The 32-point Master of Arts in Museum Studies, first offered in the 2002-2003, is an innovative program employing an interdisciplinary approach to the study of museums and preparation for museum work. We welcome a diversity of academic backgrounds in our applicants, and encourage in-depth education in subjects related to the type of museum or institution in which a student intends to work after graduation. Our courses cover the history and theory of museums as well as practical training in vital areas of museum work, taught by a faculty consisting of both scholars from a variety of fields and museum professionals.

1. The Master of Arts degree requires completion of 32 points, of which at least 24 must be within the Museum Studies program. Students must complete five core courses. Three core courses provide an understanding of the historical and theoretical ground of current museum practice, both nationally and internationally (G49.1500); a focused introduction to the creation of exhibitions and the management of collections (G49.1501); and a comprehensive account of the administrative, strategic, and financial aspects of museum management (G49.1502). All students also enroll in the Museum Studies Research Seminar, write an MA thesis, and enroll in the Museum Studies Internship, a project-based 300-hour internship in a museum or appropriate cultural institution.
2. In addition to this broad grounding, students take four electives related to their particular interests: at least two courses in Museum Studies, and, if the student so chooses, one or two courses within a discipline connected to the sort of museum in which the student intends to work (History, Anthropology, Art History, etc.).
3. Students must successfully complete the Internship G49.3990 with a grade of B or better. Attendance at the internship meeting scheduled during the academic year is compulsory for those doing an internship.
4. Students must successfully complete the Research Seminar G49.3991 and work on their MA thesis as part of the course requirement. The thesis must be completed and approved within one year from the beginning of the semester in which the seminar was taken. A second reader, required for an MA thesis to be approved, may be chosen from Museum Studies Faculty or FAS faculty; he or she may also be a qualified museum professional.
5. Students must arrange appointments for advisement each semester they are in the program, whether or not they are taking courses.
6. The program must be completed within five years of admission.