(MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ) -- Middlesex College is now offering a new Oral History and Digitization Certificate, available to take as an online course, for those who are interested in public history and archival studies. Students who complete this certificate become eligible to participate in a paid internship with the Middlesex County Division of History and Historic Preservation, as well as internships with other local historical societies, and be authors of a published record to live on in perpetuity.

"This class is designed for anyone with an interest in local history and community memory," said Middlesex College History Professor Cristóbal Espinoza-Wulach. "Members at local historical societies, genealogists, history enthusiasts, artists, writers, and others who are interested in getting published will acquire valuable tools from this course."

Participants will develop an understanding of oral history, metadata, and object digitization – becoming an asset to any organization or business seeking support populating digital platforms with stories and images.

This micro-credential has no prerequisites and aims to connect academic skills to workforce needs, paving a way for employment after graduation. This course will train students on the basic skills needed to identify relevant oral content, obtain background information, organize a story, develop a questionnaire, and create a record for Middlesex County Oral History Archive: Our Memories, Our Communities.

"As the world becomes more adapted to emerging technologies, local stories can unfortunately get lost in the shuffle," said Middlesex College President Mark McCormick. "Roles in oral history and digitization are necessary in preserving the rich tapestry that comprises our local communities. This course will help interested students continue the work in upholding Middlesex County's storied past."

The course is hybrid, where most of the work is completed asynchronously at an independent pace, with about a 12-hour time commitment from start to finish.

The course for the Fall semester began October 1. Learn more and register through Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning.

Middlesex College, established in 1964, is a public, two-year institution of higher education located in the heart of New Jersey. With a main campus in Edison and centers in New Brunswick and Perth Amboy, Middlesex College offers over 85 degree and certificate programs encouraging its more than 10,000 students to explore, grow, and thrive. Middlesex College, through dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art educational facilities, and holistic student supports, is committed to providing a high-quality, affordable college education that provides every student an opportunity for growth and achievement. Middlesex College is Middlesex County's premier destination for lifelong learning and workforce training.