Museum Studies

MASTER OF ARTS

One of the nation’s most prestigious museum studies programs, in the heart of the nation’s capital

Established in 1976, the Master of Arts in Museum Studies at George Washington University responds to the evolving museum profession by combining hands-on training with future-focused theoretical engagement. Students gain foundational knowledge about the state of museum work today, practical skills and the ability to critically engage with developments in the field. Coursework offers both breadth and depth in Collections Management, Museum Management, Exhibitions and Visitor Experience, and Public Engagement.

Our students come from a range of academic disciplines, from history and anthropology to art history and the natural sciences. Our location in the nation’s museum capital offers a unique opportunity to connect to national and global conversations at the cutting edge of museum practice.

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INFORMATION SESSIONS

MA in Museum Studies

Date: September 12, 2023
Time: 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Location: Online

MA in Museum Studies

Date: November 14, 2023
Time: 9:00-10:00 p.m.
Location: Online

MA in Museum Studies

Date: January 11, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m.-noon
Location: Online

All Information Sessions

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WHAT YOU'LL STUDY

The MA program of study is structured so that students can personalize their academic experience to accomplish their own goals. All students complete 36-credit hours, including:

one core course entitled Museum Ethics & Values
one internship
five (5) courses as required in the selected concentration
five (5) electives which may be drawn from within Museum Studies (including a second internship) or from outside the program. Up to four (4) non-museum studies courses are permitted.

Students also complete a comprehensive exam in their concentration, fulfill the graduate writing requirement and give an oral presentation related to their internship.

Our 36-credit program can be completed by full-time students in two academic years. Part-time study is also permitted, but the program must be completed in a maximum of four years.

MUSEUM STUDIES CONCENTRATIONS

Every student in the MA program selects a Museum Studies concentration in one of four areas of concentration:

Throughout the program, students work with an academic advisor to ensure that they meet program requirements and their own career and educational goals.

INTERNSHIPS

All students are required to complete at least one internship, although many students benefit from taking two 3-credit internships. Students typically intern within their area of concentration and may choose to intern in the D.C. area or in another location. Utilizing the connections of our faculty and the proximity of our campus, our students have found opportunities at many acclaimed cultural institutions.

THROUGH INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCES, MUSEUM STUDIES STUDENTS HAVE WORKED ON

Film preservation at the Archives Center at the National Museum of American History
Collections management at the British Museum in London and at the National Museum of Natural History
Exhibition development and marketing at the Newseum and George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Curatorial research for exhibits at the National Postal Museum
and provenance research at the National Gallery of Art

NON-PROFIT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE OPTION

Museum studies students may graduate with both an MA in Museum Studies and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, at no extra cost. The certificate requires the completion of four courses (two required; two electives) from the Nonprofit Management program at the Trachtenberg School.

With available coursework in fundraising, governance, public-private partnerships, lobbying, social entrepreneurship, leading diverse and inclusive organizations, and much more, students learn to become well-rounded professionals in nonprofit leadership. For more details, visit https://tspppa.gwu.edu/certificate-nonprofit-management.

Department approval is required. Current students, please speak with your advisor if you are interested in this option.

ADMISSIONS

All applicants must have an undergraduate degree and follow the graduate application process by the appropriate deadlines. The deadline for fall admission is February 1. The deadline for spring admission is October 1.

Admissions Requirements

COSTS & FUNDING

The Student Accounts Office provides up to date cost information on our program. We do offer some partial fellowships to MA students each year. To be considered for a fellowship, you must apply for fall admission. You may also find fellowships through the Office of Fellowships & Assistantships. The Office of Student Financial Assistance also has more information on aid opportunities.

WHERE YOU'LL GO

Our students benefit from a strong alumni network working in museums throughout the world. In addition, practitioners from some of the nation’s leading museums and policymakers at the forefront of cultural debates are frequent participants at discussions in the classroom. The program’s affiliations with more than 60 museums and cultural organizations enables students to immerse themselves in world-class venues as they learn from some of the nation’s leading museum professionals.