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Academic Programs

Museum Studies

Museum Studies Advanced Certificate

The coursework in the advanced certificate in Museum Studies can be applied to the following registered degree program:
        Art Education (K-12) MS in Education
        History MA
        Social Studies MS in Education
        Creative Studies MS
        Applied Economics MS

Admissions and Advisement

Students applying for the advanced certificate in Museum Studies must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited program.  The program is designed as a flexible program, as the current state of formal preparation of museum personnel is diverse.  While some arrive at museum work with little preparation, others have undergraduate and graduate degrees in specialized disciplines.  The flexibility of the proposed program allows the faculty to work with a variety of individuals and to tailor the program according to the background, primary work experience, and degree preparation of the student.  Each student in the program will be assigned an advisor who will work closely with the student to determine the appropriate courses based on the student's experience, interests, and professional goals.

Program Requirements

I. Required Courses (6 cr)
        HIS 660 Museums and Society
        HIS 665 Critical Issues in Museum Studies

These two courses acquaint students with the practical and theoretical issues of museum practice.  They are the common ground for students who are pursuing otherwise individualized courses of study withing the certificate program.  They address topics involving interpretation and presentation of history through exhibits and public programming, and behind the scenes issues that impact public presentations and museum operations.

II. Electives (12 cr)
    Select from the following:
        HIS 590 Independent Study by Contract
        HIS 688 Museum Internship
        HIS 709 Local/Regional Research Methods and Techniques
        AED 505 Foundations in Museum Education Studies
        HIS 620 Exceptional Hispanic Individuals:
                        Historic and Cultural Concerns
        HIS 500 Studies in American History
        HIS 642 Problems in U.S. History Since 1877
        DES 640 Graduate Studio Design
        ECO 508 Principles of Economics
        COM 519 Communication or Leaders and Managers
        CRS 559 Principles of Creative Problem Solving
                        or
        CRS 560 Methods, Theories, and Models of Creative Learning

III. Total Required Credits . . . . . 18 cr

History and Social Studies Education Department