Museum Studies Certificate: Online and In-person
The museum studies certificate unites history, theory and practical learning in a curriculum that prepares participants for professional or volunteer careers in administration, collections and specialty disciplines within museums, zoos, aquariums, parks and botanical gardens.
Program 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 audiences
- Creating educational programs and exhibits
- Fundraising and development, finance and management
- Organizational development
Museum Studies Online Certificate
Students may enroll in online versions of the courses for added convenience. Students may also switch between online or in-person classes and do not have to stick to one format or the other. When enrolling online, students will visit local museums and report back to the class, giving a wide-ranging perspective on museums throughout the US.
Certificate Requirements
To earn a certificate of completion in Museum Studies, students must successfully complete three courses. Students typically graduate in one year. Classes can be taken in any order.
The required courses are:
- Museum Origins & Missions
- Successful Museum Management in Today’s Environment
- Learning in Museums
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.