Online Master of Archives and Records Administration
Accelerate Your Career in Archives and Information Governance
The fully online Master of Archives and Records Administration (MARA) program prepares you for leadership roles in records management, corporate
archives and information governance across corporations, government agencies and cultural
institutions.
By blending theory with practical training in digital forensics, information assurance
and AI ethics, the MARA program equips you with the expertise to safeguard critical
information assets and guide executive decision-making.
You will fast-track your career with credit for industry certifications, such as the Certified Archivist and Certified Records Manager designations, and gain access to valuable professional opportunities and networking tools, including a one-year paid membership to ASIS&T, NAGARA or SAA.
Program Information
Modality
Online
Program Length
2 or 3 years · 42 units
Cost Per Unit
$596* for Spring 2027 · Financial aid and scholarships available
Applications Open
July 1 – December 1 for Spring start · August 1 – May 1 for Fall start
Start Terms
Fall · Spring
How to Apply
General Requirements
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A bachelor’s degree from any regionally accredited institution in any discipline.
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An overall GPA of at least 3.0 in the bachelor’s degree or in the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units.
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A general understanding of computers and technology. View our Technology Literacy Requirements.
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Access to a computer with an internet connection.
Out-of-State Eligibility
If you live outside of California, check whether our program is approved to accept an application from you.
An English language proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) is required if a student's baccalaureate was earned outside of the US. For more information, visit the SJSU Graduate Admissions site. International applicants must have a TOEFL score of 600 (paper version), 250 (computer version) or 100 (Internet-based); or an IELTS score of 8.
Graduation Requirement
You are required to complete an e-Portfolio for your culminating experience. This program-based assessment ensures each student has mastered all program learning outcomes before graduation
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Application opens July 1; deadline of December 1 for Spring admission.
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Application opens August 1; deadline of May 1 for Fall admission.
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Apply through Cal State Apply and submit the required documents.
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Archives and Records Administration will be the designation for the Master of Archives and Records Administration (Special Session).
Valuable Learning Experiences
The MARA program blends leadership training with hands-on technology experience. It prepares students for the changing world of archives, records management and information governance. Through projects, professional engagement and emerging digital tools, students build the expertise needed to lead organizations in managing and preserving critical information assets.
- Develop leadership and management skills through internships, consulting projects and professional collaboration.
- Gain hands-on experience with digital content management systems, trusted digital repositories and data governance technologies.
- Explore emerging topics such as AI ethics, digital preservation and digital forensics.
- Learn to manage, preserve and govern complex digital records and information systems across industries.
- Prepare for leadership roles in corporate, government, nonprofit, legal, healthcare and cultural heritage organizations.
Why I chose SJSU
"The accessibility of online courses is good for working professionals. The small class sizes and repeat instructors really help to build relationships and receive personal attention."
Featured Courses
What can you do with a graduate degree in Archives and Records Administration?
The MARA degree prepares you to lead in the growing fields of archives, records management and information governance across, including education, finance, government, healthcare, law, media, museums, oil and gas and technology.
Additionally, students enrolled in the MARA degree program can apply completed course work toward examination credit for the Certified Archivist, Certified Records Analyst or Certified Records Manager designations. The iSchool’s unique partnership with the Academy of Certified Archivists and the Institute of Certified Records Managers offers MARA students a fast-track path to industry certifications.
Take a look at some of the top sectors, companies and job titles of our alumni, according to LinkedIn, Coursera and ZipRecruiter.
Top Job Titles
- Archivist
- Archives Technician
- Associate Archivist
- Certified Records Manager
- Data Governance Analyst
- Collections Archivist / Curator
- Corporate Archivist
- Metadata Archivist
- Processing Archivist
- Public Records Specialist
- Records Management Analyst
- Records Retrieval Specialist
Top Companies
- Amazon
- Deloitte
- Iron Mountain
- Library of Congress
- Meta
- Microsoft
- Pfizer
- State Archives and Records Agencies
- The Walt Disney Company
- Wells Fargo
Top Sectors
- Aerospace
- Cultural heritage organizations
- Energy Industry
- Government agencies
- Healthcare
- Information Governance Firms
- Legal and law Firms
- Libraries
- Media and Film
- Museums
Get the Spartan Edge
Gain momentum through intentional learning, meaningful support and real opportunity. Whether you’re starting your journey, advancing your education or expanding your professional skills, SJSU helps you go further.
Graduate Admissions
Review our admission requirements and utilize our Graduate Program Coordinators.
View Admissions Info
Costs and Financial Aid
What you need to know about tuition, fees, financial aid and cost per unit.
See Cost and Aid
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