Western Washington University

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Degrees/Certificates Offered

Programs Offered

Program Philosophy

Since 1972, the Graduate Program in Archives and Records Management has prepared students for professional careers in both archives and records management. The curriculum emphasizes the interdependence of these two disciplines, both of which are essential to the challenges of documenting and preserving essential evidence of modern organizations and individuals. Grounded in the study of History, the program recognizes the value of historical knowledge and understanding as a basis for identifying and preserving records of enduring value to society. The curriculum integrates automation and electronic records issues with traditional methods for textual records. Students examine basic principles of archives and records management, learn methods of selecting, organizing, and using recorded information, and gain practical work experience in applying these techniques through an extended internship. A required master's thesis provides opportunity for original research and writing. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for a career, not just their first job, and to enable them to learn to think and function as professional archivists and/or records managers.

Facilities

Classrooms are located on the main campus and in the Washington State Archives regional branch facility on the south side of campus. Computer labs for student access are located in several campus buildings, and the Department of History has a small computer lab for graduate students. Archival facilities on campus include the regional branch of the Washington State Archives, the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, the University Archives and Records Center, and the library's Special Collections department. Cooperative agreements enable students to conduct practicum and internship studies at dozens of institutions in the Pacific Northwest and around the US and Canada.

Practicum/Internships/Assistantships Offered?

An extensive 550-hour Internship is required of all students, providing supervised professional-level work experience in a cooperating institution. Options range from federal, state, and local government to universities, historical societies, and business firms. Internships can be completed either in the Pacific Northwest or any other location the student may prefer in the US or Canada.

Research

Most graduate courses require an original research paper. The Advanced Seminar requires a more extended research paper, which often explores a potential thesis topic. The major research opportunity is the required master's thesis, which may investigate a topic in archives, records management, or history. Significant original research and a substantial written thesis must be completed by the student.

Faculty Information

Faculty Listing

Courses Offered