Program Overview

Museum Studies (Advanced Certificate)

The Museum Studies Advanced Certificate program at New York University offers a unique opportunity for students to bolster their master's or doctoral education with a study of the workings and practices of museums. This advanced academic and interdisciplinary program can be completed in conjunction with or following the completion of another graduate degree.

Program Description

The program provides an advanced academic and interdisciplinary opportunity, allowing students to expand their knowledge of museums' workings both inside and outside of the classroom. The program's faculty, adjunct faculty, and network of dedicated alumni help students achieve this goal.

Admissions

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation
• A non-refundable application fee

Program Requirements

Students in the 24-credit advanced certificate program are responsible for completing museum studies certificate requirements as well as the master's or doctoral requirements of their degree-granting departments. A maximum of two courses or 8 credits of the 24 credits required to complete the certificate may be counted toward the M.A. or Ph.D. by participating departments.

Course List

The following courses are required:

• MSMS-GA 1500: History and Theory of Museums (4 credits)
• MSMS-GA 1501: Museum Collections and Exhibitions (4 credits)
• MSMS-GA 1502: Museum Management (4 credits)
• MSMS-GA 3990: Internship (with a grade of B or better) (2 credits)
• MSMS-GA 3991: Research Seminar (2 credits)
• Electives: Select two elective courses chosen from the museum studies curriculum or cross-listed from other departments (8 credits) Total Credits: 24

Sample Plan of Study

A sample plan of study is provided below: 1st Semester/Term:

• MSMS-GA 1500: History and Theory of Museums (4 credits)
• MSMS-GA 1501: Museum Collections and Exhibitions (4 credits)
• Museum Studies Elective (4 credits) Total Credits: 12 2nd Semester/Term:
• MSMS-GA 1502: Museum Management (4 credits)
• MSMS-GA 3991: Research Seminar (2 credits)
• Museum Studies Elective (4 credits) Total Credits: 10 3rd Semester/Term:
• MSMS-GA 3990: Internship (2 credits) Total Credits: 2 Total Credits: 24

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Understand the complex social, cultural, and political histories of museums from a variety of disciplinary approaches.
2. Build an expansive conceptual framework within which students develop particular interests by taking specialized electives.
3. Apply for and secure a 200-hour internship in a museum of their choice and reflect on their experiences.
4. Develop a 30-page thesis on a selected topic within the broad field of museum study.
5. Understand why urgent equity repair work is needed in museums and their role in creating new ethical frameworks required to advocate for change across the sector.

Policies

University-wide policies and Graduate School of Arts and Science policies can be found on the respective policy pages.