At which campus can I study this program?
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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ARTH 495 | Internship | 3 |
| 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  | ||
| 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 | ||
| 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
Contact
University Park
DEPARTMENT OF ART HISTORY
240 Borland Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-6326
exn30@psu.edu