Museum Studies

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The museum studies program is designed to help students explore the theory and practice of museums in the contemporary world, with emphasis on the conservation and preservation of collections as well as the creation of exhibits, interpretive programs, and educational outreach services. Museology is inherently multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary, benefiting from knowledge and experience in the fine arts, sciences, history, anthropology, education, computer science, design, marketing, finance and other fields. The museum world is richly varied: in addition to the familiar museum categories of art, history, natural history, technology and science museums, there are many similar institutions including national and state parks, zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums and children’s museums. The program’s offerings will help prepare students for their future understanding of and contribution to the realm of museums.

The program is a cross-disciplinary study area with course offerings across several disciplines. The required core course, “Introduction to Museum Studies” (MUST 200), is offered each fall. Formal declaration of intent to complete the program’s requirements must be preceded by completion of the core course or by consent of the program coordinator. Students are advised to declare their participation and plan their program’s make-up in consultation with the program coordinator as early as possible, but no later than by the beginning of the first semester of the senior year.

To complete a minor in the museum studies program, students must satisfy the following requirements designed to acquire the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience intended for the program.

Degree Requirements

Minor

Museum Studies Minor