15
$485
Spring 2 2025 classes start on March 17, 2025
Students pursuing careers as archivists and records managers need formal credentials to set themselves apart in an increasingly competitive job market. The Online Graduate Certificate in Archival Studies (CARST) at LSU Online provides students the core knowledge to advance in the archival studies field. With a curriculum structured around the Society of American Archivists Guidelines for a Graduate Program in Archival Studies, students are well-equipped to compete for positions in a range of institutions possessing archival collections.
The online CARST can be taken as a post-master’s certificate or as part of a student’s graduate degree. Students that complete the certificate program are eligible to take the Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) Certification Exam for full or provisional certification. Additional information on the School of Information Studies Graduate Programs can be found here.
We offer a variety of ways to help you pay for your degree including financial aid, scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, and veteran’s education benefits.
Receive world-class customer service through a personal coach from application to graduation.
Complete the degree 100% online and on your time while balancing work, family and other responsibilities.
LSU’s professors are recognized as leaders in their fields, ensuring that the online experience is as rewarding as that of an on-campus classroom.
Students enrolled in this program are eligible for membership in the Omega Nu Lambda (ONL) Honor Society. Created to recognize the academic excellence of online students, ONL provides access to exclusive networking opportunities, scholarships, and a lifelong community of like-minded achievers. Enrich your college experience and connect with peers globally through Omega Nu Lambda!
The convenience of the online program with the focus of the Archival Studies certificate made this the right adventure at the right time. I have always been a stubborn student, but the varied coursework and support of the teaching staff has allowed me to discover new pathways of thought and depths to explore. So much, in fact, that I am not sure if this is the end of the line for my education."
April Bozada-Armstrong
2022 MLIS and CARST Graduate
Total credit hours per program: 15 credit hours
Cost per credit hour: $485
Total cost with fees: $7,275
The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
Core courses:
Complete one of the following:
Complete two of the following electives:
Applicants must apply through the LSU Graduate School. All application materials must be received by the application deadlines. In addition to the LSU Graduate School required materials, the School of Information Studies requires applicants to provide:
1. A resume
2. A statement of purpose of at least 1,000 words that answers the following questions:
Please note: GC in Archival Studies does not require letters of recommendation.
The Graduate School's criteria for admission and probationary admission are shown below.
Admission
Probationary Admission
Additional information about LSU Graduate admission requirements are located here.
Students who graduate with an online graduate certificate in archival studies will gain the theoretical and practical background necessary for careers in the field.
Students will meet the following learning outcomes:
Our online certificate in archival studies is a convenient and affordable way to bolster your resume and learn new, valuable skills. After program completion, you may take the Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) Certification Exam for full or provisional certification.
There are many factors new students should consider when deciding whether to begin their academic degree or certificate program in the summer or during a fall/spring term. Summer modules are shorter (5 weeks) when compared to fall/spring modules (7 weeks). Therefore, a course during a 5-week module requires students to dedicate more time than a 7-week module.
New students that have full-time jobs or family obligations may find it more challenging to begin their degree or certificate program in the summer modules. Graduate School policy requires students maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher to avoid academic probation (“B” or better), and a 2.75 GPA or higher to remain academically eligible. Our online students have told us that summer courses demand they devote more time to their coursework to be successful because of the shorter length of the summer module. Students in summer courses should expect to spend about 25 hours per week on their academic studies.
Online studies provide the flexibility you need to fit your educational goals into your life. Please consider these factors when deciding which start time gives you the best opportunity for a successful beginning to your academic journey.
For more detailed information, you may read the School of Information Studies Graduate Student Handbook.
Take the first step forward by completing the form and our enrollment team will contact you soon to discuss:
