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Museum Studies Training Directory
 

Formal training programs are one way in which future museum professionals gain a firm understanding of the histories, theories, and skills involved in museum work. Programs of study can be found at the certificate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree levels. Formal classroom instruction, distance learning, as well as hands-on experience, comprise the bulk of museum training. This directory lists museum training programs and related disciplines in the United States, by state and by discipline. A separate listing of international programs is also included, as well as an index of U.S. programs. Please send questions or updates to educate@si.edu.

² Training Programs in the United States
² International Training Programs
² Training Program by Discipline
² Index of US Training Programs by College/University

 

Training Programs in the United States

 

ARIZONA

Arizona State University Tempe, AZ 85287
Master of Arts in Anthropology and Certificate in Museum Anthropology
School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Museum Anthropology Program
Master of Arts in Anthropology with a concentration in Museum Anthropology and Certificate in Museum Anthropology explores how museums actively produce knowledge, as well as examine fundamental questions concerning the role of museums in societies all over the world.

ARKANSAS

University of Arkansas Little Rock, AR 72204
Master of Arts in Public History
Public History Program
Master of Arts in Public History draws on the basic skills and methods of history and applies them to a wider, public audience. These skills are used in the interpretation, preservation, and management of historical resources.

CALIFORNIA

California State University, Chico Chico, CA 95929
Master of Arts in Anthropology or Certificate in Museum Studies
Museum of Anthropology
Students conceive, research, design, and install exhibits as part of their formal training, as well as gain hands-on courses in museum collections management and other areas of museology. Students have two options in pursing a degree in museum studies: the Certificate in Museum Studies or the Masters Degree in Anthropology, with an Option in Museum Studies.

Certificate in Public History
The Certificate in Public History program prepares students for non-teaching careers as historians outside the academy. Emphasis is placed on skills and knowledge necessary for public and private sector employment in the fields of historic preservation, historic site assessment, archival management, and cultural resources management.

California State University, Fullerton Fullerton, CA 92634
Master of Arts in Art and Certificate in Museum Studies
Department of Art
Designed to educate students in museum practices in preparation for entry into the museum profession; The curriculum includes instruction in the historical development and philosophical basis of collections, exhibitions and their design, and curatorship.

Claremont Graduate University Claremont, CA 91711
Master of Arts in Cultural Studies - Museum Studies Concentration
Cultural Studies Department, Center for the Arts and Humanities
Students enrolled in the Master of Arts degree in Cultural Studies may complete a concentration in Museum Studies.

San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA 94132
Master of Arts in Museum Studies
Museum Studies Program, College of Humanities
Master of Arts Program is highly practical, building upon students' previous academic studies in Anthropology, Art History, Classics & Classical Archaeology, Design, Education, History, the Sciences, Public Administration, or related disciplines.

 John F. Kennedy University Berkeley, CA 94702
Master of Arts, Master of Arts and Master of Business Administration dual degree and Certificate
Department of Museum Studies
The Museum Studies program at JFK University is one of the nation’s most recognized museum studies programs and is committed to preparing museum professionals to meet the demands of an increasingly complex profession. Today’s museum professionals must have the knowledge and skills to serve diverse audiences, create collaborative partnerships with communities, design innovative exhibitions and programs, and develop a sustainable financial base of support. Offers three programs: The Master of Arts is the preferred credential and recommended for students who intend to pursue a full-time career in the museum field; The MA and MBA dual degree is recommended for students interested in deepening their knowledge and skills in museum leadership and management; The program’s certificate option is designed for professionals who have extensive experience in the field and do not require a master’s degree

University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA 90089
Certificate in the History of Collecting and Display
Museum Studies Program c/o Fisher Gallery
The Certificate in the History of Collecting and Display is open to doctoral students in art history as well as qualified graduate students in other departments at USC. The program provides a means of advancing knowledge about the presentation, circulation, and consumption of works of art, as distinct from the more traditional art historical emphasis on their production.

COLORADO

University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309
Master of Science in Museum and Field Studies and Certificate
Graduate Program in Museum and Field Studies
Program offers a Master's of Science in Museum and Field Studies, as well as a Professional Certificate option for museum professionals and graduate students in other departments.

University of Denver Denver, CO 80208
Museum Studies concentration in Anthropology
Department of Anthropology
Theoretical course work is complemented by hands-on training in the Museum of Anthropology (a "teaching museum").

Master of Arts Art History with Museum Studies Concentration

School of Art and Art History
The School of Art and Art History teaches the technical processes of art, methods of analyzing and criticizing visual culture and the diverse histories of art.

CONNECTICUT

Trinity College Hartford, CT 06106
Masters of Arts in American Studies
Museums and Communities Program
Museums have become venues of mass entertainment and education, not merely centers of display and enjoyment for a small cultural elite. Museums and Communities responds to these changing needs. As a student in this track, you will not only receive a solid grounding in American Studies and research methods, but also learn how museums and related institutions actually function. Courses are often directly related to exhibitions and other resources in the greater Hartford area. You will also undertake an internship at a museum or archive in the area as well as a thesis or research project related to the concentration.

 

DELAWARE

University of Delaware Newark, DE 19716
Undergraduate Material Culture Preservation Major
Arts Conservation Program
The Art Conservation Department offers an undergraduate degree in Material Culture Preservation that prepares students for graduate-level study in conservation, historic preservation, museum studies, library science, or other allied fields. Material Culture includes objects made or modified by humans, such as photographs, archival documents, decorative and fine arts, clothing, domestic possessions, toys, tools, machines, motion pictures and videotape, ethnographic materials, archaeological remains, and architecture.

