Program Overview
The Museum Studies MA program at ASU equips students with knowledge and skills to connect with audiences in museums and cultural settings. It examines the functions, practices, and critical analyses of museums while gaining practical experience. The program prepares students for diverse museum careers, including museum professional, anthropologist, and policy analyst.
Program Outline
Museum Studies, MA - MA | Degree Details | ASU Degree Search
Degree Overview:
This program equips students with knowledge and skills to connect with audiences in museums and cultural settings. It examines how museums shape culture and their role worldwide. Students explore the functions, practices, and critical analyses of museums while gaining practical experience.
Objectives:
- Develop theoretical questions and applied skills related to museums.
- Challenge preconceived notions about museums and their impact on societies.
- Understand the meaning and significance of museums in contemporary society.
- Prepare for diverse museum careers.
Outline:
Program Duration:
30 credit hours including a required applied project course.
Required Courses:
- ASB 573 Museum Administration (3 credits)
- ASB 584 Internship (6 credits)
- ASB 579 Critical Issues in Museum Studies (3 credits) or ASB 591 Topic: Cultural Resource Compliance and Consultation (3 credits) or ASM 555 Advanced Human Osteology (4 credits)
- Electives (14 or 15 credits)
Careers:
Potential career paths include:
- Museum professional
- Anthropologist
- Legal advocate in international cases
- Policy analyst
- Researcher
- Consultant for private and public organizations
- Director of non-profit organizations
- Program director in private/public sector
Other:
- The program is designed to be use-inspired, socially embedded, and transcultural.
- The program emphasizes critical analysis of museums and their impact on society.
- The program prepares students for diverse museum careers.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Suitable backgrounds include disciplines related to museum studies, anthropology, history, or art.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 hours of the first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in an applicable master's degree program.
- Official transcripts, personal statement, CV/resume, three letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency.
Application Deadlines:
Fall:
- Session A/C: December 1st (Final)
Entry Requirements:
EU and International Students (including Overseas Students outside the EU):
- Bachelor's or Master's degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Suitable backgrounds include disciplines related to museum studies, anthropology, history, or art (fine art or art history).
- Minimum GPA: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
- Additional Requirements:
- Graduate Admission Application and Application Fee: All applicants must submit a graduate admission application and pay the application fee.
- Official Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- Personal Statement: Outline your educational and professional goals in a personal statement.
- Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume: Provide a current curriculum vitae or resume that highlights your academic and professional experience.
- Three Letters of Recommendation: Submit three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic or professional background. This can be demonstrated through:
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) test is required.
- IELTS: A minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS Academic test is required.
- PTE Academic: A minimum score of 58 on the PTE Academic test is required.
- Completion of an English as a Second Language (ESL) program: Applicants who have successfully completed an ESL program at an accredited institution may be exempt from the English language proficiency requirement.
Exemptions:
- Applicants who have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or another country where English is the official language of instruction may be exempt from the English language proficiency requirement.
- Applicants who have lived in an English-speaking country for at least two years may be exempt from the English language proficiency requirement.