Museum Studies Professional Development Program
The museum studies program crosses academic
and professional boundaries. Theory and practical experience
come together in a curriculum that prepares participants
for professional or volunteer careers in administration and
specialty disciplines within museums, zoos, aquariums, parks
and botanical gardens.
Northwestern University's School of Continuing Studies (SCS)
offers a Museum Studies program designed to give an overview
of museum practices and strategies and help students understand
the contemporary role played by collections and exhibits. The curriculum balances art studies with insight on museum management.
Chicago is one of the country's major cultural centers, and
courses are taught by leading museum professionals from
the
area.
Learning Goals
Through lectures, discussions, slide
presentations and field trips to Chicago museums, students
learn about:
- Origins of American museums
- How collections, audience and community inform
museum missions
- Building audience
- Creating educational
programs and exhibits
- Fundraising
and development, finance, and management
- Organizational
development
To earn a Certificate of Completion
in Museum Studies, students must successfully complete three
courses:
- Museum Origins & Missions
- Successful Museum Management in Today’s Environment
- Education for Museum Visitors
Students typically move through the program in a cohort,
graduating in one year. However, classes can be taken individually
and out of sequence.
While not a requirement for the certificate, The
Exhibit from Concept to Opening and Beyond is a two-day course that covers a skill vital to museum professionals: understanding the components of a successful museum exhibition. Participants interested in learning how to conceptualize, research, display and promote temporary or permanent museum exhibitions should consider attending.
Museum professionals may also be interested in SCS' Fine
and Decorative Arts Appraisal
and Connoisseurship program, which features courses
on art history, evaluation, and materials. Two certificates
are
available in appraisal and connoisseurship studies.
Northwestern
Excellence
- Northwestern
University is a preeminent university recognized internationally as a hallmark of academic excellence.
- School of Continuing Studies programs provide students with exceptional opportunities for intellectual, professional and personal growth.
- SCS instructors bring outstanding academic credentials and relevant professional experience to the classroom to create a highly interactive, collaborative, and challenging learning environment.
- SCS students study with peers who have rich, diverse backgrounds and can provide lifelong learning connections.
Course Information
We offer convenient evening courses at Chicago
Lakefront campus. Registration information and detailed
course descriptions can be found on the Museum
Studies course listings page. Schedules,
content and prices are subject to change.
Contact Us
If you would like to speak with someone to get more information about a program or course, give us a call or email us today!
Call: 847-491-3225
Email: pdp@northwestern.edu
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