Certificate in Museum Studies
Museum Studies Program
Since 1972 the University of Delaware's Museum Studies Program has introduced students to successful careers in museums, historic sites, and other cultural organizations. Any University of Delaware graduate student enrolled in a degree-granting program is eligible to pursue the Certificate in Museum Studies. Students take a minimum of 9 credit hours of classes and complete a three-credit internship. Instructors include distinguished professionals from area museums as well as university faculty.

Master of Science in Art Conservation

Arts Conservation Program
The Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation (WUDPAC) is a Masters-level Program jointly sponsored by the University of Delaware and Winterthur Museum and Country Estate. It is a three-year course leading to a Master of Science in Art Conservation. The curriculum is designed to educate and train conservation professionals who can carry out the examination, analysis, stabilization and treatment of art and artifacts, speak to general principles of collection care, and have a broad academic background in science and the humanities.

Master of Arts

Winterthur Program in American Material Culture
Material culture scholars study the history and philosophy of people and their things. The Winterthur Program's special niche is its emphasis on the interdisciplinary study of ideas, objects, and contexts using the collections of the Winterthur Museum, and field-based study of landscapes, buildings, decorative arts, and design; Study of objects at either a Master's or Doctoral level.

FLORIDA

Florida International University Miami, FL 33199
Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies
FIU Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies is an 18 credit program intended to prepare individuals for employment in museums, historic preservation, and collection management. The program offers graduate level courses in various associated academic disciplines with special project and on-line courses appropriate for specific museum work. Courses are for students interested in museum careers and for people currently employed in museums who want to expand their theoretical base and their knowledge of best professional practices. The program is designed to provide the students with a strong theoretical basis and a broad understanding of museum practice and history.

Florida State University Tallahassee, FL 32306
Museum Studies Certificate
Museum Studies Program
Museum Studies at Florida State University is a certificate program with a broad understanding of museums and practical experience in museum work. The program prepares students for museum careers by adding specific museum instruction to their departmental studies. Students gain critical intelligence and the ability to analyze and achieve objectives in the professional museum field through a combination of discipline-based knowledge and practical training.

University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611
Master of Arts in Museum Studies
Museum Studies Program
This two and one-half year graduate degree program offers sound academic grounding, museum theory, and practical experience. Students select and pursue a disciplinary emphasis of their choice (for example Anthropology, Art Education, Art History, Education, English, History, Historic Preservation, or Tourism, Recreation, and Sports Management) while participating in comprehensive museum studies seminars, practica, and internships.

University of West Florida Pensacola, FL 32514
Public History Master of Arts and Certificate in Historic Preservation
Public History Program
Trains students in the various aspects of public, or applied, history (history outside the academic setting). Students can opt for the Museology and Museum Studies Specialization emphasizes Museology including exhibit conception, interpretation, design and construction, museum administration, working with missions, budgets, collections, and boards. Electives provided by courses offered within the department and with the departments of Art History.

ILLINOIS

Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL 62901
Undergraduate Minor and Master of Public Administration Program emphasis
Museum Studies Program, University Museum
Provides an undergraduate interdisciplinary minor for SIUC Anthropology, Art and Design, and History; A special graduate program is available for students with professional interests in museum administration, leading to a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. Purpose is to introduce students to the history of museums, the various aspects of museum work, to acquaint them with the opportunities and problems faced by museums and museum personnel, and to create career opportunities for students who might seek employment in a museum. Emphasis is placed on hands-on practicum experiences involving such basic museum functions as exhibition, curatorial research, cataloging, acquisition, community service, education and administration.

Northwestern University Chicago, IL 60611
Museum Studies Professional Development Program, Certificate of Completion in Museum Studies
Museum Studies Program, School of Continuing Studies
Offers a Museum Studies program designed to give an overview of museum practices and strategies and help students understand the contemporary role played by collections and exhibits. The curriculum balances art studies with insight on museum management.

Eastern Illinois University Charleston, IL 61920
Master of Arts in Historical Administration
Historical Administration Program
Prepares students academically and technically to serve as professionals in museums and historical agencies. Students are introduced to the problems, philosophies, ethics, and techniques of preserving, interpreting, and administering the American heritage.

Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL 60115
Interdisciplinary Certificate of Graduate Study in Museum Studies
Museum Studies Program
The certificate provides students with a solid background in museum practice. The Certificate Museum Studies is designed to enrich the backgrounds of students and museum professionals working with anthropology, art, history, physical science, or other museum collections. It can also enrich K-12 teachers' use of museum collections in their teaching. The 15-semester-hour certificate may be earned on its own or in conjunction with a graduate degree in cooperating departments.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago Chicago, IL 60603
Master of Arts in Arts Administration and Policy
Arts Administration and Policy Department
Interdisciplinary program that invites extended and focused theoretical and practical explorations into culture, policy, institutions, and their practice.

Master of Science in Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation Program
Prepares students to conserve, revitalize, and promote our built environment.

University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL 60607
Master of Arts in Museum and Exhibition Studies
The interdisciplinary Museum and Exhibition Studies Program at UIC integrates professional experience with the study of exhibition-making and social engagement at museums of art, history, architecture, science, anthropology, and contemporary culture, among others.

INDIANA

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN 46202
Undergraduate Museum Studies Certificate
Museum Studies Program
Offers a certificate in Museum Studies for undergraduate students which compliments majors in related fields, particularly anthropology, history, fine arts, visual communications, informatics, and education.

