History MA, Museums, Heritage and Public History Emphasis
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-02-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA in Museums, Heritage, and Public History at UMSL provides an interdisciplinary approach to preparing students for careers in museums, heritage, and public history. The program emphasizes theoretical and practical aspects of the field, including historical research, museum studies, and public engagement. Graduates are equipped with skills in research, interpretation, exhibition development, and public programming, preparing them for leadership roles in cultural institutions.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Arts (MA) in Museums, Heritage, and Public History program at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) offers an advanced, interdisciplinary approach to preparing students for a variety of museum, heritage, and public history careers. The program's emphasis on the theoretical and practical sides of the field ensures that students have a strong foundation in historical research, museum studies, and public engagement. Graduates are well-prepared to work in a variety of settings, including art museums, history museums, science centers, historic house museums, and other cultural institutions.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history, theory, and practice of museums, heritage, and public history.
- To develop students' skills in research, interpretation, exhibition development, and public programming.
- To prepare students for leadership roles in the museum and heritage field.
Outline:
The MA in Museums, Heritage, and Public History program consists of 25 credit hours of core courses and 9 credit hours of elective courses. The core courses provide students with a foundation in the history of museums, digital public history, museum origins and evolution, museums and communities, and readings in U.S. or world history. The elective courses allow students to tailor their program to their individual interests and career goals. Some of the elective courses offered include:
- Material Culture in Historical Context
- Emerging Museum Practices
- History Curatorship
- Practicum in Exhibit and Program Development
- Museum Management and Curatorial Practice
- Leadership and Management in NonProfit Organizations
- Staff Management Issues in Nonprofit Organizations
- Legal Issues in Managing Nonprofit Organizations
- Financial Issues in Managing Nonprofit Organizations
Assessment:
Students in the MA in Museums, Heritage, and Public History program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Papers and essays
- Presentations
- Exhibitions
- Public programs
- Internships
- Capstone projects
Teaching:
The MA in Museums, Heritage, and Public History program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are active in the museum and heritage field. The faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, workshops, and field trips. Students also have the opportunity to work on real-world projects with local cultural institutions.
Careers:
Graduates of the MA in Museums, Heritage, and Public History program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the museum and heritage field. Some of the potential career paths include:
- Museum curator
- Museum educator
- Museum administrator
- Archivist
- Librarian
- Historic preservationist
- Public historian
- Heritage tourism specialist
- Cultural resource manager
University of Missouri St. Louis
Overview:
University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL) is a public research university located in St. Louis, Missouri. It is the largest university in the St. Louis metropolitan area and boasts a diverse student body. UMSL offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional programs, with a focus on affordability and accessibility.
Services Offered:
UMSL provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Academic advising, tutoring, and writing centers.Career Services:
Career counseling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.Health, Counseling, and Disability Access:
Counseling services, health services, and disability support.Residential Life:
On-campus housing options and residential life programs.Student Involvement:
Clubs, organizations, and volunteer opportunities.Veterans Services:
Support and resources for veteran students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UMSL offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a variety of activities, including:
Athletics:
UMSL is home to the Tritons, who compete in NCAA Division II athletics.Performing Arts:
The Touhill Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of performances and events.Student Organizations:
Over 200 student organizations cater to diverse interests.Campus Events:
UMSL hosts numerous events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and festivals.Key Reasons to Study There:
Affordability:
UMSL is ranked #1 in Missouri for affordability.Accessibility:
UMSL offers a variety of flexible learning options, including online and evening programs.Research Opportunities:
UMSL is a research-intensive university with a strong focus on community engagement.Location:
UMSL is located in the heart of St. Louis, providing access to a vibrant city and a wealth of cultural and historical attractions.Alumni Network:
UMSL has a large and active alumni network, providing valuable connections for students.Academic Programs:
UMSL offers over 50 undergraduate degrees and numerous graduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including:
Arts and Sciences:
Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Mathematics, Psychology, and more.Business Administration:
Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, and more.Education:
Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.Engineering:
Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and more.Nursing:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).Optometry:
Doctor of Optometry (OD).Social Work:
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW).Other:
UMSL is committed to transforming its campus and the surrounding region through strategic initiatives. The university is investing in new facilities and programs to enhance the student experience and contribute to the economic and social well-being of the St. Louis community.
Entry Requirements:
Prospective students for the Master of Arts in History with an emphasis in Museums, Heritage, and Public History must apply specifically for this program on the graduate application. Applications for the Master of Arts in History with an emphasis in Museums, Heritage, and Public History will be accepted only for the fall semester. Prospective students must demonstrate high academic potential. Typically, the History department admits only students with at least a 3.2 grade point average in their undergraduate major; most successful applicants have higher grades. An undergraduate major in History is not required for admission to this program. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, preferably from former teachers and/or employers, and a sample of their written work. Applicants must also complete the Museums, Heritage, and Public History Supplemental Application, which includes a statement of career intent. Admissions decisions are based on the undergraduate transcript, the letters of recommendation, and the sample of written work. Applications must be received by the university no later than February 1.
