Park/Museum Interpretation
Certificate | Russellville Campus | In-Person or Blended
This course offers the skills necessary to become a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) by the National Association for Interpretation.
The Certified Interpretive Guide program is designed for anyone who in their career delivers programs to the public. It combines theoretical foundations of the profession with practical skills in delivering quality interpretive programming to visitors to parks, zoos, museums, and historic sites. The class covers:
- history, definition, and principles of interpretation
- elements of the psychology of learning
- making programs purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic
- using tangible objects to connect to intangible ideas and universal concepts
- presentation and communication skills
Certification requirements include a 50-question literature review, accurate completion of a program outline and a 10-minute presentation.
The class requires site visits and analysis, textbook, various readings and exams. There is a certification fee which includes materials and CIG workbook and certification if the program is completed satisfactorily.
HANDS-ON LEARNING opportunities
- Students will participate in a variety of activities and demonstrations.
- Students will visit park and historic sites to observe and analyze interpretation.
- Students will work in teams to produce presentations and a brochure.
SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN
- Analysis of visible human behavior.
- Critical thinking about mission, goals, message and audiences.
- Team skills/dependability, participation, presentation, working with others
- The ability to organize material, to develop goals and objectives and to understand how to measure success.
- To understand that history and information from a variety of fields inform our actions today.
About This Degree
TUITION
Students living in states bordering Arkansas receive in-state tuition.
Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. The Arkansas Tech University school code to use on the FAFSA is 001089.
Payment Options:
- Financial Aid
- Payment Plan
- Graduate Assistantships
Calculate Tuition
CAREER OPTIONS
You could work as a(n):
- Manager
- Museum director
- Museum educator
- Park interpreter
- Park manager
- Planner
- Tour guide
Alumni of our program work at:
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
- Arkansas State Parks
- Corps of Engineers
- Historic Washington State Park
- Idaho State Parks
- Many city park programs
- National Park Service
- US Forest Service
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
View the links below to better understand the courses, the course timeline, and who your faculty will be when you enroll as an ATU student.
- Academic Catalog
- Learning Outcomes
- Degree Map
- Faculty
- Department Website
Credentials that stack with this degree:
- Bachelor’s degree programs in Recreation and Park Administration
- Successful students can earn their Certified Interpretive Planner and/or Certified Interpretive Trainer credential.
- A variety of Master and Ph.D. programs are available across the country
Point of Pride
The CIG course is recognized in the US and countries around the world as recognition of knowledge, skill, and ability in the profession of Heritage Interpretation.
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