Master of Arts in Museum Studies and Graduate Certificate Program

Museum Studies Program
The flexible, multidisciplinary curriculum allows students to build on the foundational knowledge presented in core courses and to select electives and internship experiences that meet their professional goals. Supports the development of self-reflective, skilled, and engaged leaders in the museum field through experiences in and outside of the classroom and to advance the scholarship of museums and their missions. Core values: civic engagement, applied learning, integration, collaboration, inclusion, and leadership.

IOWA

University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242
Undergraduate Museum Studies Certificate Program
Museum Studies Program
Students complete a certificate alongside their major area of study; Program prepares students for museum careers and graduate school while providing students with a greater understanding of museums and the important role they play in promoting education and cultural awareness.

KANSAS

University of Kansas Lawrence, KS 40823
Masters of Arts in Museum Studies
Museum Studies Program
Since 1981, the graduate program in Museum Studies at the University of Kansas has offered training for challenging careers in museums, historical agencies, and similar institutions. The program’s curriculum provides an understanding of the nature of museums, historical agencies and related institutions as well as specialized training. Core courses provide a solid foundation in the theories, history, techniques, and problems common to museums, historical agencies and related institutions as well as the specialized operations of such institutions.

KENTUCKY

Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College Cumberland, KY 40823
Certificate Program
Historic Information Management
The Historical Information Management Program consists of separate certificate programs in each of three concentrations: Archival Management, Museum Management, and Records Management. They are designed to deliver a fundamental technical grounding in each profession.

University of Louisville Louisville, KY 40292
Master of Public Administration/Master of Arts (Curatorial Studies)
Master of Public Administration /Master of Arts in Art (Creative) and Art History (Concentration in Critical and Curatorial Studies) joint degree program
Students in the Critical and Curatorial Studies track of the MA program will benefit from the broad managerial focus of the MPA program, while students in the MPA program can enhance their expertise in an important area of non-profit endeavor.

 

LOUSIANA

University of New Orleans New Orleans, LA 70148
Master of Arts in Arts Administration
Arts Administration Program
Prepares students for administrative careers within arts organizations, among them, galleries, museums, opera organizations, theaters, dance companies, music production, auction houses, film societies, festivals, municipal art programs, art education programs and community art centers. Examines Functions such as exhibits, performances, education and community relationships; Organizational structures such as staff, board, membership and audience; Financial health such as fundraising, donor relationships, gifts, grants and spending; and Legal issues such as copyrights, contracts and agencies.

Southern University at New Orleans New Orleans, LA 70126
Master of Arts in Museum Studies
Museum Studies Program
Trains students to become innovative and knowledgeable leaders in museums and cultural institutions. Raising the consciousness of the importance and necessity of culture and tolerance in our lives; Intellectual honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct; Professionalism in museum work; Critical thinking and theoretical discourse; Program quality and excellence; Innovation and leadership; A balance of theory and practice; Students with diverse backgrounds; and, in-depth, hands-on, Practicum experiences.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, LA 71497
Masters of Art in Heritage Resources
School of Social Sciences Heritage Resources Program
Serves students from diverse undergraduate and professional backgrounds; Provides a broad, working knowledge and ethical understanding of preservation needs. Department hosts folklife festival.

MARYLAND

Goucher College Towson, MD 21204
Undergraduate Historic Preservation Minor
Historic Preservation Program
Designed for BA History students interested in the stewardship and future of America’s historic buildings, structures, and landscapes. Basic historic preservation courses emphasize the theory and history of historic preservation and the various tools and techniques used to document cultural resources.

Master of Arts in Arts Administration
Arts Administration Program
Distance learning program for working professionals; Gather for a limited residency each summer; Program emphasizes the role of the arts in the community, and the contribution the arts make to society. The core curriculum covers all key fields of arts administration, including strategic planning, marketing, development, financial management, and law and the arts.

John Hopkins University Baltimore, MD 21218
Museums and Society Program
The Program in Museums and Society is concerned with the institutions that shape knowledge and understanding through the collection, preservation, interpretation, and/or presentation of objects, artifacts, materials, monuments, and historic sites.  Through classroom teaching, research, and real encounters with museums, broadly defined, the Program promotes the study of material culture and its place in a wide range of scholarly disciplines. 

Morgan State University Baltimore, MD 21251
Master of Arts in Museum Studies and Historical Preservation
College of Liberal Arts
Through interdisciplinary theoretical (curriculum-based) and practical (hands-on) training, students are prepared for a wide range of positions in varying types of museums, as well as gaining an understanding of historic resources and the processes necessary for their preservation. Produces professionally trained museum staff in the areas of museum management, museum education, collection management, exhibition design, conservation, curatorship, and the methods of archiving and historical preservation.

MASSACHUSETTS

Smith College Northampton, MA 01063
Undergraduate Summer Institute in Art Museum Studies
Summer Institute in Art Museum Studies
Engages liberal arts students in an in-depth, behind-the-scenes, hands-on exploration of art museums. Through a combination of classroom instruction and assignments, visits to museums, conversations with museum professionals, and an exhibition project, participants learn about the purpose and function of art museums and the numerous challenges they face.

Regis College Weston, MA 12493
Undergraduate Museum Studies
School of Arts and Sciences
Introduces students to the history, internal workings, and the significant public place of museums in today's society. Courses examine grant-writing processes, collections management, interpretive programs, exhibition design, and nonprofit governance and fundraising. Students choose a co-major based on their career aspirations; options include art, communication, education, graphic design, history, management, the sciences, and theatre.

