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Museum Studies, MA

Museum Studies, MA

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Museum Studies, MA

Anthropologist, Anthropology, Culture, MUSEOLOGY, Museum Professional, history, museum

ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.


The ability to present information in a tangible, practical environment is a critical part of the preservation and proliferation of human culture. This program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to connect visually, intellectually and emotionally with visitors in a museum, gallery or other cultural or professional setting.

Program description
Degree awarded: MA  Museum Studies

The MA program in museum studies examines how museums produce and reflect culture, and the role that museums play worldwide.

Students develop theoretical questions and applied skills that engage the functions, practices and critical analyses of museums. They also gain practical experience while being encouraged to challenge preconceived notions about museums and the way museums affect and are affected by societies and cultures.

Designed to be use-inspired, socially embedded and transcultural, the program ensures that students understand the meaning and significance of museums in contemporary society and prepares them for diverse museum careers.

At a glance
Degree requirements

30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ASB 593)

Required Core (3 credit hours)
ASB 573 Museum Administration (3)

Other Requirements (9 or 10 credit hours)
ASB 584 Internship (6)
ASB 579 Critical Issues Museum Studies (3) or ASB 591 Topic: Cultural Resource Compliance and Consultation (3) or ASM 555 Advanced Human Osteology (4)

Electives and Research (14 or 15 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
ASB 593 Applied Project (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
For a complete list of approved elective and research courses, students should contact the school.

Internship (ASB 584) and Practicum (ASB 580) must be approved by the faculty advisor.

Credits for other requirements (nine or 10 credits) and electives (14 or 15 credits) vary and depend on whether ASB 555 (four credits) is completed as an option under other requirements.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Suitable backgrounds for admission include disciplines related to museum studies, anthropology, history or art (fine art or art history).

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement outlining educational and professional goals
  4. current curriculum vitae or resume
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 12/01Final
Career opportunities

People who are able to analyze a broad range of data on human thought and human behavior are in demand in the job market. There is a growing need for researchers and analysts with keen thinking skills who can manage, evaluate and interpret large amounts of data.

Career opportunities include:

  • acting as legal advocates in international cases
  • analyzing and proposing policies
  • conducting postgraduate academic research
  • consulting for private and public organizations
  • directing nonprofit organizations
  • directing programs in the private or public sector
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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