Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies
The Certificate Program enables students to integrate knowledge of museum studies into their own academic disciplines or professional training. Completion of the certificate in museum studies represents an additional credential for graduate students from a variety of academic fields who are preparing for careers in research and teaching or professional practice. Enrollment in the program requires an application and is open to students admitted to a regular KU graduate program.
The Museum Studies core curriculum is the basis for the graduate certificate, which emphasizes the essential interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of museum work by drawing on a range of departments in the University. The program allows students to gain knowledge in preparation for doctoral study, as well as for employment in museums and related fields such as historic preservation, cultural resource preservation, archives, and government agencies.
Admission to Graduate Studies
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.
- English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required.
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies
We accept Graduate Certificate applications from current KU graduate students for fall and spring entry. We do not offer a standalone Graduate Certificate for non-KU students. Please visit the Museum Studies website for additional information and application deadlines.
Application Requirements:
- A cover letter stating your interest in Museum Studies and its relationship to your graduate course of study.
- A current KU advising report;
- A letter of support from your M.A./Ph.D. advisor or Director of Graduate Studies in your graduate degree program.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| The Modern Museum: Institutions, Knowledge and Audiences | |
| The Museum Profession: Ethics, Standards and Cultural Awareness | |
| Anthropology in Museums | |
| Managing Museums | |
| Introduction to Museum Exhibits | |
| Introduction to Collections Management and Utilization | |
| Museum Education and Public Engagement | |
| Preventive Conservation in Museums | |
| Archival Theory and Practice | |
| Digital Methods | |
| Natural History Curation and Collections Management | |
| |
| Total Hours | 12 |
Students pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies must take 50% or more of their course work at the 700 level or above. All courses, aside from the core, must be selected in consultation with the Graduate Program Coordinator and Director of Museum Studies.
Additional information can be found in the Museum Studies Graduate Student Handbook. Students are also encouraged to review Graduate Studies' policies related to graduate certificate programs for information about other requirements that may apply.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- apply a critical understanding of museum functions as institutions, bodies of knowledge, and communicators with a public audience.
- apply an understanding of professional standards including ethics and cultural awareness.
- show knowledge, application, and analysis of museological scholarship (historical and contemporary).
- display practical experience in museum leadership, collections, exhibitions/interpretation, and education.
- synthesize scholarship, professional standards, and practical experience to create new museological research or tools of use to the profession.
