Museum Studies, Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

The Museum Studies Graduate Certificate program at Minnesota State University, Mankato equips students with a comprehensive understanding of museum theory and practice in a rapidly evolving global context. The program emphasizes the role of technology in museum operations and explores the museum's multifaceted role as an agent of social change. Students can customize their learning experience by selecting electives from a range of specialized knowledge and skills. The program prepares graduates for careers in various museum domains, including history, technology, science, art, and specialized or themed museums.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Museum Studies Graduate Certificate program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of museum theory and practice within a rapidly evolving global context marked by technological advancements, social changes, and political shifts. This program is designed to prepare current and aspiring museum professionals to effectively navigate these transformative landscapes. The program's primary focus is to emphasize the pervasive role of technology in contemporary museum operations, examining innovative models for education, exhibitions, and business strategies. Additionally, it explores the museum's multifaceted role as an agent of social change. The program welcomes students interested in various museum domains, including history, technology, science, art, specialized or themed museums, historic sites, national parks, zoos, and exhibitions for corporate entities, government agencies, and private organizations.

Outline:

The Museum Studies Graduate Certificate program consists of two distinct components:

• Common Core: Comprises foundational courses in Museum Science and Representation (AIS 555) and Museology (ANTH 514), providing a solid foundation in the core principles and practices of the museum field.
• Expanded Courses: Students can customize their learning experience by selecting three courses (totaling 9 credits) from a range of electives, each offering specialized knowledge and skills.
These electives include:
• Cultural Resource Management (ANTH 515)
• Arts Administration (ART 534)
• Internship (MUSE 697)
• Individual Study (MUSE 699)
• Nonprofit Management and Leadership (NPL 673)
• Philosophy of the Arts (PHIL 560)