Graduate Certificate in Archival Administration in Detroit United States | Wayne State University

The Graduate Certificate in Archival Administration (GCAA) at Wayne State University, among the nation's longest-standing archival programs, serves both newcomers to the profession and experienced practitioners. This certificate offers specialized training for professionals seeking to locate, conserve, and provide access to historical documents. The GCAA equips modern archivists with expertise across three key dimensions: theoretical foundations, professional practice, and cultural stewardship. Contemporary archivists must master traditional principles while developing digital competencies and maintaining cultural sensitivity and professional conduct.

Situated at an urban campus surrounded by cultural organizations and featuring a cutting-edge Digital Media Projects Lab, the program offers exceptional training for diverse archival settings. GCAA coursework covers fundamental archival principles, appraisal methodologies, collection organization, descriptive practices, conservation techniques, reference services, and legal/ethical considerations for physical, visual, and digital materials. The curriculum also incorporates records management, historical institution administration, and mandatory fieldwork. Students explore a century of archival theory while gaining practical experience in conservation methods, analytical description, and public engagement. The 15-credit program comprises nine required credits and six electives. MLIS candidates pursuing concurrent GCAA certification must complete six additional credits beyond their 36-credit MLIS requirements.