Master of Arts in the Field of Museum Studies

The Museum Studies program in the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design welcomes students interested in developing a critical engagement with the museum field and gaining hands-on training in the broad range of skills required for museum work. 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. A range of specialized courses in topics including ethics and values, social justice, preventive conservation, digitization, project management, and museum governance allow students the flexibility to design programs of study geared to their interests and designed with their professional goals in mind.

Students whose career interests are primarily in museum education should refer to the master of arts in teaching in the field of museum education program in the Graduate School of Education and Human Development.

Visit the Museum Studies program website for additional information.

Adminssion Requirements
Article	Requirement
Admission deadlines:	Fall - April 1 (February 1 for priority fellowship consideration)
	Spring – October 1
Standardized test scores:	The GRE general exam is not required.
	The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the PTE Academic is required of all applicants except those who hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States or from an institution located in a country in which English is the official language, provided English was the language of instruction.
	Minimum scores for the program are:
	- Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0; or
	- TOEFL: 600 on paper-based or 100 on Internet-based; or
	- PTE Academic: 68;
Recommendations required:	Two (2) recommendations that can speak to your academic and professional abilities (typically one will be academic and the other applicable to your museum career goals).
Prior academic records:	Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission.
	If transcripts are in a language other than English, English language translations must be provided. The English translation alone should be uploaded into your application.
Statement of purpose:	In a short essay, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, museum, other professional, and community activities.
	A professional resume is required.
International applicants only:	Please review International Applicant Information (https://columbian.gwu.edu/international-graduate-applicants) carefully for details on required documents, earlier deadlines for applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 from GW, and English language requirements.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Studies
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052

For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Frequently Asked Questions page.

Contact:

askccas@gwu.edu
202-994-6210 (phone)

Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Required
CMST 6107	Museum Ethics and Values
CMST 6501	Museum Studies Internship (Taken for 3 credits. Requires 200 hours per semester.)
Field
15 credits in courses focused on collections management, museum management, exhibitions and visitor experience, or public engagement.
Electives
15 credits in courses which may be drawn from within Museum Studies (CMST), including a second internship, or from outside the program. Up to 12 credits in non-CMST courses are permitted.
Additional requirements
Fulfillment of the graduate writing requirement.
Delivery of an oral presentation.
Successful completion of a master's comprehensive examination.

Combined Programs

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