Program Overview
The Museum Studies Minor prepares students for careers in museums and informal educational settings. It provides a comprehensive understanding of museum practice and theory, including exhibits, education, and collections stewardship. Students develop critical thinking, communication, and pre-professional skills through coursework and a practicum experience. This interdisciplinary program prepares graduates for further studies or entry-level positions in museum-related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Museum Studies Minor is a rigorous, interdisciplinary, and pre-professional program. It emphasizes acquiring knowledge in museum practice and theory to understand the public service role of museums and apply this knowledge to support the work of museums in creating exhibits, educating the public, and caring for collections through collaborative efforts. Students gain pre-professional skills in museum practice, relevant information about museum theory and history, and learn about future careers in museums and informal educational settings. Written, oral, and critical thinking skills are developed to evaluate the work of museums. The Museum Studies Minor will prepare students for the terminal M.A. degree in Museum Studies, or for additional on-the-job training for work in museums. Graduates will appreciate the role and power of museums in the world as centers of learning, enjoyment, and community engagement, and as stewards of cultural and natural heritage.
Outline:
The Minor in Museum Studies requires 18 units.
- Required Courses (18 units):
- MS 201 Introduction to the History and Development of Museums (3 units)
- MS 202 Introduction to Museum Exhibits (3 units)
- MS 310 Introduction to Museum Education Methods and Community Engagement (3 units)
- MS 681 Preparation for Museum Practicum (2 units)
- MS 682 Capstone Practicum (3 units)
- Select one (1 unit):
- MS 683 Collections Stewardship Practicum
Careers:
Graduates will be prepared for careers in museums and informal educational settings.
Other:
Admission to the Minor is open to all students with upper-division standing who have completed MS 201 or MS 202 with a minimum grade of C. A minimum of 6 upper-division units are required to complete the minor. All coursework used to satisfy the requirements of the minor must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
