Archival Studies FAQs
The MAS program is a 36‑credit graduate degree that prepares students for professional archival work across government agencies, businesses, historical societies, libraries, museums, and digital repositories. It blends traditional archival theory with extensive training in digital archives and electronic records management.
Yes. Clayton State University’s MAS program is one of only two fully online archival studies programs in the United States.
The MAS degree requires 36 credit hours, which is approximately 12 graduate‑level courses.
Students study appraisal, arrangement and description, reference and access, preservation, outreach, records management, digital preservation, legal and ethical issues, and the technical competencies needed for working with digital materials.
Graduates are prepared for roles in government archives, university archives, special collections, libraries, museums, corporate archives, non‑profits, cultural heritage institutions, and digital preservation environments.
Faculty include experienced archivists, scholars, and archival administrators, led by the Program Director.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and meet Clayton State University’s graduate admission standards. Required materials typically include transcripts and other application documents.
- Fall admission: Submit by July 15 for priority consideration
- Spring admission: Submit by November 15 for priority consideration
Students may begin in Fall or Spring.
The program is fully online, integrates digital archives with traditional archives, and aligns with professional standards from the Society of American Archivists and the Academy of Certified Archivists.
The program includes practical experience through a research or capstone track; students should consult the Program Director for details.
You may contact the MAS Program office or the Program Director at Clayton State University for additional details: (678) 466-4447, or the College of STEM: (678) 466-4400.