Museum Studies, MA


At a Glance: program details

The ability to present information in a tangible, practical environment is a critical part of the preservation and proliferation of human culture. This program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to connect visually, intellectually and emotionally with visitors in a museum, gallery or other cultural or professional setting.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MA Museum Studies

The MA program in museum studies examines how museums produce and reflect culture, and the role that museums play worldwide.

Students develop theoretical questions and applied skills that engage the functions, practices and critical analyses of museums. They also gain practical experience while being encouraged to challenge preconceived notions about museums and the way museums affect and are affected by societies and cultures.

Designed to be use-inspired, socially embedded and transcultural, the program ensures that students understand the meaning and significance of museums in contemporary society and prepares them for diverse museum careers.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ASB 593)

Required Core (3 credit hours)
ASB 573 Museum Administration (3)

Other Requirements (9 or 10 credit hours)
ASB 584 Internship (6)
ASB 579 Critical Issues Museum Studies (3) or ASB 591 Topic: Cultural Resource Compliance and Consultation (3) or ASM 555 Advanced Human Osteology (4)

Electives (14 or 15 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
ASB 593 Applied Project (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
For a complete list of approved elective and research courses, students should contact the school.

Internship (ASB 584) and Practicum (ASB 580) must be approved by the faculty advisor.

Credits for other requirements (nine or 10 credits) and electives (14 or 15 credits) vary and depend on whether ASB 555 (four credits) is completed as an option under other requirements.


Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Suitable backgrounds for admission include disciplines related to museum studies, anthropology, history or art (fine art or art history).

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement outlining educational and professional goals
  4. current curriculum vitae or resume
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.


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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type

Session A/C
In Person
December 1st
Final


Career Opportunities

People who are able to analyze a broad range of data on human thought and human behavior are in demand in the job market. There is a growing need for researchers and analysts with keen thinking skills who can manage, evaluate and interpret large amounts of data.

Career opportunities include:

  • acting as legal advocates in international cases
  • analyzing and proposing policies
  • conducting postgraduate academic research
  • consulting for private and public organizations
  • directing nonprofit organizations
  • directing programs in the private or public sector

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.