Museum Studies, Certificate

Program Code: MUSMST_UCT

Program Description

The Museum Studies Certificate program is designed to be an interdisciplinary introduction to theory and practice of museums, historic sties and other public collections. It is open to undergraduate students in any major and prepares them for higher-level pre-professional study in the field.

What is Museum Studies

The museum studies certificate offers you the opportunity to learn about museums, from their history to how they work. Museum studies encompasses all types of museums, and you can tailor your classes to focus on such places as art museums, history museums, house museums, science and technology museums, fashion and product museums, or sports museums. The certificate uses courses and internship experience to give you both theoretical and hands-on knowledge of museums.

You Might Like This Program If...

You enjoy going to museums, are curious about how they work, and are interested in museum careers.

Program Requirements

To earn an undergraduate certificate in Museum Studies, a minimum of 12 credits is required.

Required Courses
ARTH 495Internship3
Select one of the following:3
Museum Studies
Anthropology Museum Studies
Museum Studies
Select 6 credits from the following:6
Introduction to Art Education
History and Philosophy of Art Education in Schools and Cultural Institutions
Interpreting Art Experience: Social-cultural Perspectives
Interpreting Art Experience: Educational Implications
AED 488
Museum Studies
Public Heritage Practices
Anthropology and Art/ifacts
Anthropology Museum Studies
Archaeological Ethics and Law
Museum Studies
Seminar in Contemporary Art
Curator's Workshop
Introduction to Art Keystone/General Education Course
Museum Studies
Taste and Criticism in Art
Internship
Introduction to Arts Administration
Strategic Management and Planning for the Arts
Fundraising and Grant Writing
Introduction to Public History Keystone/General Education Course
Advanced Public History
Archival Management
Tourism and Leisure Behavior
Non-profit Recreation Agency Operations
Up to 6 credits of Internship by permission of department

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

James Harper
Associate Research Professor of Art History, Director of Museum Studies
210 Borland Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-867-2876
jgh5394@psu.edu

Career Paths

Museums of art, technology, sports and history exist in every major city in the world. Small towns and rural areas are also home to countless museums, of all sorts. Museums are important sites of cultural preservation and economic growth. Careers and graduate study in museums take many forms, from legal, business, and administrative aspects to educational and curatorial paths. Some careers in museum administration do not require graduate degrees while others typically do.

Careers

  • Museum Director
  • Museum Registrar
  • Museum Educator
  • Museum Curator
  • Exhibition Coordinator
  • Communications Director

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES WITH A CERTIFICATE IN MUSEUM STUDIES

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

  • Art History
  • Arts Administration
  • Art Education
  • Law
  • Business

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Contact

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF ART HISTORY
240 Borland Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-6326
exn30@psu.edu

https://arts.psu.edu/academics/department-of-art-history/