Program Overview

Museum Studies (MA)

Overview

The Master of Arts in Museum Studies program at New York University offers a unique interdisciplinary academic foundation in museum history and practice. The program consists of coursework, research, and a required internship, providing a well-rounded look at museums with the ability to center a focus on a particular discipline in art, history, science, or any other field.

Program Description

The MA program provides a comprehensive understanding of museums, including their history, practice, and current issues. The program's knowledgeable faculty and adjunct faculty, along with its network of dedicated alumni, help students expand their careers and experiences both inside and outside of the classroom.

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

The program requires the completion of 32 credits, of which at least 24 must be within the Program in Museum Studies. The course list includes:

• Major Requirements
  • 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 3991: Research Seminar (2 credits)
  • MSMS-GA 3990: Internship (with a grade of B or better) (2 credits)
• Electives
  • Select four electives related to a particular interest (16 credits)
• Total Credits: 32

Additional Program Requirements

Master's Thesis

Students are required to complete a Master's thesis.

Sample Plan of Study

The sample plan of study is as follows: 1st Semester/Term:

• MSMS-GA 1500: History and Theory of Museums (4 credits)
• MSMS-GA 1501: Museum Collections and Exhibitions (4 credits)
  • Credits: 8 2nd Semester/Term:
• MSMS-GA 1502: Museum Management (4 credits)
• MSMS-GA: Museum Studies Elective (4 credits)
  • Credits: 8 3rd Semester/Term:
• MSMS-GA 3991: Research Seminar (2 credits)
• MSMS-GA 3990: Internship (2 credits)
• MSMS-GA: Museum Studies Elective (4 credits)
  • Credits: 8 4th Semester/Term:
• MSMS-GA: Museum Studies Elective (4 credits)
• Other Elective Credits (4 credits)
  • Credits: 8
  • Total Credits: 32

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 and areas of career growth and development.
4. Develop a 50-page thesis on a selected topic within the broad field of museum study with a thesis adviser.
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

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Graduate School of Arts and Science Policies

Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page.