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.

Visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences website for application 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 for questions:

askccas@gwu.edu
202-994-6210 (phone)
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.

36 credits, including 6 credits in required courses, 15 credits in field courses, 15 credits in elective courses; and successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

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.
Other 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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