Museum Studies Certificate

Program Overview

---

Adelphi University's Museum Studies Certificate offers three specialized tracks: Collections Care and Pre-Conservation, Pre-Curatorial in Anthropology or Art History, and Museum/Gallery Administration and Management. The program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for careers in museums, historical houses, galleries, and cultural institutions. Through a combination of coursework, field trips, and a capstone internship, students gain hands-on experience and a competitive edge in the job market.

Program Outline

---

Museum Studies Program | Undergraduate Certificate | Adelphi University

---

Degree Overview:

The Museum Studies Certificate equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to seek employment in museums, historical houses, galleries, or cultural institutions. It offers a unique alternative to traditional coursework by allowing specialization in three designated tracks:

---

Collections Care and Pre-Conservation:

Focuses on the proper preservation and care of museum collections.

---

Pre-Curatorial in Anthropology or Art History:

Provides foundational knowledge in either Anthropology or Art History to prepare students for curatorial roles.

---

Museum/Gallery Administration and Management:

Equips students with the administrative and managerial skills needed to operate museum institutions effectively. The program stands out by:

• Catering to diverse interests and career goals through its three tracks.

• Being the only program of its kind in the area, offering a valuable and unique credential.

• Ensuring a competitive edge in the job market or graduate school applications through its engaging curriculum and experienced instructors.

---

Outline:

• Core Courses:
• Introduction to Museum Studies
• Museum Administration
• Museum Education and Interpretation
• Curatorial Practices
• Museum Ethics and Law
• Track-Specific Courses:
• Collections Care and Pre-Conservation:
• Introduction to Museum Conservation
• Preservation of Architectural and Cultural Heritage
• Exhibiting Culture in Museums
• Pre-Curatorial in Anthropology:
• Introduction to Anthropology
• Material Culture and Archaeology
• Museums and Cultural Heritage
• Pre-Curatorial in Art History:
• Introduction to Art History
• History of Art Museums
• Museum Collections and Exhibitions
• Museum/Gallery Administration and Management:
• Museum Management and Leadership
• Museum Marketing and Public Relations
• Museum Fundraising and Development

---

Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods to gauge student learning and program effectiveness:

• Coursework:
• Papers and projects:
Evaluate students' understanding of key concepts and ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
• Presentations: Assess students' communication and presentation skills in conveying their research and findings.
• Examinations:
• Midterm and final exams:
Examine students' comprehension of core concepts and test their knowledge retention.
• Capstone Internship:
• Reflective essay and presentation:
Evaluate students' ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experiences gained during their internship.

---

Teaching:

The program utilizes a combination of teaching methods to engage students and promote active learning:

• Lectures: Introduce key concepts and provide foundational knowledge.
• Seminars: Facilitate discussions and encourage critical thinking through active engagement with course material.
• Guest lectures: Invite professionals from museum institutions to share their expertise and provide real-world insights.
• Field trips: Offer firsthand exposure to museum operations and collections, fostering experiential learning.
• Independent research: Encourage students to explore specific areas of interest and develop research skills.

---

Careers:

The program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in the museum and cultural heritage sector, including:

• Collections Management: Registrar, Collections Manager, Conservator
• Curatorial: Curator, Assistant Curator, Exhibition Developer
• Education: Museum Educator, Public Programs Coordinator
• Administration and Management: Museum Director, Development Officer, Marketing and Communications Manager

---

Other:

• The program emphasizes hands-on learning, utilizing the proximity of Adelphi University to numerous museums and cultural institutions for field visits and the Capstone Internship.
• The program is open to current undergraduate students and non-degree seeking individuals.
• Students must have a 3.0 GPA and a 3.0 in their major to be eligible for the program.
• An interview with the program co-directors is required to determine the most suitable track for each student.

---

Additional Notes:

• The program website contains further details about course descriptions, faculty profiles, and application information.
• Students can contact the program co-directors for further inquiries and guidance.