Degree Programs

Master's Degree Program

The Museum Studies Program combines traditional training in academic subjects, museum theory and practices, and the practical experience that is necessary for a successful museum career. The forty-two credit hour program combines a museum studies core, which emphasizes Administration, Collections Management, or Exhibition Development, with an academic core--often Anthropology, History, or American Studies -- and a chosen in consultation with both a museum studies and an academic core advisor. It is also possible to pursue an interdisciplinary course of study combining several of the academic and museum cores.

George Washington University also offers a Master's of Arts in Teaching in Museum Education for those with museum and teaching experience or with interest in the needs of the museum's diverse audiences. Visit the Education Department web site to learn more.

On Campus Certificate in Museum Studies Program

The Certificate in Museum Studies is designed for U.S. students who hold at least a master’s degree in an appropriate academic subject and for foreign museum professionals who wish to study intensively in the United States one or more of the functional aspects of museum work. Areas of concentration include Museum Administration, Collections Management and Exhibition Development. The program typically requires one calendar year of study (late August to mid August). It is possible to complete the program in one academic year (late August to mid May), if English language requirements are met prior to entry into the program.

Students earn a total of 18 graduate level academic credits, combining 12 credit hours of traditional course work and 6 credit hours of supervised internship training. Classes and internships are selected under the direction of a museum studies advisor. Each student is also required to produce one quality paper based on material studied that would contribute to the advancement of museum techniques in the student’s country of residence in completion of the writing requirement.

Museum Collections Management and Care Certificate (Distance Education)

The distance education Certificate in Museum Collections Management and Care features four graduate-level courses designed for those working or volunteering in U.S. museums with collections management responsibilities and yet lacking prior formal museum studies training. Students may complete the four 3-credit graduate courses totally online (1 course per semester) for four consecutive semesters, including the summer semester. See link on the left for more information.

 

GW Museum Studies Programs
Program Content
	Master of Arts Museum Studies Program	Campus Based Certificate Program	Distance Education Museum Collections Management and Care Certificate Program
Credit Hours	42 Credit Hours (15 museum studies credits, 15 credits in an academic core, 6 credits of electives and 6 internship credits)	18 Credit Hours (12 museum studies credits, 6 internships credits)	12 Credit Hours (Four 3-credit courses)
Internships	A total of 520 hours must be completed between 2 Internships (260 hours each) for a total of 6 credit hours	A total of 520 hours must be completed between 2 Internships (260 hours each) for a total of 6 credit hours	No Internships are required
Other Requirements	Writing Requirment; Comprehensive Exam	Writing Requirement	None
Questions?	Contact Jacqueline Emerick at muse@gwu.edu	Contact Jacqueline Emerick at muse@gwu.edu	Contact Mary Coughlin at musede@gwu.edu