Best Schools for Cultural Resource Managers in 2024

Essential Education to Become a Cultural Resource Manager

Becoming a Cultural Resource Manager (CRM) is a rewarding career path that combines the love of history, archaeology, and preservation with the management of cultural resources. This role involves ensuring that cultural heritage is protected, preserved, and sometimes presented to the public. To prepare for a career in this field, certain educational foundations are crucial. Let's delve into the essential education you need to become a Cultural Resource Manager.

Bachelor's Degree

The first step on your path to becoming a Cultural Resource Manager is to obtain a bachelor's degree. While several majors can lead you toward this career, some are more directly relevant than others. Consider focusing your undergraduate studies in one of the following areas:

• Archaeology
  • Provides a strong foundation in understanding historic sites and artifacts.
• Anthropology
  • Offers insight into human societies and cultures, which is invaluable for managing diverse cultural resources.
• Historic Preservation
  • Teaches the principles of preserving historical sites and structures.
• Cultural Resource Management
  • Some universities offer specialized programs directly aligned with this career path.
• History
  • Helps build a strong background in historical contexts, crucial for managing and interpreting cultural resources.

Master's Degree

While not always required, a master’s degree can significantly enhance your qualifications in the competitive field of cultural resource management. Advanced degrees offer specialized knowledge and research opportunities that can make you stand out as a candidate. Relevant fields for graduate study include:

• Cultural Resource Management
  • Specifically tailored to prepare students for careers in CRM, covering legal, ethical, and practical aspects of the field.
• Public History
  • Focuses on bringing history to the public through museums, historical interpretation, and policy.
• Archaeology or Anthropology
  • Further specialization in these areas can provide deeper insights into the technical aspects of CRM.
• Museum Studies
  • Offers knowledge on managing collections, exhibits, and educational programs related to cultural resources.

Certifications and Additional Training

In addition to formal education, certain certifications and training programs can bolster your credentials as a Cultural Resource Manager:

• Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards
  • Meeting these standards can be essential for working on federal projects.
• GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Certification
  • Useful for mapping and analyzing archaeological sites and historical landscapes.
• Historic Preservation and Conservation Workshops
  • Practical training in preserving various types of cultural materials.

Areas of Concentration

To further refine your expertise as a Cultural Resource Manager, consider focusing on one or more of these areas:

• Legal Frameworks and Policy
  • Understanding the laws and regulations that protect cultural resources is critical.
• Technological Applications in CRM
  • Learning how to use technology for documentation, analysis, and preservation can set you apart.
• Community Engagement and Education
  • Skills in public outreach and education can enhance the social impact of CRM projects.
• Sustainable Practices in Heritage Management
  • Knowledge of how to manage cultural resources sustainably is increasingly valued.

By carefully selecting your educational path and concentrating on relevant areas of study, you can prepare yourself for a successful career as a Cultural Resource Manager. Remember, continuous learning and professional development are key components of success in this dynamic field.

Cultural Resource Manager Education Resources

As you explore the path to becoming a Cultural Resource Manager, you'll find a wealth of resources at your fingertips. These resources range from professional associations that connect you with fellow professionals and offer continuing education opportunities, to industry publications that keep you up-to-date on the latest research and trends. Here’s a curated list to guide your exploration and growth in this field.

Professional Associations

• Society for American Archaeology (SAA)

  • Visit: SAA
  • The SAA provides a global network for archaeologists and cultural resource managers. Membership offers access to exclusive publications, professional development resources, and networking opportunities.

• National Trust for Historic Preservation

  • Visit: PreservationNation
  • This organization is dedicated to saving America's historic places. They offer resources for preservation professionals, including webinars, conferences, and a job board.

• The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA)

  • Visit: Archaeological.org
  • AIA promotes archaeological inquiry and public understanding of the material record of the human past. They offer educational resources and lectures to members.

Industry Publications

• American Antiquity

  • Access through: Cambridge Core
  • A premier journal in American archaeology, it publishes papers on the archaeology of the Americas and beyond.

• Historic Preservation

  • Find it here: Preservation Magazine
  • Published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this magazine offers insights into preservation projects, historical stories, and the latest news in the field.

• Journal of Cultural Heritage

  • Access via: ScienceDirect
  • This journal covers all aspects of preserving cultural heritage, from technical issues to management strategies.

Online Learning Platforms

• LinkedIn Learning

  • Visit: LinkedIn Learning
  • Offers courses on a wide range of topics including cultural resource management, project management, and laws and ethics in cultural heritage.

• Coursera

  • Explore at: Coursera
  • Provides online courses from universities around the world on topics such as archaeology, anthropology, and museum studies.

Career.Guide

For an in-depth exploration of becoming a Cultural Resource Manager, don't forget to utilize Career.Guide as a comprehensive resource. From detailed career paths to educational requirements and real-world advice from professionals in the field, Career.Guide offers valuable insights to help you navigate your career journey effectively.

By tapping into these resources, you'll be well-equipped with the knowledge and connections needed to thrive as a Cultural Resource Manager. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, these tools will support your professional development every step of the way.

Cultural Resource Manager Education FAQs

What degree do I need to become a Cultural Resource Manager?

• Bachelor’s Degree: Start with a bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, or a related field. This foundational education is critical for understanding the basics of cultural resource management (CRM).
• Master’s Degree: Although not always required, a master's degree in a relevant field can significantly enhance your qualifications. Specializations in historic preservation, museum studies, or environmental policy are particularly beneficial.

Are there specific fields of study recommended for a career in Cultural Resource Management?

Yes, focusing on certain disciplines can prepare you for specific challenges and opportunities in CRM:

• Anthropology: Offers a broad understanding of human cultures and societies, essential for managing diverse cultural resources.
• Archaeology: Provides the skills to identify, evaluate, and preserve archaeological sites.
• History: Enhances your ability to understand and preserve historical documents, structures, and landscapes.
• Museum Studies: Prepares you for curating and managing collections of cultural artifacts.
• Environmental Science: Useful for understanding the environmental assessments often required in CRM projects.

What kind of certifications or additional training might be beneficial?

While not always required, certifications and specialized training can bolster your credentials:

• Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards: Meeting these standards can make you eligible for certain federal positions in CRM.
• GIS Certification: Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is increasingly important for managing spatial data related to cultural resources.
• Historic Preservation Certification: Offers specialized knowledge in preserving historic buildings and landscapes.
• Project Management Certification (PMP): Useful for overseeing CRM projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

What skills are essential for success as a Cultural Resource Manager?

In addition to your educational background, certain skills are vital:

• Analytical Skills: For assessing the significance of cultural resources and developing preservation strategies.
• Communication Skills: Essential for writing reports, presenting findings, and collaborating with stakeholders.
• Organizational Skills: For managing projects, budgets, and timelines effectively.
• Research Skills: To conduct thorough investigations of cultural resources.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in relevant software, such as GIS tools and database management systems.

How can I gain experience in Cultural Resource Management?

Hands-on experience is invaluable:

• Internships: Look for internships with museums, historical societies, or cultural resource management firms.
• Volunteering: Many non-profit organizations and heritage sites need volunteers for projects that can provide relevant experience.
• Field Schools: Participate in archaeological field schools to gain practical skills in surveying, excavation, and artifact analysis.
• Professional Organizations: Join organizations such as the Society for American Archaeology (SAA) or the National Trust for Historic Preservation to network and learn about opportunities in the field.

Remember, every step you take towards gaining education and experience not only brings you closer to becoming a Cultural Resource Manager but also prepares you to contribute meaningfully to preserving our cultural heritage.