Graduate Programs
Degree Programs
Museum Studies
The Master of Arts in Museum Studies curriculum (36 credit hours) consists of a required introductory course, a set of integrated core courses which provide a broad-based interdisciplinary training in museum practice, and a choice of elective courses that allow the student to develop a particular specialty. The course work is complemented by an internship that provides an opportunity for an intensive applied learning experience in a museum. The interdisciplinary curriculum and flexible structure allow students to achieve either a generalist breadth suitable for those working in smaller museums or to focus on a particular area of museum practice appropriate for a specialist on the staff of a larger museum.
Team-based and applied projects form a core learning experience in all classes and present opportunities to work with community partners as well as peers in the program. Team projects such as exhibit development and visitor studies prepare students for the collaborative approach that is central to the museum field.
All courses must be passed with a grade of B– or above in order to count for the certificate. Electives not on the approved list must be approved by the director of museum studies before registration. Internships must be approved by a faculty advisor prior to registration. The requirements for the M.A. were revised in May 2007. Students beginning the program prior to August 2007 may complete their degree following either the old requirements or the new ones and should meet with their academic advisors to discuss their options and file a curriculum plan with the museum studies office.
M.A. Requirements (36 cr.)
- MSTD A503 Introduction to Museum Studies (3 cr.)
- Core courses (12 cr.) MSTD A510, A512, A516, and MSTD A548 or HIST H548
- MSTD A508 Museum Internship (6 cr.)
- MSTD A530 Museum Colloquium (3 cr.)
Electives (12 cr.)
Approved electives from other departments (see Web site for current schedule)
- ANTH P340/MSTD A560 Modern Material Culture (grad. section course # TBA) (3 cr.)
- ANTH E320 Indians of North America (grad. section course # TBA) (3 cr.)
- ANTH A401 Cultural Resources Management (grad. section course # TBA) (3 cr.)
- ECON E514 The Nonprofit Economy and Public Policy (3 cr.)
- EDUC H520 Education and Social Issues (3 cr.)
- EDUC H530 Philosophy of Education (3 cr.)
- EDUC P514 Lifespan Development (3 cr.)
- EDUC P640 Thinking and Learning in Social Contexts (3 cr.)
- HER R511 Visual Culture (3 cr.)
- HER Y501 Design I (3 cr.) [MSTD course numbers TBA]
- HER Y502 Design II (3 cr.) [MSTD course numbers TBA]
- HIST H542 Introduction to Public History (4 cr.)
- HIST H547 Special Topics in Public History: Archival Practices (3 cr.)
- HIST H547 Special Topics in Public History: Historic Site Interp. (3 cr.)
- HIST H547 Special Topics in Public History: Historic Preservation (3 cr.)
- PHST P512 Human and Financial Resources for Philanthropy (3 cr.)
- PHST P521 The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector (3 cr.)
- PHST P542 Ethics and Values of Philanthropy (3 cr.)
- SLIS L505 Organization and Rep. of Knowledge and Information (3 cr.)
- SLIS L528 Collection Development and Management
- SLIS L566 Digital Libraries (3 cr.)
- SPEA V522 Human Resource Mgmt. in Nonprofit Organizations (3 cr.)
- SPEA V525 Management in the Nonprofit Sector (3 cr.)
- SPEA V526 Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations (3 cr.)
- SPEA V557 Proposal Development and Grant Administration (3 cr.)
See the Museum Studies Web site for a current list of approved electives and new courses.