Museum Studies (MA)

Department Website

Program Description

NYU's Master of Arts in Museum Studies program offers a unique interdisciplinary academic foundation in museum history and practice. Consisting of coursework, research, and a required internship, the MA program provides a well-rounded look at museums with the ability to center a focus on a particular discipline in art, history, science, or any other field.  The program's knowledgeable faculty and adjunct faculty and its network of dedicated alumni help students expand their careers and experiences both inside and outside of the classroom.

Admissions

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation, and
• A non-refundable application fee.

See Museum Studies for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.

Program Requirements

The program requires the completion of 32 credits, of which at least 24 must be within the Program in Museum Studies.

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
Major Requirements
MSMS-GA 1500	History and Theory of Museums	4
MSMS-GA 1501	Museum Collections and Exhibitions	4
MSMS-GA 1502	Museum Management	4
MSMS-GA 3991	Research Seminar	2
MSMS-GA 3990	Internship (with a grade of B or better)	2
Electives
Select four electives related to a particular interest 1		16
Total Credits		32

¹

At least two courses in museum studies, and, if the student so chooses, one or two courses within a discipline connected to the sort of museum in which the student intends to work (history, anthropology, art history, etc.)

Additional Program Requirements

Master's Thesis

Students are required to complete a Master's thesis.

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid

1st Semester/Term		Credits
MSMS-GA 1500	History and Theory of Museums	4
MSMS-GA 1501	Museum Collections and Exhibitions	4
	Credits	8
2nd Semester/Term
MSMS-GA 1502	Museum Management	4
MSMS-GA ----	Museum Studies Elective	4
	Credits	8
3rd Semester/Term
MSMS-GA 3991	Research Seminar	2
MSMS-GA 3990	Internship	2
MSMS-GA ----	Museum Studies Elective	4
	Credits	8
4th Semester/Term
MSMS-GA ----	Museum Studies Elective	4
Other Elective Credits		4
	Credits	8
	Total Credits	32

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Understand the complex social, cultural, and political histories of museums from a variety of disciplinary approaches with respect to governance, colonialism, nationalism, class, gender, ethnicity, and community.
2. Build an expansive conceptual framework within which students develop particular interests by taking specialized electives in the areas of museum education, fundraising, conservation, community practice, museum-based political economy, decolonization, museum law, and interactive technologies.
3. Apply for and secure a 200-hour internship in a museum of their choice, and will reflect on their experiences and areas of career growth and development.
4. Develop a 50-page thesis on a selected topic within the broad field of museum study with a thesis adviser.
5. Understand why urgent equity repair work is needed in museums and their role in creating new ethical frameworks required to advocate for change across the sector.

Policies

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Graduate School of Arts and Science Policies

Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page.