History: Museum Studies (M.A.)

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in History: Museum Studies program combines academic training with practical museum experience, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for careers in museums and public history venues. Through coursework, internships, and a final project, students gain a deep understanding of museum studies, historical documentation and interpretation methods, and professional abilities essential for success in the field. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of positions in museums and related institutions.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Arts in History: Museum Studies program combines practical museum experience with solid academic training to equip students for various positions in museums and public history venues. The program's objective is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed in the museum field. Graduates will have a deep understanding of the museum studies sub-discipline, its history, historiography, paradigms, and ethics. They will also be proficient in historical documentation and interpretation methods, utilizing technology and experiential archaeology to make history accessible to the public. Furthermore, students will develop professional dispositions and abilities such as flexibility, empathy, leadership, diplomacy, collaboration skills, project management, and effective communication.

Outline:

Museum Studies (HIST 871):

This course introduces students to the field of museum studies, exploring the history, theories, ethics, and current practices of museums.

Studies in Regional Material Culture (HIST 872) or Special Topics in Museum Studies/Material Culture (HIST 880):

These courses provide students with an in-depth examination of material culture and its significance in museum collections and exhibitions.

Internships:

Students complete two internships at museums or historic sites, applying their academic knowledge to real-world museum operations and gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of museum work, such as research, exhibition design, collection cataloging, education program development, oral history, and public programming.

Elective Courses:

Students select eight elective courses from the History Department's graduate offerings, allowing them to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals.

Optional Thesis or Oral Examination:

Students can choose to complete either a major research project or a one-hour oral examination demonstrating their competence in museum studies and a chosen field of history.

Assessment:

Students are evaluated based on their performance in coursework, internships, and the final project (thesis or oral examination). Coursework assessments include written assignments, research papers, presentations, and participation. Internships are evaluated through site supervisor feedback, reflective journals, and final reports. The final project is assessed by a three-member supervisory committee.

Teaching:

The program is taught by nationally recognized faculty with expertise in various historical fields and museum studies. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, discussions, workshops, and field trips to museums and historic sites.

Careers:

Graduates of the program have pursued careers in museums, historical societies, archives, historic preservation organizations, and other public history institutions. They have also found employment in education, research, and cultural resource management.