Museum Education - Master of Arts

Program Total Credits: 36

Anne El-Omami
aelomami@uarts.edu
Director
215-717-6051 or 717-6050

The Master of Arts in Museum Education is a concentrated program focused on the development and implementation of appropriate pedagogical practices and critical/interpretive skills for communicating to the public about culture and the arts. Coursework comprises three distinct areas: a broad education core addressing theory and methods, concentration in museum studies and practices, and a professional core including research and an internship with a cooperating museum.

Applicants should have had a core of at least 40 credits in the arts, and/or liberal arts. This degree is an appropriate option for those with a strong commitment to providing educational programming within a museum context or alternative site, as well as for teachers who wish a concentration in museum education so they may utilize museum resources more effectively in the classroom.

The role of museums is changing to meet audience demands, including expectations for more relevant and accessible public educational programming to promote cultural knowledge and interests. This growing trend has created a greater demand for well-trained professionals with special knowledge and expertise in planning and implementing museum programs. Additionally, current educational theory and methodology embrace the inclusion of art history, criticism, and aesthetics as critical components of the arts education curriculum, all areas heavily dependent upon museums for exemplary resources and reference. The MA in Museum Education focuses on a wide variety of museums and institutions with similar missions and operations, and prepares educators to function within the changing context of contemporary schools, museums, and related institutions. The MA in Museum Education may be completed in two semesters and a summer or in three semesters.

The Museum Studies core may be taken separately or in conjunction with the Master of Arts in Teaching in the Visual Arts, or the MFA in Museum Exhibition Planning and Design.