Boston University Boston, MA 02215
Certificate in Museum Studies
Department of Art History
Within the Department of Art History, courses may be taken either as part of or in addition to the courses required for the MA or the PhD.

Harvard Extension School Cambridge, MA 02138
Master of Liberal Arts in Museum Studies
Harvard Extension School
Designed to give students the tools to be successful in every aspect of museum work, from exhibitions to education, collections to preservation. Some elective courses are offered online, majority of core courses are held on campus.

Northeastern University Boston, MA 02115
Master of Arts in History with a concentration in Public History
Department of History
Produces graduates to enter professional positions in the various fields of public and applied history, such as studies in material culture; historic preservation; operation of historical societies, archives, and museums; design and production of historical exhibitions, radio and television programs, films, and plays; management or editing of historical papers; research and writing of the histories of institutions and communities; and design and analysis of public policy related to historic preservation.

Tufts University Medford, MA 02155
Graduate Museum Studies Certificate
Museum Studies Program
Certificate students choose a concentration in either Art History, Classics, Education, or History; Program is designed to be flexible with evening classes, and part-time schedules.

MICHIGAN

Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
Undergraduate Museum Studies Minor
Museum of Cultural and Natural History
Designed to provide students with the practical skills needed to work in museums--planning and installing exhibits, preparing education programs for the public, and caring for collections.

Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Master of Science in Historic Preservation and Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation
Department of Geography and Geology, Historic Preservation Program
MS degree with concentrations in: General Studies, Heritage Interpretation, Tourism and Administration, Preservation Planning, Conservation and Technology, and a graduate Certificate Program; Prepares students from a variety of educational and career backgrounds for professional service in the fields of preservation planning, historic administration, and heritage interpretation by providing both classroom theory and practical experience.

Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824
Museum Studies Specialization (Undergraduate) or Certificate (Graduate)
Museum Studies Program
Grounded in theory, reflection, and responsible practice and with an emphasis on interdisciplinary knowledge, cutting-edge technology, global issues, community engagement, and informal learning, the program prepares undergraduates and graduates for innovative careers in museums and interpretive centers of learning.

University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Museum Studies Certificate - Undergraduate or Graduate
Museum Studies Program
Prepares individuals for innovative careers in museums and non-profit institutions. Designed to be flexible and tailored to a student’s specific interests. Students represent diverse majors, including art history, studio art, anthropology, communication arts, history and urban studies, zoology, fisheries and wildlife, geography, recreation, tourism and resource studies. Can be incorporated as a part of, or as an extension to, an undergraduate or graduate degree program.

Wayne State University Detroit, MI 48202
Graduate Certificate in Archival Administration
Library and Information Science Program, Archival Administration
Established both for individuals entering the archival profession and for those with experience in the field, and students working concurrently on the MLIS degree.

Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Administration
Nonprofit Leadership and Administration, School of Public Affairs and Administration
Intended for nonprofit employees and volunteers who desire to enhance their managerial skills.

Public History - Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and PhD
Department of History
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, PhD programs in Public History; Students complete courses such as Introduction to Public History, Museum Studies, Archival Management, Historic Preservation, and Local History Research Techniques.

MISSOURI

University of Missouri-St. Louis St. Louis, MO 63121
Master of Arts in History (Museum Studies), with a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies
History Department, Museum Studies
Museums are changing rapidly, and they need professionals skilled in leading the processes that are generating a new, community-oriented style of museology; Focus on fundamentals as well as audience-centered museology, theoretical foundations, and project management skills.

NEVADA

University of Nevada Reno, NV 89557
Museum Studies Minor
UNR offers an undergraduate minor in Museum Studies. The Museum Studies minor is designed to provide an introduction to the field, exposure to some of the skills and techniques required of a career museologist and an initial apprenticeship experience in a museum setting.

 

NEW JERSEY

Seton Hall University South Orange, NJ 07079
Master of Arts Program in Museum Professions
Graduate Program in Museum Professions
Offers practical training rooted in a thorough understanding of museum theory; Prepares students for professional careers in museums and other cultural institutions; Offers four professional tracks: Museum Education, Museum Management, Museum Registration, and Exhibition Development.

NEW MEXICO

Institute of American Indian Arts Santa Fe, NM 87508
Associate of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Arts
Center for Arts and Cultural Studies
Designed from a Native American perspective of the world to assist and direct Indigenous ways of seeing, presenting, and caring for important cultural arts and artifacts throughout North America; Graduates from this program work in positions such as collections managers, curators, education managers, museum directors, and repatriation officers.

NEW YORK

State University of New York College at Buffalo Buffalo, NY 14222
Undergraduate Minor in Museum Studies
Department of History and Social Studies Education
An undergraduate museum studies minor is offered within the History and Social Studies Education Department.

History with Museum Studies Concentration, Master of Arts and Museum Studies Advanced Certificate

Department of History and Social Studies Education
This program leads to the master of arts degree in history with a concentration in museum studies and prepares candidates for professional work in museums and historical agencies. The program provides training in a museum setting while refining scholarship and research skills within the discipline of history. The coursework in the advanced certificate in Museum Studies can be applied to Art Education (K-12) MS in Education, History MA, Social Studies MS in Education, Creative Studies MS, and Applied Economics MS.

Bard Graduate Center Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504
Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture Master of Arts Program and  PhD Program  
The Bard Graduate Center offers courses that lead to the MA and PhD in the history of the decorative arts, design history, and material culture studies. Courses are designed to acquaint the student with a critical interdisciplinary perspective. We train students to think about how objects and the material world can be understood in a variety of contexts and how knowledge about them can enrich our own.

