Program Total Credits: 45
Beth A. Twiss-Garrity
Director
215-717-6640
The MA in Museum Communication is a course of study in the contemporary theory and practice of museum work. Museum professionals seeking a graduate degree in museum studies for professional advancement, and museum volunteers who seek professional credentials to make the transition into professional museum work can acquire the skills, knowledge, and practical training in dealing with the public sector, with responsibilities that include museum publications, public relations, membership, development, record-keeping, outreach activities including Internet presence, and visitor services.
Organized within the traditional academic semester framework, with some short, intensive one- and two-week-long sessions during the winter and summer academic breaks, and annual international museum issues seminars, the Department of Museum Studies prepares those who seek careers as collections managers, exhibition developers, educators, and media and public affairs specialists. International museum professionals may further their careers through the acquisition of academic credentials and through a broader perspective and knowledge of current museum practices acquired in courses, seminars, special museum placements, internships, and a thesis. Course content and design, which bridge the academic and the professional, recognize the growing need for specialized museum training and preferences in a competitive job market for those with both graduate degrees and museum studies training. Graduates work in museums of anthropology, archaeology, fine art, history, natural history, science centers, zoos, arboretums, and national parks. Others find employment in government agencies, historical societies, historic sites and houses, and with private and corporate collections and foundations.
Full-time MA students undertake a three-semester academic course of study, and a 12-week (240-hour) internship placement. Those students studying for the MA in Museum Communication conclude their degree program through the submission of a written thesis, thesis defense, and examination.
During each 15-week semester, students participate in lectures, seminars, workshops, and study visits to appropriate museums, historic sites, galleries, and government cultural agencies. All courses in the department welcome visiting scholars and museum professionals to give lectures and hold discussion groups on aspects of museum practice.
The department of Electronic Media, the Master of Industrial Design program, and the College of Media and Communication contribute to the graduate student’s education through interdepartmental coursework, workshops, seminars, and interdisciplinary special projects.
Applicants to the Master of Arts in Museum Communication should possess a BFA, BA, or BS degree, demonstrated work experience in the museum field or in related institutions/consultancies, or disciplinebased training, and the intention of utilizing this specialized training in a museum context, and basic word processing and Internet research skills.
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