M.A. in Museum Studies and Certificate in Museum Studies
 |
| Graduate museum studies students installing new exhibition. |
In a school where the study of anthropology encompasses the sciences, social sciences and humanities, we have developed a unique museum studies program that examines how museums produce and reflect culture and the role museums play worldwide. Students develop theoretical questions and applied skills that engage the functions, practices and critical analyses of museums. Courses address topics across the interdisciplinary boundaries of museum studies, including anthropology; art history, theory, and criticism; and public history. The program is designed to be use-inspired, socially embedded and trans-cultural, educating students in the meaning and significance of museums in contemporary society and preparing them for diverse museum careers.
Museum studies students have many resources available to them, including the ASU Museum of Anthropology, Deer Valley Rock Art Center, Archaeological Research Institute and the School of Human Evolution and Social Change's archaeological and ethnographic collections. There is also a close-knit community of museums within ASU and elsewhere in Arizona that have a relationship with the program.
Courses in the program are taught by faculty at ASU in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change; the Public History program of the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies; the School of Art in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts; the School of Community Resources and Development; and community professionals.
Students can apply to the museum studies program to receive either an M.A. in museum studies or a certificate in museum studies. Both M.A. and certificate students gain practical experience while being encouraged to challenge preconceived notions about museums and the way they affect and are affected by societies and cultures.
The master of arts in museum studies, which has replaced the master of arts in anthropology with a concentration in museum studies, requires 18 credit hours of coursework (that is, six 3-credit hour courses), an internship and/or practicum of 320 hours (6 credit hours) and 6 credit hours of research to produce a research portfolio (for a total of 30 credit hours). The portfolio comprises two research papers on a museum studies interdisciplinary or disciplinary issue in a student's particular area of interest in anthropology, history or art. Applications are due December 15 each year for the following fall.
The certificate in museum studies can be taken in conjunction with a graduate degree in another ASU department, but it can also be taken as an advanced course of study for non-degree-seeking students who work in museums or intend to do so. The certificate requires 12 credit hours of coursework (that is four 3-credit hour courses) and an internship and/or practicum of 320 hours (6 credit hours). Applications are due December 15 each year for the following fall, but are also considered on a rolling basis. Please contact shescgrad@asu.edu for more information on deadlines and procedures for spring applications.
For questions about the program, please contact the program director, Richard Toon. For questions about the application process or applying, please contact Georgie Miller, graduate academic success specialist for the School of Human Evolution and Social Change.
Faculty
Richard Toon, Research Professor and Museum Studies Program Director
Judy Newland, Director, ASU Museum of Anthropology
Arleyn Simon, Director, Archaeological Research Institute
