The field of Museum Studies gives students the opportunity to study various aspects of history and culture while simultaneously preparing them to take up careers and positions within the museum world, not just as curators but as preservers, acquirers, and advisers to government agencies. The following Masters Programs in Museum Studies feature a strong curriculum and excellent job preparation.
SUNY-Oneonta
The Cooperstown Graduate Program at the State University of New York at Oneonta is an ideal place to study for those wishing to pursue a career in the world of museums. Housed on a museum campus, this particular program has a strong curriculum that balances the study of history and the study of material culture. Furthermore, it also grants students the opportunity to work with professionals in the field, and recent students have traveled to such places as New York and Philadelphia. Their contact information is below:
The Cooperstown Graduate Program
P.O. Box 800
Cooperstown, NY 13326
607-547-2586
www.oneonta.edu/academics/cgp/about/about.html
Johns Hopkins University
The Masters Program in Museum Studies at the Johns Hopkins Universities focuses on the changing role of the museum and the new demands that it faces, and thus encourage students to consider such issues as the growth of technology in the museum world, new ways of exhibiting and educating, and other related issues. The program welcomes students interested in all areas of museum studies, including history, technology, science, art, and many others. This is a completely online program. Their contact information is below:
Museum Studies
The Johns Hopkins University
1717 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 104
Washington, DC 20036
202-452-1968
advanced.jhu.edu/academic/museum/
University of Kansas
The Masters Program in Museum Studies at the University of Kansas offers students a variety of both academic and professional training to ensure that they are the strongest candidates possible. One of the best things about this particular program is that it allows students to focus on a number of particular areas of interest to them. These areas include American Studies, Anthropology, Geology, and Natural History. Each of these ares of specialization have their own requirements. Their contact information is below:
Museum Studies Program
Bailey Hall
1440 Jayhawk Blvd., Room 208
The University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS 66045-7545
785-864-4543
museumstudies.ku.edu/
San Francisco State University
The Masters Program in Museum at San Francisco State University combines hands-on experience with a rigorous curriculum to ensure that its students have the preparation to adequately engage in the field. Students in this particular program have the opportunity to focus in one of six areas of emphasis: curation, exhibition design, museum education, museum fundraising, museum management, and registrations/collections management. Their contact information is below:
Museum Studies Program
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
HUM 515
San Francisco, CA 94132
415-405-0599
www.sfsu.edu/~museumst/
Although it might be overlooked by some, the field of Museum Studies is a fascinating and constantly changing realm of knowledge. The above graduate programs ensure that students from various backgrounds are prepared to take on careers in this challenging and exciting field.
Sources
The website GradSchools.com offers a wide variety of information about Museum Studies.
