Museum Studies (certificate)


At a Glance: program details

The ability to present information in a tangible, real-world environment is a critical part of the preservation and proliferation of human culture. This graduate-level certificate equips you with the skills to better connect visually, intellectually and emotionally with visitors in a museum, gallery or other cultural or professional setting.

Program Description

Certificate Awarded: Museum Studies (certificate)

In the museum studies certificate program, students examine how museums produce and reflect culture and they examine the role museums play worldwide.

Students develop theoretical questions and applied skills that engage the functions, practices and critical analyses of museums. They gain practical experience while being encouraged to challenge preconceived notions about museums and the way they affect and are affected by societies and cultures.

Designed to be use-inspired, socially embedded and transcultural, the program ensures that students understand the meaning and significance of museums in contemporary society and prepares them for diverse museum careers.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 18 credit hours

Required Core (3 credit hours)
ASB 579 Critical Issues in Museum Studies (3)

Electives (9 credit hours)

Other Requirements (6 credit hours)
ASB 580 Practicum (3) and ASB 584 Internship (3) OR
ASB 584 Internship (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
Certificate students may choose to specialize in areas such as anthropology, art history and public history.

For a complete list of approved elective and research courses, students should contact the school.

Internship (ASB 584) and Practicum (ASB 580) must be approved by their supervisory committees, usually in a museum setting or museum-quality collection or archive related to their chosen area of study: anthropology, art history, theory and criticism or public history.

For students currently enrolled in an ASU graduate degree program, applicable certificate courses may count toward their degree program, with the approval and consent of the degree granting program. For certificate students who are later admitted to an ASU graduate degree program, up to 12 credit hours from the certificate program may count toward their doctoral degree or up to 12 credit hours may count toward their master's degree, with the approval and consent of the degree-granting program.

All requirements for the certificate program should be completed within a three-year time limit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A"). Students who require more time to finish the program, because of their part-time status or lack of desirable or available courses, must obtain approval from the executive committee.


Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Suitable backgrounds for admission include disciplines related to museum studies, anthropology, history or art (fine art or art history).

Applicants must have 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 applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement outlining educational and professional goals
  4. current curriculum vitae or resume
  5. GRE scores
  6. three letters of recommendation
  7. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

ASU does not accept the GREĀ® General Test at home edition.

International students who need an F1 or J1 visa first need to apply to and be accepted into a graduate degree program prior to being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the USA on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program.

For information on spring admission, students should contact the School of Human Evolution and Social Change.


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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type

Session A/C
In Person
December 1st
Final


Career Opportunities

The demand in the job market is high for people able to analyze a broad range of data on human thought and human behavior. There is a growing need for researchers and analysts with keen thinking skills who can manage, evaluate and interpret large amounts of data.

Some career opportunities include:

  • acting as legal advocates in international cases
  • analyzing and proposing policies
  • conducting postgraduate academic research
  • consulting for private and public organizations
  • directing nonprofit organizations
  • directing programs in the private or public sector

Global Opportunities

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.