Heritage Interpretation and Museum Studies

Graduate Certificate

Department of Appalachian Studies

 

Preserve the Past, Inspire the Future


The program offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the growing field of cultural heritage tourism—an essential and expanding segment of Northeast Tennessee's economy. Students will gain a deep understanding of how to effectively interpret and present both natural and cultural heritage to the public, helping create meaningful, engaging experiences. With a strong emphasis on storytelling and communication skills, this certificate program prepares students to present history and culture in ways that connect diverse communities and foster understanding.

Program Overview

The Heritage Interpretation and Museum Studies Graduate Certificate is a 21-credit interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and practical skills in museum studies and heritage interpretation. This certificate is ideal for those interested in pursuing careers in museums, heritage sites, cultural organizations, or related fields, and is also valuable for professionals looking to enhance their expertise or credentials.

Curriculum Highlights


The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including:

  • Heritage Interpretation: Learning how to engage the public with natural, cultural, and historic resources, and inspire connections to these resources.
  • Museum Studies: Gaining knowledge of museum operations, collections management, exhibit design, and public engagement strategies.
  • Storytelling and Communication: Developing essential skills to creatively communicate the significance of cultural heritage and make it relevant to diverse audiences.

Students will also have the opportunity to apply their learning through hands-on experiences and internships at local museums, heritage sites, and cultural organizations.

Career Opportunities


The certificate prepares students for a wide range of career paths in fields such as:

  • Museums and cultural heritage sites
  • Heritage tourism and cultural resource management
  • Public history and historical interpretation
  • Education and outreach in museums or heritage centers
  • Nonprofit organizations focused on cultural preservation and community engagement


Complementary Programs


This certificate can be a valuable complement to a variety of graduate degrees or certificates, including those in anthropology, Appalachian studies, history, archival studies, public administration, communication, and more. It offers students the flexibility to integrate this specialized knowledge with their existing academic and professional pursuits.

Program Location


The certificate is offered in Northeast Tennessee, home to a rich array of museums, heritage sites, and cultural resources. This region’s thriving cultural heritage tourism industry provides students with numerous opportunities to gain practical experience and connect with professionals in the field.

Certificate Requirements: 21 credits

  • Core Courses: 9 credits

    APST 5310 - Museum and Heritage Site Administration (3 credits)

    HIST 5540 - Public History: Theory and Practice (3 credits)

    STOR 5140 - Foundations of Storytelling Performance (3 credits)

  • Electives: 9 credits

    Choose 9 credits from the following areas, based on interest and professional goals:

    Communication and Storytelling
    COMM 5250 - Issues in Communication and Culture (3 credits)
    STOR 5230 - Advanced Storytelling Performance (3 credits)
    STOR 5840 - Story Dramatization (1-3 credits)

    Environment and Natural Heritage
    APST 5210 - Environment and Sustainability in Appalachia (3 credits)
    BIOL 5247 - Appalachian Flora (3 credits)
    BIOL 5257 - Appalachian Fauna (3 credits)

     History and Cultural Heritage
    APST 5337 - Appalachia in Scotland and Ireland (3-6 credits)
    APST 5690 - Appalachian Community Engagement (3 credits)
    APST 5957 - Tourism in Appalachia (3 credits)
    HIST 5541 - Historic Site Interpretation (3 credits)
    ANTH 5627 - Ethnographic Methods (3 credits)

     Museum Studies and Heritage Management
    ANTH 5027 - Cultural Resource Management (3 credits)
    AVST 5310 - Archives History, Theory, and Current Issues (3 credits)
    AVST 5311 - Archives Principles and Practices (3 credits)
    GEOS 5200 - Natural History Museum Techniques (3 credits)
    HIST 5957 - The 21st Century Museum Experience (3 credits)
    PMGT 5100 - Introduction to Public Administration (3 credits)

    • Other courses may be approved based on career goals by adviser discretion.

  • Practicum / Internship: 3 credits

    All internships must be coordinated by advisor and taken in the appropriate department, according to student interest and professional goals.

Ready to Get Started?


Whether you're looking to enter the field of heritage interpretation and museum studies, or enhance your career with specialized knowledge, the Heritage Interpretation and Museum Studies Graduate Certificate at ETSU provides a robust academic foundation and hands-on learning opportunities.

For more information, including application details and requirements, please contact the program coordinator at the Department of Appalachian Studies.