Program Overview

Museum Science and Management, M.A.

The Kendall College of Arts & Sciences, in collaboration with the Gilcrease Museum and various academic departments in other colleges on TU’s campus, offers an interdisciplinary program leading to a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in museum science and management. The Museum Science and Management (MSM) program provides both interdisciplinary coursework and “hands-on” experience designed to prepare future museum professionals in the areas of administration, fiscal management, collections care and research, and education. Students gain experience in using objects and collections in research, exhibition, publication, and programming, as well as a background in museum administration, leadership, and fundraising. Internships at regional or national cultural institutions provide practical experience for students in their selected area of specialization.

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. 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.
• 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.

Museum Science and Management Core (12 hours)

• MSM 7023 Museum Administration and Management
• MSM 7063 Grant Writing for Museums
• MSM 7073 Museum Collections and Exhibitions
• MSM 7440-6 Museum Internship
• MSM 7551-3 Museum Project

Tracks (21 hours)

One of the following tracks:

Museum Administration Track

21 hours selected from the following, with between 3-12 hours outside of MSM:

• MBA 7023 Leading and Managing Organizations
• MSM 7093 Law Related Issues for the Museum Professional
• MSM 7083 Museum Education
• MSM 7103 Museum Informatics
• MSM 7113 Archives in the 21st Century
• MSM 7440-6 Museum Internship
• LAW 6023 Copyright Law in the Digital Age
• MSM 7551-3 Museum Project
• MSM 7863 Special Topics
• MSM 7991-3 Independent Study
• 6000 or 7000 level courses with the preapproval of the MSM program co-directors and the instructor.

Collections Care and Management Track

21 hours selected from the following, with between 3-12 hours outside of MSM:

• MSM 7013 Conservation Principles
• MSM 7103 Museum Informatics
• MSM 7113 Archives in the 21st Century
• MSM 7440-6 Museum Internship
• MSM 7551-3 Museum Project
• MSM 7863 Special Topics
• MSM 7991-3 Independent Study
• 6000 or 7000 level courses with the preapproval of the MSM program co-directors and the instructor.

Cultural Heritage and Research Track

21 hours selected from the following, with between 3-12 hours outside of MSM:

• MSM 7113 Archives in the 21st Century
• MSM 7440-6 Museum Internship
• MSM 7551-3 Museum Project
• MSM 7863 Special Topics
• MSM 7991-3 Independent Study
• MSM 7003 Stewardship, Restoration, Revitalization
• MSM 7013 Conservation Principles
• MSM 7103 Museum Informatics
• 6000- or 7000- level courses with the preapproval of the MSM program co-directors and the instructor.