Master of Arts in the Field of Museums, History, and Culture

The master of arts in museums, history, and culture is an innovative interdisciplinary program. It provides students with advanced training in the methods and scholarship of history or American studies, while also grounding their education in the ethics of museum practice and the skills used by museum professionals. The program is designed for emerging scholars who wish to develop research skills and an area of expertise as well as the practical knowledge and skills needed to bring history to the public.

Students who choose to study in the field of history can do so in a range of specialized areas, such as Native American history, nineteenth-century US history, Asian history, or the history of the Middle East. Those focusing on American studies might specialize in performance studies, histories of race and ethnicity, media and popular culture studies, or urban studies.

The program takes full advantage of GW’s location in Washington, DC, close to the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution’s many museums. Unique opportunities for internships or independent study are provided by the many local and national cultural and political advocacy programs.

Adminssion Requirements

Article	Requirement
Admission deadlines:	Fall - April 1 (February 1 for 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
	- Duolingo: 130
Recommendations required:	Two (2) letters of recommendation are required. At least one recommendation should be submitted by a professional familiar with the applicant's academic work and potential for graduate study. Recommendations may also be submitted by professionals familiar with the applicant's relevant work experience.
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 an essay of 500-750 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also, please discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application.An essay of 500-750 words on your background and interest in the program.
Prerequisite requirements:	Bachelor’s degree in arts, humanities or social sciences
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.