Museum
Studies -
Frequently asked questions about the Certificate
-
What Can a Student Do with a Certificate in Museum Studies?
-
Who can take the Certificate in Museum Studies?
-
What is involved?
-
How long will it take?
-
Can I take courses on-line?
-
Can I include courses I've already taken or prior internships?
-
How do I apply to join the Program?
-
How do I apply to graduate?
What Can a Student Do with a Certificate in Museum Studies?
A certificate prepares students for internships and entry-level positions in museums or for advanced studies in graduate school. Employment in zoos and botanical gardens, historical houses and science centers, local, state and federal parks and monuments, and libraries and archives is also possible. In large institutions a graduate with a BA/BS degree combined with a certificate may find employment as a subordinate to the head of department (e.g., assistant collection manager, education coordinator, exhibit artist); in smaller institutions, the same credentials may enable entry with a higher title (e.g., curator, exhibit manager, director).
Who can take the Certificate in Museum Studies?
The Certificate Program is open to undergraduate students with a minimum 2.0 GPA and non-traditional students who are not enrolled in the Graduate College at the University of Iowa. Graduate students are welcome to take Museum Studies courses, but currently the Certificate is only offered at the undergraduate level.
What is involved?
A total of 18 s.h. of work is required for the Museum Studies Certificate, including 12 s.h. of foudation courses, 3 s.h. elective course(s) and a 3 s.h. internship. A maximum of 6 s.h. from another major or minor can be applied to the certificate.
How long will it take?
It is possible to complete the Certificate requirement within one academic year.
Can I take courses on-line?
Currently, the certificate cannot be taken on-line. However, some individual courses may be offered on-line.
Can I include courses I've already taken or prior internships?
Application of previous courses and internship are considered on an individual basis.
How do I apply?
AND
Officially register online through ISIS. It is important that every student pursuing the Museum Studies certificate register through ISIS. Here are the instructions for registering:
Go to the ISIS log in page
Log in
Go to the Student Records Page
Open the Programs of Study and Advisor link
Use the pull down menu in the Add a certificate box at the bottom of the screen to select Museum Studies CER.
Click the Add a certificate to your record button.
Remember: only undergraduate students with a minimum 2.0 GPA and non-traditional students who are not enrolled in the Graduate College at the University of Iowa can register for the Program.
-
Contact the Museum Studies Director to get advice on course planning
- Learn about the Campus Museum Collective, an organization dedicated to strengthening the position of campus museums within the University community.
Graduating?
Before applying to graduate from the Museum Studies Certificate, you should confirm that you have fulfilled all the requirements using the ISIS Degree Audit (show me how). Please contact the Program Director if you need assistance.