Bank Street College of Education New York, NY 10025
Master of Science in Education Childhood (grades 1-6) teaching certification
Museum Education: Childhood (grades 1-6)
Prepares students for two professional roles: that of a museum educator knowledgeable about children and schools; and that of a classroom teacher in grades 1 through 6, skilled in making effective use of museum resources.

Master of Science in Education Middle School (grades 5-9) teaching certification

Museum Education: Middle School (grades 5-9)
Prepares students for two professional roles: that of a museum educator knowledgeable about children and schools; and that of a classroom teacher in grades 5 through 9, skilled in making effective use of museum resources.

Master of Science in Education (no teaching certification)

Museum Education (non-certification)
Museum Education (non-certification); Prepares students to be a museum educator knowledgeable about children and schools, and work with diverse museum visitors of all ages. Program provides a foundation in human development, learning theories, school curriculum, and museum policy and practice, with field experiences in museums and schools.

Master of Science in Education
Leadership in Museum Education
Leadership in Museum Education is geared to professionals and prepares educators for leadership positions in museums or cultural institutions. Year One provides the foundation for effective program and audience development with classes on human development, learning theory, exhibit development, and program design and evaluation. Year Two focuses on organizational management including leadership styles, understanding the role of the mission, strategic planning and board responsibilities, marketing, financial management and staff development.

City College New York, NY 10031
Master of Arts in Art History (Museum Studies concentration)
Art Department, Museum Studies Program
Offers a flexible curriculum, allowing students to develop their own area of specialization.

Columbia University Teachers College New York, NY 10027
Master of Arts in Arts Administration
Program in Arts Administration
Reflects the conviction that the management of cultural institutions and arts organizations requires strategic planning, artistic creativity and social commitment; Provides students with an increased understanding of the arts, understanding of the role of the arts in education, the business of the arts, and arts law. Train new leaders to manage and administer arts and culture venues; raise the standards of arts administration to a new level of social responsibility; broaden the horizons of arts educators, facilitating their interactions with the arts community; give arts educators new management and administrative tools; Strengthen advocacy roles for artists; and provide the theoretical and practical preparation for students whose professional objective is a career in arts administration, arts education or a combination of the two.

Cooperstown Graduate Program Cooperstown, NY 13326
Master of Arts in History Museum Studies
Cooperstown Graduate Program
Prepares creative and entrepreneurial museum leaders committed to generating programs and services for the public good. Encourages the development of strong institutions that play a central role in their communities, encouraging broad public audiences to use artifacts and the study of art and history as a catalyst for social change. Students gain an understanding of all aspects of museum work--particularly administration, collections, exhibitions, and programming. Students study Museum Studies theory, procedures, and evaluation; social and cultural history, research methodology, criticism, and academic presentation; Material Culture of decorative arts and architecture; folk art and fine art; and develop practical and professional skills, applying theory to realistic practice.

Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853
Master of Arts in Historic Preservation Planning
Graduate Program in Historic Preservation Planning
Prepares students for professional work in the preservation and use of our physical heritage; Courses addressing theory and practice as well as the economic, legal, and social ramifications of preservation ensure that students are well prepared for a wide range of careers.

New York University New York, NY 10021
Master of Arts in Museum Studies, and an Advanced Certificate in Museum Studies
Program in Museum Studies
Interdisciplinary study of museums and courses of practical training; Students obtain a broad foundation in the history and theory of museums, the creation and maintenance of exhibitions and collections, and museum management, and pursue personal programs of study supporting individual academic and career objectives. Program also offers a Concentration in Museum Studies to students enrolled in a Master’s degree in one of the following NYU departments: Africana Studies, Hebrew and Judaic Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Near Eastern Studies.

Hartwick College Oneonta, NY 13820
Undergraduate Museum Studies minor
Museum Studies Program
For students who are interested in museums as visitors, supporters, life-long learners, or are interested in developing a museum-related career. Students understand the many ways museums are used as intellectual resources, preservers, and presenters of the world's cultures, and places of enjoyment and entertainment; Develop a broader understanding of cultural diversity and the ways that museums reflect positions of power; and develop an intellectual understanding of how museums provide diverse educational opportunities by offering many different modes of learning.

State University of New York College at Buffalo Buffalo, NY 14222
Multidisciplinary Studies - Museum Studies Option, Master of Arts, Master of Science
Department of History and Social Studies Education
Multidisciplinary studies programs are designed for individuals with unique professional and educational objectives not readily met by traditional master’s degree programs. Provides students with the conceptual and professional tools required for leadership roles in contemporary museums. The program is designed for individuals seeking employment in the evolving world of contemporary museums, and offers students maximum flexibility to design a museum studies program that suits their background, interests, and career plans. Primary disciplines contributing to the program typically include history and social studies education, fine art, design, anthropology, art education, and design. Secondary disciplines might include creative studies, science education, business, economics, communication, art conservation, and educational technology.

Syracuse University Syracuse, NY 13244
Concurrent Master of Arts in Art History and Museum Studies
Department of Art and Music Histories
Offers a broad education in art history, while also allowing students the freedom to pursue an area of specialization; Students follow the general curricula for both MA programs and earn two separate degrees in Art History and Museum Studies.

Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NY 14623
Undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Museum Studies
Museum Studies Program
Innovative, interdisciplinary, technically-based undergraduate program that prepares you for careers in museums, archives, photo collections, and libraries. Museum studies is an exciting and rapidly changing field that increasingly needs professionals who can bring 21st century technological skills to collecting institutions with cultural or scientific collections. The program will provide you with a thorough grounding in museum studies, supplemented by specialized professional cores. This combination, enhanced by your experiential learning in internship programs, will set you apart from others in the field and prepare you for advanced study.

