS 532I) or a history elective for four credits (HIST 527 or HIST 568).
MS (LIS) Students in the Archives Management Concentration.
Students currently enrolled in the MS (LIS) program and in the Archives Management concentration can apply for admission to the dual degree (MA/MS) program in Archives and History by submitting an application and the required materials with the Ifill College admissions office. Once these materials have been received, an interview with the history program director is also required.