Museum Science and Management, M.A.

Mission

The MSM program prepares the next generation of museum professionals through classroom preparation, a commitment to hands-on projects, and meaningful internships for all museum science and management students. Secondarily, the MSM program strives to serve the regional and national museum communities, to train new professionals, and to provide enhancement of skills for those who have existing positions.

Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the M.A. in museum science and management program will:

• Create museum products such as proposals, reports, presentations, and databases that conform to industry standards, are clear concise and persuasive, and serve the institution’s mission.
• Critically evaluate projects and programs according to industry standards, including legal and ethical considerations, safety and collections care, and concern for visitor experience.

Admission

Candidates for admission to the Master of Arts (M.A.) program in museum science and management must meet the requirements for admission to the Graduate School, including language proficiency, found in the Admission  section of this Bulletin. Applicants must be approved by the Graduate School and the program director and satisfy the following requirements:

• A writing sample that demonstrates the student’s research and/or critical thinking skills.
• An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0. Students who do not satisfy this requirement but have at least a 3.0 GPA in their major field may be admitted on probation by the Graduate School upon the recommendation of the Graduate Program Advisor. Probationary status is removed by completing nine credit hours of approved graduate study with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in one semester for a full-time student and within three semesters for a part-time student.
• Letters of recommendation from at least three professors or former supervisors who are familiar with the applicant’s technical background, work performance, and academic potential.
• A statement of purpose that includes a description of the applicant’s background, rationale for the desired track, specific interests in museum science and management, and long-term professional objectives.

Curriculum Requirements

The M.A. in museum science and management degree program requires the completion of 33 credit hours, including classroom instruction coupled with work in a museum setting.

Note

*Strongly recommended

**Up to 6 hours of Museum Project or Museum Internship may be taken to fulfill the degree

*** These courses may be MSM or courses from other disciplines, such as ACCT, ANTH, ARTH, CHEM, ENGL, HIST, LAW, MBA, MKTG, MGT (this list is not exhaustive). Discuss with the program co-directors your goals and which courses would be most appropriate.

****If taken at the 4000-level previously, may not be retaken for credit.