Bachelor of Arts degree in Heritage Resources
Northwestern State University has received approval from the Louisiana Board of Regents to begin a Bachelor of Arts in Heritage Resources program.
The program, which will be within the School of Social Sciences, will compliment the new Master’s in Heritage Resources and will replace the Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.
The interdisciplinary program will offer concentrations in anthropology, geography and historic preservation. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other computer technologies will be emphasized throughout the program.
“The degree program is unique within Louisiana and one of the few of its type in the United States,” said Associate Professor of Geography Dr. Dean Sinclair, who is the program coordinator. “This program provides opportunities in a number of disciplines, making it a truly interdisciplinary program.
“Northwestern has a long tradition in the fields of anthropology and geography, and we are able to incorporate this tradition in social science education into this program.”
Heritage resources are cultural materials associated with various communities. These resources can be physical (artifacts, archival records, buildings, architectural sites) or intangible (cultural traditions, languages/dialects, songs, dances, or culinary practices).
Graduates will be prepared for employment with state and federal agencies, federally acknowledged Native American tribes, private archaeology firms and a number of related entities. The program will be able to draw on abundant local resources to help prepare students and place graduates. NSU has cooperative and/or internship agreements with agencies including the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, the Cane River National Heritage Area, and the U.S. Forest Service.
“This area provides students with a number of unique opportunities because of the historic sites in the area including plantations and forts,” said Sinclair. “Majors in this program will be able to work with professionals and apply their own knowledge in their own community or anywhere in the country.”
The Heritage Resources program will use existing faculty and facilities at NSU. The university plans to join the National Council for Preservation Education, which issues guidelines for programs in this area and is a means of promoting the new degree.
