A new interdisciplinary master’s degree aimed to fill a “critical gap” in graduate-level training for careers in cultural heritage and environmental resource management was approved for the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

The master of arts degree in Cultural and Heritage and Environmental Resource Management combines the fields of archaeology, geography, public interpretation and environment and museum studies, according to a document from the university.

The subjects often become connected once students graduate from college and enter into the workforce, because many of the jobs are in the cultural-heritage and environmental resource management industry, which involves the identification, preservation and responsible use of both natural and cultural resources.

From 2012 to 2019, the industry had a $241 million impact on Colorado’s economy, according to a 2021 news release from History Colorado. In 2019, managing archaeological sites helped the state draw $10.5 billion from heritage tourism.

With approximately 90% of archaeology careers being in cultural resource management, there’s an expected 8%-15% increase in positions for the industry by 2033, according to a presentation from the college.

Lynn Vidler, UCCS’ provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, said the degree program will fill a national need for the cultural-heritage and environmental resource management industry, which was recruiting people who weren’t adequately trained.

These “critical gaps” include training in technical writing, heritage law and ethics and project management within the industry.

“The importance of these (interdisciplinary) degrees is really critical for global problem-solving. We can no longer just study and research in disciplinary silos … we need to be proficient in multiple disciplines because that’s where creativity and innovation arise,” Vidler said.

Vidler said the degree is one of the many interdisciplinary programs at the college, noting the degree is a very new idea across the country.

The degree program is the only one offered in Colorado and would be one of two or three nationwide, according to the college’s presentation.

Vidler said its uniqueness will draw students from other states to UCCS while serving the state’s need for adequately trained workers in the industry.

The CU Board of Regents approved the degree along with many others during their regular board meeting Wednesday at The Antlers in downtown Colorado Springs.

The degree is expected to take two years for 30 credit-hours. Applicants need to hold a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, geography or a related field with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

“I’m just excited that the faculty from different departments saw the need to create something that’s going to help both the students and the state,” Vidler said.