Master of Arts in Museum Studies (Online & On-Campus)
Southern University at New Orleans
Key Information
Campus location
New Orleans, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 semesters
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
USD 3,470 / per semester
Application deadline
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Scholarships
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Introduction
The Master of Arts in Museum Studies is the only program of its kind in the State of Louisiana.
The program can be completed entirely online or on campus. Students matriculating in the program will undertake a rigorous course of learning in Museology, the branch of knowledge dedicated to the study of the theories, procedures, and managerial concepts of museums: institutions for the acquisition, preservation, study, and exhibition of works of artistic, historical or scientific value.
Practical application of course work is achieved through internships with local, regional, and national museums, which serve as extended classrooms. Students will examine options for employment, which will prepare graduates of the program to pursue careers in a variety of local, regional, and national museums, campus museums, private galleries, and historical associations.
Mission
Realizing the need to develop more equitable, diverse, and inclusive cultural institutions, the mission of the Master of Arts in Museum Studies Program is to educate and train a diverse student population to be professionals and leaders in the museum and arts sectors. Through a balanced approach between theory and practice, students gain in-depth knowledge about several aspects of the African Diaspora and museum work, including collections management, exhibition design, museum education, audience engagement, digital strategies, and community involvement.
Vision
As the only program of its kind in the state of Louisiana, the Master of Arts in Museum Studies Program positions itself as a major regional and national hub for intellectual discussions in the museum studies discipline, particularly around issues related to diversity, inclusion, and social justice in museums.
Core Values
- Raising the consciousness of the importance and necessity of culture and tolerance in our lives;
- Intellectual honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct;
- Professionalism in museum work;
- Critical thinking and theoretical discourse;
- Program quality and excellence;
- Innovation and leadership;
- Diversity and inclusion
- A balance of theory and practice; and,
- In-depth, hands-on, Practicum experiences
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
Graduation Requirements
Museum Studies students must maintain a 3.0 in the program, complete 36 credit hours, including all mandatory classes, and submit a Master’s Thesis or Project.
Suggested Course Sequence
First semester (Fall)
- MUSE 501 (Introduction to Museology)
- MUSE 507 (Writing for Research in Museums)
- MUSE 610 (Museum Education)
Total: 9 credits
Second semester (Spring)
- MUSE 505 (Museums and Communities)
- MUSE 504 (Collections Management)
- MUSE 620 (Exhibition Design)
- MUSE 635 (History of World Art)
- MUSE 640 (History of Art of the African Diaspora)
- MUSE 655 (Topical Studies in African Art)
- MUSE 660 (International Museums and Cultures)
Total: 21 credits
Third semester (Fall)
- MUSE 615 (Museum Curatorship) or MUSE 625B (Internship in Museum Work)
- MUSE 650 (Museum Governance and Administration)
- MUSE 700A (Master's Project) (Option 1) or MUSE 705A (Master's Thesis) (Option 2)
Total: 9 credits
Fourth semester (Spring)
- MUSE 700B (Master's Project, second semester, if needed) or MUSE 705B (Master's Thesis, second semester, if needed)
Total: 3 credits
Total credit hours: 36