Program Overview

Introduction to the Online Master of Arts in Museum Studies

The online Master of Arts in Museum Studies from the University of Oklahoma is a 33-credit-hour program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the museum field. The program covers a range of topics, including museum management, budget planning, exhibition design, educational programming, and community engagement.

Program Details

• Credit Hours: 33
• Time to Complete: 20+ months
• Time Commitment: 10 to 20 hours per week
• Start Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Tuition: $845 per credit hour, totaling $27,885 for the full program

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

• Apply leadership and management strategies in museum environments
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of museum theory and practice
• Communicate effectively through both oral and written formats
• Evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information on museum topics
• Use technology for preservation, organization, outreach, and programming
• Critically assess research and literature in the cultural heritage field
• Apply both quantitative and qualitative research methods to museum-related inquiry
• Uphold professional standards of ethics, multicultural awareness, and diversity in collections, services, and professional practice

Course Details

The program offers a comprehensive foundation in essential areas of the museum field, including leadership, education, community engagement, history, and emerging technologies. Courses include:

• The World of a Museum: Introduction to all aspects of museums and museum careers
• Collections Management: The place of collections in the life of a museum, including policies and stewardship
• Capstone: A comprehensive, end-of-program course where students engage in a project that applies the knowledge and skills learned in the program
• Internship in Museum Studies: Field experience directly related to study focus in the Museum Studies program
• Museum Education: Introduction to museum education, including object-based learning environments
• Controversy and the World of the Museum: Examination of controversial exhibitions and their impact on the museum field
• Federal Laws and Museums: Examination of federal laws that impact decision-making for museum professionals
• Museum Management and Leadership: In-depth study of the philosophy, policies, and practices of museum governance
• Technology for Museum Professionals: Introduction to the theory and application of information technologies within museums
• Museum Studies Research Methods: Methods of investigating museum studies problems and developing original research designs
• Historic Preservation: Introduction to the field of historic preservation, including identification, documentation, and presentation of historic buildings, sites, and structures

Career Opportunities

A master's degree in Museum Studies from the University of Oklahoma positions graduates for advancement across a wide range of museum careers, including:

• Museum Director
• Archivist
• Collections Manager
• Curator
• Museum Educator

Industry Insights

• Median Pay: $57,100
• Job Outlook: Employment for archivists and curators is projected to grow 11 percent by 2033
• Job Openings: An average of 4,700 openings for archivists and curators are expected each year

Why Choose OU Online

OU Online delivers high-quality, affordable graduate programs in a flexible, fully online format from a top-tier public research university. The program is designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals, allowing students to expand their technical skills while maintaining full-time employment.

Application Process

To apply to the online Master of Arts in Museum Studies program, students must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university—or the international equivalent—with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. The application process includes:

• Completing the online application
• Submitting a current resume
• Submitting transcripts
• Submitting a personal statement
• Demonstrating English proficiency (for international students)

Cost and Financial Aid

The program costs $845 per credit hour, totaling $27,885 for the full program. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. A nonrefundable deposit of $350 is required upon admission to secure a place in the program.