NORTH CAROLINA

Appalachian State University Boone, NC 28608
Master of Arts in Public History
Department of History
Offers students advanced work in preparation for employment in community, junior and technical colleges; museums, archives, and other public venues (MA Public History); secondary schools (MA History/secondary Education); and business, government or further education (MA History).

North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC 27695
Master of Arts in Public History Program
Public History Program
Prepares graduates to work in a variety of public and applied history settings; archives, museums, libraries and other public history facilities across the state, region, and nation; Students study historical studies, and public history classes, including innovative courses in archival and special collections management, paper conservation, records management, documentary editing, museum studies, and historic preservation.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC 27412
Master of Arts in history with a concentration in Museum Studies or Historic Preservation
History and Interior Architecture Departments
The Museum Studies concentration offers a broad-based training in how to build relationships between history and public audiences, focusing on the theory and practice of telling stories through museums, historic sites, and other cultural institutions. It introduces students to the tools that public historians use; examines contemporary models for how best to reach audiences in ways that make history meaningful; and offers concrete experience in the development of public projects, collaboration, and leadership. Students engage in re-thinking how the professional practices of collecting, preserving, and interpreting the past are changing in the 21st century.

OHIO

Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH 44106
Master of Arts in Art History and Museum Studies
Program in Art History and Museum Studies
Offers opportunities to study art history, to participate in a broad range of studio offerings, to pursue state teacher certification in art education, and to engage in pre-professional museum training; Doctoral program also available. Provides broad knowledge of the major art historical periods, as well as the historiography and critical methodologies of art history.

Master of Nonprofit Organizations
Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations
The Mandel Center currently offers dual degree programs to enable students to combine the Master of Nonprofit Organizations degree (MNO) with a degree from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences (MSSA/MNO), the School of Law at Case Western Reserve University (JD/MNO), or the Department of Music in the School of Graduate Studies (MA/MNO).

University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH 45221
Museum Studies Graduate Certificate
College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
Explores fundamental aspects of museum work; Prepares students with the skills and knowledge that are the basis for many aspects of museum work, including: museum management, collection care and maintenance, exhibition and educational program development, and use of technology in museums.

Walsh University North Canton, OH 44720
Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Museum Studies
Division of Humanities
Interdisciplinary major in Museum Studies; addresses issues and challenges of museum management and operations with practical applications; Combines Museum Studies with a second major such as History, Management, Education, or Communication. A minor in Museum Studies is also available.

Kent State University Kent, Ohio 44240
Master of Library and Information Science - Museum Studies Concentration - School of Library and Information Science Department
Museums, like libraries, are in the information business. The museum studies courses at Kent State employ a holistic approach to the study of museums as institutions, like libraries, that generate and perpetuate knowledge. Students will gain an understanding of museums in context as dynamic, interactive information systems composed of people, objects, and activities.


OKLAHOMA

University of Central Oklahoma Edmund, OK 73034
Bachelor of Arts in History - Museum Studies
History Department, Museum Studies Program
Provides training to students interested in pursuing careers in museums, historical agencies, archives, national parks, and related institutions.

University of Central Oklahoma Edmund, OK 73034
Master of Arts in History, Museum Studies
Museum Studies Program
Designed for those who wish to further their knowledge of history and the historian’s craft, prepare for doctoral programs, or pursue professional goals. Course offerings reflect the Department of History and Geography’s commitment to developing an awareness and understanding of diverse cultures, contemporary global trends, and global interdependence.

University of Oklahoma Norman, OK 73019
Master of Arts in Museum Studies
Master of Liberal Studies, On-line Museum Studies Program
Serves the career development needs of individuals who work or volunteer in museums, national and state monuments, historic sites, galleries, zoos and other similar institutions; Students can complete the Museum Studies program online and without an on-campus residency.

OREGON

University of Oregon Eugene, OR 97403
Master of Science in Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation Program
Interdisciplinary focus within the School of Architecture and Allied Arts; Three concentration areas: Preservation Theory, Design, and Technology; Preservation Planning and Cultural Resource Management; and Resource Identification and Evaluation. Students develop broad cultural concerns with a technical emphasis. Attention is given to historic places, buildings, and landscapes in terms of their specific forms, materials, and construction; the cultural and theoretical context in which they were developed; the impact of time upon their materials, meanings and functions; and the technologies, interpretations and means for sustaining the presence of historic places in the future. Undergraduate Minor available as well.

PENNSYLVANIA

Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Master of Arts Management
Master of Arts Management Program
The arts enable us to look honestly at ourselves and our society. The arts cause us to think, to feel, and to reexamine. A world without art is a world without culture, without heart, without passion, without creativity. Maintaining and strengthening our cultural institutions, therefore, is one of the most important ways an individual can serve the public good. Also associated with the program is The Center for Arts Management and Technology (CAMT) is an applied research center at Heinz College that investigates ways technology can improve and enhance the practice of arts management and, when appropriate, develops technology solutions and services that meet critical needs in the field.

Drexel University Philadelphia, PA 19104
Master of Science in Arts Administration
Graduate Arts Administration Program
Integrates management practice, theory, and practicum into the curriculum; Classes incorporate the four branches of the arts, commerce, research, and technology for a multi-disciplinary course of study. Program emphasizes business areas such as marketing and policy development to prepare students for careers as arts managers and leaders in the field; courses include cultural policy, strategic management, and fund development.

