Certificate in New Orleans History, Culture, and Tourism

Certificate in New Orleans History, Culture, and Tourism

We support our city, love its deep culture and history, and strive to provide aspiring and seasoned tour guides, as well as life-long learners, educational and fun New Orleans and related courses.

The Certificate in New Orleans History, Culture, and Tourism at Loyola University New Orleans offers a comprehensive exploration into the vibrant and multifaceted heritage of one of America's most unique cities. This program equips learners with in-depth knowledge and skills essential for becoming proficient tour guides and cultural ambassadors.

In order to be eligible for the Certificate in New Orleans History, Culture, and Tourism from Loyola University New Orleans, a student must successfully complete the following:

Core Course:

Professional Tour Guiding 1: History of New Orleans This foundational course provides an extensive overview of New Orleans' rich history, covering significant events, influential figures, and the city’s evolution over time. Learners will gain insights into the cultural, social, and economic factors that have shaped New Orleans, preparing them for a professional role in tour guiding.

Elective Courses (Choose Three):

1. Professional Tour Guiding 2: Research & Storytelling This course hones the art of research and storytelling, vital skills for effective tour guiding. Students learn how to gather historical data, create engaging narratives, and deliver information in an impactful manner, enhancing their ability to captivate and inform audiences.
2. French Quarter History Focused on the iconic French Quarter, this course delves into its architectural, cultural, and historical significance. Learners explore the evolution of this historic neighborhood, understanding its role in the broader context of New Orleans' heritage.
3. LGBT + History of New Orleans This course examines the rich and diverse LGBT history of New Orleans, highlighting key events, personalities, and contributions of the LGBT community. Students will understand the social and cultural dynamics that have influenced the city’s LGBT history.
4. New Orleans African History & Culture Dedicated to the African influence on New Orleans, this course covers the contributions of African Americans to the city’s development. Topics include cultural traditions, historical landmarks, and the ongoing impact of African American heritage in New Orleans.
5. History of New Orleans Voodoo Exploring one of the most intriguing aspects of New Orleans culture, this course provides an in-depth look at the history, beliefs, and practices of Voodoo in the city. Students learn about its origins, key figures, and its cultural significance today.

Program Benefits:

By completing this certificate, learners will:

• Acquire a robust understanding of New Orleans' historical and cultural landscape.
• Develop specialized knowledge in selected areas such as the French Quarter, African history, LGBT history, and Voodoo.
• Enhance their research, storytelling, and presentation skills, essential for effective tour guiding.
• Be well-prepared to lead engaging, informative, and culturally sensitive tours, enriching the experience of visitors to New Orleans.

This certificate program not only enriches learners' knowledge but also opens doors to professional opportunities in tourism, education, and cultural preservation. Participants will emerge as well-informed advocates of New Orleans, ready to share its unique stories and heritage with the world.

Students have the option to enroll in each course individually to meet the eligibility requirements OR students can pre-pay for the four courses in order to receive the Certificate in New Orleans History, Culture, and Tourism. Students who opt to pre-pay for all four courses will receive a 10% discount. Students can contact PACS to receive a code to enter at checkout upon registration. 

Please email PACS@loyno.edu with any questions.

Workforce Innovation & Opportunities Act (WIOA)

What is WIOA Training Funding?

In Louisiana, WIOA awards cover tuition and courseware fees for qualifying individuals to train in approved programs to advance their careers. WIOA award totals vary per individual application. Training programs are approved through the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LA Department of Labor), and individuals are approved for funding by the local workforce offices. 

Loyola University's Certificate in New Orleans History, Culture, and Tourism is an LWC approved training program. 

Am I eligible for WIOA funding? 

Have you recently been laid off from your job? Have you only been able to obtain part-time work? Have you been self-employed, but the economy or a natural disaster has put you out of business? Have you been dependent on the income of another family member and are no longer supported by that income; and are unemployed or underemployed?  

If you have answered yes to any of the questions above, you may qualify for the Workforce Innovation & Opportunities Act (WIOA) funding. 

What are the next steps?

To find out if you qualify for WIOA funding, you may contact your local workforce office or register on the Louisiana Workforce Commission HiRE website. JOB1 serves as the local workforce office for the New Orleans region. If you would like to learn more about WIOA, or contact our Workforce Development & Partnerships Administrator, Chelsea Gaspard, at crgaspar@loyno.edu. 

The application and approval process takes approximately 1 month. If you think you may be eligible for WIOA funding, we recommend that you start the application process 1-2 months prior to the start of the course.