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Master of Arts in Museum Studies

Museums of the 21st century are in the midst of a tremendous period of growth and change. New demands and challenges are emerging in every aspect of the museum landscape. Innovations in information and communication technologies are being integrated into the core strategies of the museum. Museums are increasing in number, expanding in size, and attracting more diverse audiences every day. The museums of the 21st century need leaders with the knowledge and skills to face these challenges and with a vision for the future.

The aim of this program is to provide a perspective on the theory and practice of museums in a changing technological, social and political environment for current and future museum professionals. It emphasizes the role of technology as a pervasive aspect in today's museum, examines new models of education, exhibition, and business strategies, and explores the role of the museum as an agent of social change.

We welcome students interested in all types of museums including history, technology, science, art, special topic or themed museums, historic sites, national parks and zoos and those interested in exhibitions for corporations, government agencies and private organizations.

An Online Masters Degree Program

To prepare current and future museum professionals to be the visionary leaders of museums in contemporary society, Johns Hopkins is now offering a Master of Arts in Museum Studies. The format of the program itself-an almost fully online program‑-looks to the future. As an online program we are able to offer the expertise of highly regarded professors and museum professionals from around the world, innovative virtual field trips, and global resources from a wide array of museums brought together in new and exciting ways. An international student body provides diverse perspectives and experiences in a dynamic online learning environment.

Online Classes

Nine online classes and one onsite seminar are required to complete the M.A. degree in Museum Studies. All online classes are offered as asynchronous learning experiences, allowing maximum flexibility in a student's schedule. Course content is delivered mainly via text notes, voice-over PowerPoint, streaming video, and threaded discussions to provide a connection between students and faculty through visual, auditory, and text-driven interactions. Classes are kept small to encourage active community building among fellow students and students and faculty. Real-time office hours online allow for direct access to faculty.

To address student concerns or questions about an online learning environment, an orientation course, offered by the University, introduces the student to the online learning tools, and is required before taking the first online class.

Onsite Seminar

A short, but intensive, period of on-ground museum experience is required to complete the M.A. in Museum Studies. This face-to-face summer classroom component takes place in Washington, DC, or in a suitably arranged location abroad. It is designed to encourage working with objects and gaining hands-on experience in a museum.

In addition, the Museum Studies program supports and helps arrange optional supervised projects at museums in a student's home area for expanded hands-on learning experience.

Degree Requirements

All students earn a Masters of Arts (M.A.) in Museum Studies. The M.A. requires ten courses, five core courses and five electives, to be completed within five years of beginning the program.

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