Course Requirements

All students earn an M.A. in Museum Studies.

CURRICULUM

The core curriculum offers grounding in the theory and practice of museums in a changing technological, social and political environment emphasizing the role of technology throughout the museum. Elective courses address all aspects of the museum, from collections and exhibitions to marketing and development. Subject areas range from history and philosophy of museums to ethnically specific museums and cultural understanding. Within this varied curriculum, students work with an advisor to design a course of study that best suits their needs and interests.

Students must take a total of 10 courses

Introductory course: Museums in the Digital Age
At least three core courses
Five elective courses
Onsite summer seminar
Optional internship
an internship or project at a student's local museum, approved by the associate program chair, may be substituted for one elective course.

Course Requirements

The Museum in the Digital Age
Onsite Summer 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.

Core Courses (select at least three of four)

The Business of Museums
Museums in a Global Perspective
Exhibition Strategies
Introduction to Museum Education

Electives (select five)

History and Philosophy of U.S. Museums
Online Learning and Teaching in Museums
Managing Technology in Museums
Internet Strategies for Museums
Creating Museum Learning Environments with 21st century tools
Museum Information Systems: Strategic Planning
Information and Knowledge Management in the Museum
Museum Exhibitions in the Digital Age
Museums and the Web
Evaluation Techniques for Museums
Comprehensive Interpretative Plans On-Site and On-Line
Multimedia: Media Synergy in the Museum
New Technologies, Old Dilemmas: Ethics and the Museum Professional
Ethnically Specific Museums and Cultural Understanding
Building and Maintaining Museum Collections
Introduction to Collection Management
Museum and Exhibition Marketing and Development
Communication.org: Not-for-profits in the Digital Age
Architecture of Museums
The Alternative Space.
Artist as Critic: Facing Museum Issues
Museum Controversies: Ethical Issues in Museums
Museum Business Practice: Resource Allocation Decisions
Museum Business Practice: Understanding Procurement
Introduction to Museum Publishing
Museum Publications in a Global Age

Students may take up to two related courses in other Johns Hopkins University departments subject to the approval of the associate program chair.