Nov 25, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Cultural Resource Management Certificate


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Program Descriptions

Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Certificate
Department of Anthropology and Sociology  
College of Liberal Arts

Kettler Hall G11 ~ 260-481-6272


The certificate in Cultural Resource Management (CRM) will train students in identifying and investigating cultural resources, such as archaeological and historical sites, structures, and artifacts, and developing plans for their preservation, curation, and ethical use. These activities are conducted to comply with legal statutes, mandates, and regulations affecting historical or cultural properties. The certificate meets or exceeds the requirements for the student to be hired as an archaeological fieldworker in Indiana, Federal positions in archaeology (GS-0193), and for comparable positions elsewhere in the U.S.  The certificate will prepare students for careers working for professional archaeological firms, environmental consulting and management firms, museums and archives, and relevant local, state, and federal government agencies.


Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to:

  • Explain key concepts, theories, and perspectives of archaeology and Cultural Resource Management (CRM).
  • Understand and apply Federal resource laws, regulations, and requirements surrounding cultural, historical, and archaeological remains.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the basic field techniques associated with CRM, including surveying, mapping, spatial analysis, and excavation.
  • Identify and properly categorize historical and culturally significant sites, structures, and artifacts common to the Midwestern United States.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory methods associated with the identification, analysis and preservation of physical artifacts.
  • Communicate research findings effectively to diverse stakeholders, including the scientific community, government agencies, landowners, and the general public.

Declaring this Certificate:

  • Declare this certificate within the Department of Anthropology and Sociology.  Must meet with program coordinator to declare.

Program Requirements:

  • Students must receive a minimum grade of C- or higher in all courses
  • A minimum GPA of 2.00 or higher is required for graduation
  • Portfolio assessment of performance required.
  • A maximum of 9 transfer credits are allowed
  • Students pursuing a minor in Anthropology in addition to the certificate must have at least 9 credits hours in ANTH courses that do not count toward the certificate

Gainful Employment Disclosure:

Information regarding Consumer Information for this program can be found under the Student Information heading at: Consumer Information - Purdue Fort Wayne (pfw.edu)


To earn the Cultural Resource Management Certificate, you must fulfill the following requirements in addition to those noted above:

Archaeological Fieldwork Experience: Credits 6


  • Cr. 1-8.  (Cr. 6.)
  • OR

    An approved archaeological field school of equivalent duration that includes the minimum standard excavation experience.

  • Anthropology Field Excavation Experience  (Cr. 6.)

Electives: Credits 3-4


Total Credits: 21-22


Student Responsibility


You are responsible for ensuring that you satisfy all graduation requirements specified for each selected program.  Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies, and procedures governing your academic career.  If you cannot complete all program requirements by your stated graduation date but fail to remove those from your plan of study, the Registrar’s Office in consultation with your academic advisor will remove unmet pursuits from your plan of study. Changing curricular records during the graduation term of application may affect state or federal financial aid awards. All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean. 

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Program Descriptions