Graduate
Certificate Programs
Museum Studies
The Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies (18 credit hours) provides students with interdisciplinary training in museum practice and knowledge of contemporary issues in the museum field. It trains students in specialized aspects of museum practice such as education, exhibit planning and design, collections care, curatorial practices, philanthropy, and nonprofit management by combining Museum Studies course work with curriculum in other IU schools (e.g., Public History, Philanthropic Studies, Education, SPEA, Library Science). Students are given an introduction to the history and philosophy of museums and an opportunity to focus on particular aspects of museum practice.
Graduate Certificate requirements (18 cr.)
The Museum Studies Graduate Certificate consists of 18 credit hours of course work, including an introductory course MSTD-A 503 (3 cr.), an internship MSTD-A 508 (3 cr.), four core courses from list of approved core courses (6 cr.), and a choice of elective courses from list of approved elective courses (6 cr.) from the Museum Studies electives or approved courses from outside the program including those in Public History, Anthropology, Education, Sociology, Public Relations, Philanthropic Studies, Non-Profit Administration (SPEA) and Herron School of Art and Design. All these courses must be passed with a grade of B– or above in order to count for the certificate. Internships must be approved by a faculty advisor prior to registration. Certificates are only awarded in the months of May, August and December.
For students in the Museum Studies Graduate Certificate program and M.A. History program who choose public history as their area of concentration (18 cr.):
In order to complete the certificate while simultaneously completing the M.A. in History (Public History concentration), students must apply and be admitted to both the History MA program and Museum Studies Graduate Certificate program and complete the requirements for both the degree and the certificate. Students should consult with advisors in both programs to establish their program plan to follow the approved course of study within both programs. The certificate must be awarded before or at the same time as the master’s degree in History. Certificates are only awarded in the months of May, August and December.
The following courses fulfill requirements in both programs:
- Taking HIST-H 543: Internship: Practicum in Public History when focused on museums (4 cr.) counts as an equivalent for MSTD-A 508
- Taking HIST-H 548: Historic Administration/Museum Administration (3 cr.) counts as an equivalent for MSTD-A 548
- Taking HIST-H 542: Public History (4 cr.) may count as an equivalent for MSTD-A 503
- Any HIST-H 547: Special Topics in Public History (3 cr.) classes are approved electives for the museum studies graduate certificate curriculum
- History MA (Public History concentration) students may use up to two museum studies courses to count as the “6 credits outside the department of History” requirement.
Student Consumer Information for the Museum Studies Certificate
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at, http://apps.usss.iu.edu/disclosures/?plan=IN04.30.1401