University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA 19104
Master of Science in Historic Preservation and Historic Preservation Certificates
Graduate Program in Historic Preservation
Historic preservation addresses change responsive to the historic environment; Provides an integrated approach for architects, landscape architects, planners, historians, archaeologists, conservators, managers, and other professionals to understand, sustain, and transform the existing environment. Students learn to identify and analyze cultural places and their historic fabric, determine significance and value, and design appropriate conservation and management measures.

University of the Arts Philadelphia, PA 19102
Master of Arts in Museum Communication
Museum Communication
Develop an understanding of contemporary theory and practice focusing on the public affairs dimensions of museum work; museum public relations, media and external affairs; marketing and publications; membership and development; governance, record-keeping and collections management; internet initiatives; visitor services; and visitor research.

Master of Arts in Museum Education
Museum Education
Develop an understanding of pedagogical practices and the critical and interpretative skills needed to communicate effectively with the public about culture, history, and the arts and sciences. Addresses theory and methods of museum education, as well a practicalities; The program is appropriate for those interested in providing educational programs through museums or related institutions or for educators who wish to utilize museum resources more effectively in the classroom.

Master of Fine Arts in Museum Exhibition, Planning and Design
Museum Exhibition Planning and Design
Prepares graduate students for professional careers in the development and design of exhibits for museums and other interpretive centers. Program addresses the conceptualization, research, organization, design and production of museum exhibits and educational presentations utilizing a variety of techniques and media.

RHODE ISLAND

Brown University Providence, RI 02912
Master of Arts in Public Humanities
Public Humanities Program, Department of American Civilization
Program addresses a diverse range of organizations, media, and subject matter, combining courses in humanities disciplines with hands-on learning; Students publicly engaged humanistic scholarship and the study, promotion, and management of cultural heritage; Completed either as a terminal master’s program or as part of the Ph.D. program.

SOUTH CAROLINA

University of South Carolina Columbia, SC 29208
Master of Arts in Public History
Applied History Masters Program, Department of History
set of specialized tracks; Students can participate in two certificate programs (the “Certificate in Museum Management” and the “Certificate in Historical Archaeology and Cultural Resource Management”), as well as the dual-degree Joint Program with the School of Library and Information Science.

University of South Carolina Columbia, SC 29208
Museum Management Certificate
College of Arts and Sciences' McKissick Museum
Designed to be completed concurrently with a graduate degree in an academic field, or to supplement a degree already in hand and for museum professionals who have already attained a graduate degree and would like to extend their knowledge in the museum field. Focuses on management, collections, and exhibitions and related programs.

TENNESSEE

Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN 37132
Master of Arts in History with an emphasis in Public History and PhD in Public History
Public History Program
Students learn the fundamentals of the pursuit of historical understanding and interpretation in the public realm. Historic Preservation, Cultural Resources Management, Museum Studies, and Archival Management and Administration. Provides in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and methodological issues that effect today's museums and to apply that knowledge with practical, hands-on experience; Emphasizes applied training in museum administration, collections management, exhibit development, fundraising, museum education, and other technical and communication skills. Maintains a state-of-the-art media lab, giving students the opportunity to integrate filmmaking, web design, and other new media formats into their individual programs. Balances academic historical methods and scholarship, the intellectual foundations and nature of public history, and professional development in at least one of the four concentrations; Graduates students who are grounded in the basic research, writing, and analytical skills of the discipline; who identify with the professional aims of public history; and who are prepared for life-long learning in professional practice.

Tusculum College Greeneville, TN 37743
Undergraduate Museum Studies Program
Museum Studies Program
Provides students with the academic training and hands-on experiences to become museum professionals; Students develop an understanding of the important role of museums, and they acquire the skills and knowledge to serve their communities as museum administrators, curators, and educators. A primary focus of the program is to prepare students to work in museums with a small staff of paid or volunteer professionals.

University of Memphis Memphis, TN 38152
Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate Program in Museum Studies
Department of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Art, College of Communication and Fine Arts
Prepares students who are currently enrolled in or have graduated from Master's or Doctoral degree programs for entry-level positions in museum administration, education, collection management, registration, exhibition development, curation, and public programs. Administered jointly by the Department of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Art, College of Communication and Fine Arts.

TEXAS

Baylor University Waco, TX 76798
Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Museum Studies
Department of Museum Studies
Undergraduate students are encouraged to apply to the graduate school in the second semester of their junior year. Students choose second major in the social sciences, humanities, communication, or business resulting in a BA degree. Second majors in the natural and physical sciences result in a BS degree.

Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX 75205
Graduate Master of Arts / Master of Business Administration in Arts Administration
SMU MA/MBA program in Arts Administration and Business, Meadows School of the Arts
The SMU MA/MBA program in business and arts administration is designed to address this need. It is based on the philosophy that a successful career in arts management requires a thorough knowledge of contemporary business practices coupled with both a deep understanding of the arts and the ability to recognize and seize opportunities. The joint degree program combines courses in business and the arts with internships and intensive experience with arts organizations to produce graduates who are well-prepared to hold leadership positions in arts, entertainment, and nonprofit organizations around the world.

Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX 79409
Master of Arts in Museum Science and a Master of Science in Heritage Management
Museum Science Program
The Center for Advanced Study (CFAS) of Museum Science and Heritage Management prepares graduate students for entry into the international community of active professionals by providing both theoretical and practical preparation. Emphasizes thorough preparation in the broad spectrum of museum theory and practice; Receive a comprehensive background in museum studies, preparing students as generalists; Students may elect to become specialized in a number of museum subdisciplines including collection management; exhibitions and interpretation; museology; museum management and administration; and curatorship in anthropology, art, history, or the natural sciences.

University of Houston Houston, TX 77204-4019
Masters of Arts in Art History
School of Arts
The MA in Art History at the University of Houston provides the graduate student with a firm grounding in the discipline of art history coupled with the riches of major art institutions in a dynamic urban art world. The program is designed with a minimal number of required courses to give students the opportunity to design a program that best suits their individual needs and aspirations. In addition to art history, specializations are also available in Curatorial and Theoretical Perspectives or in Art Criticism and Writing, with thesis and non-thesis tracks in each.

UTAH

Brigham Young University Provo, UT 84602
Certificate in Museum Practices
A certificate with museum training is offered within the Anthropology Department.

VIRGINIA

George Mason University Fairfax, VA 22030
Master of Arts in Arts Management
Arts Management Program
Prepares graduates who can manage and coordinate the arts, bridging the world of performing and visual arts with applied managerial skills. Develop skills in philanthropy, fund raising, and ongoing relationship-building management among the private and public arts sectors.

Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management
Nonprofit Management Program
Students examine nonprofit organizations, their wide range of interests and causes, and their role in contemporary society. The coursework focuses on governance structures, fundraising, advocacy and lobbying, and marketing activities. This certificate is offered in class or online.

Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA 23284
Master of Arts in Art History
Department of Art History
Graduate degree programs in Art History include the Master of Arts with individual tracks in Architectural History, Art Historical Studies, and Museum Studies, and the Doctor of Philosophy with Historical and Curatorial tracks; Provides a broad overview of historical developments, institutional responsibilities, professional opportunities, and theoretical issues relevant to contemporary museum practice; Curriculum equips students to build careers in curatorship, collections management, educational program development, and exhibit development.

Lynchburg College Lynchburg, VA 24501
Undergraduate Museum Studies Minor
Museum Studies Minor
Interdisciplinary program that stresses theoretical concepts and develops practical skills that will prepare students to understand museums as a cultural and educational resource.

University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science in Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation focuses on the maintenance, conservation, and interpretation of historic sites and structures, and on cultural resource management. Historic Preservation provides opportunities for students to gain a deeper and richer understanding of America's cultural and ethnic diversity and the ramifications of technological innovation and social change on the quality of life.

WASHINGTON

University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195
Master of Arts in Museology
Museology Graduate Program
Cultivate the tools and knowledge for students to contribute meaningfully to the work of museums, informal learning environments, and other valuable cultural institutions; Interdisciplinary and designed to give students a solid grounding in all areas of professional museum practice, while allowing for deep focus on the student’s area of interest.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

American University Washington, DC 20016
Master of Arts - Arts Management and Graduate Certificate in Arts Management
Arts Management Program, College of Arts and Sciences
Trains students for success in a wide range of administrative, managerial, and leadership positions in the visual and performing arts. Special attention is given to prepare students for ethical decision-making, to understand the complexities of international issues, and to promote dialogue on national arts policy.

Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design
Washington, DC 20006
Master of Arts in Exhibition Design
Strong background in design and a firm grasp of art history; Prepares students for employment in museums, cultural institutions, exhibition design firms, and interior design and architectural firms.

Master of Arts in History of Decorative Arts
The Corcoran College of Art + Design and The Smithsonian Associates collaborate to offer a Master of Arts degree in the History of Decorative Arts.

The Johns Hopkins University Washington, DC 20036
Master of Arts in Museum Studies
Museum Studies Program
Online Masters Degree Program to prepare current and future museum professionals to be the visionary leaders of museums in contemporary society. Summer classroom component.

Georgetown University Washington, DC 20057
Master of Arts in Art and Museum Studies
Art and Museum Studies M.A. Program
Brings academic study of art museums together with museum practice, and emphasizes the international contexts of museums in the modern world; Examine the changing relationships between academic study of art and new configurations of museum display and interpretation, the roles of museums in modern cultures, museum education programs and audiences, new technologies, collection management, curatorial work and the ethics of acquisition and display are discussed in classes and individual research projects.

The George Washington University Washington, DC 20052
Master of Arts in Museum Studies
Museum Studies Program
Program combines traditional academic training in both academic subjects and museum practices and practical experience. Topics include administration, collections, project management, exhibit development and design, development/fund-raising; Certificate program also available.

Museum Education in Master of Arts in Teaching
Museum Education Program, Graduate School of Education and Human Development
An interdisciplinary curriculum balances academic study with carefully supervised fieldwork. Accessibility, advocacy, and accountability are the three core tenets of The George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development’s Museum Education Program (MEP). After completing the program, students will: Develop and implement effective strategies that empower visitors to experience museums more fully. Excel as advocates for the public within the museum and as advocates for the museum with the public.

WISCONSIN

Beloit College Beloit, WI 53511
Bachelor of Arts with Museum Studies Minor
Museum Studies Minor
Students may complete a minor in museum studies to supplement any major; Enables students to understand the contexts and uses of cultural and natural objects and collections, awareness of the legal, moral, social, and other roles and responsibilities of museums as educational institutions, and practical experience in on- and off-campus museums.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI 53201
Museum Studies Graduate Certificate
Department of Anthropology, Museum Studies Certificate Program
Provides an overview of museum work, including philosophical and contemporary issues, museum history and methodology, collections care and management, curation, interpretation, preventive conservation, and exhibitions. Coursework is structured to develop a high degree of professionalism and responsibility, skills in problem solving, critical thinking and evaluation, writing, oral presentation, decision-making, and teamwork.

 

 

 



 
   
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