New Interdisciplinary Certificate for Museum Studies

An announcement from the department of history today touts the establishment of a new certificate for students interested in a career in museums. Open to all undergrad & post-baccalaureate students, the new interdisciplinary Certificate in Museum Studies program is under the direction of associate professor of history Akela Reason. Reason helped establish and is now the director of the Summer Program in Public History in Washington D.C. in 2016. This new program is designed to further efforts to help students find their way into the many career opportunities afforded by museums all over the world. A brief glance at the description in the bulletin gives an overview of the program's goals and emphasizes that museums currently employ over 400,000 Americans and accounts for a sizeable contribution, in the billions, to the U.S. economy annually.

Description of the Program 
The Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Certificate Program in Museum Studies provides a broad overview of the history of museums as well as knowledge of museum theory, methodology, and practice consistent with contemporary national and international standards. The program gives particular attention to issues of museum history, ethics, multiculturalism, the relationships of museums to communities and diverse audiences, educational programs, and an examination of diverse types of collections and interpretations. 

Educational Goal 
To prepare students for a variety of careers in museums and museum-related fields through offering a range of courses in many disciplines.

• To foster in students the critical thinking, analytical, and interpretive skills necessary for innovative inquiry and design in museums and museum-related fields through experiential learning opportunities.
• To investigate museology through discipline-based knowledge, museum theory, and hands-on experiences.
• To cultivate in students an understanding and appreciation of the value of museums and cultural institutions within the United States and internationally.
• To provide students with an opportunity to augment their studies through existing resources on campus due to the interdisciplinary nature of museology

 

Career Opportunities 
Museums employ more than 400,000 Americans and directly contribute $21 billion to the U.S. economy annually. Professionals with museum training may also work in galleries, with corporate collections, in community centers and other arts organizations, and with other public and private collections. The Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Certificate in Museum Studies program of study offers a structured, sequential series of courses and experiences that gives students the necessary preparation for competitive employment in this field. Students who do not wish to become museum professionals can also have a better understanding of how to utilize museums in their future careers. For instance, educators can collaborate with museums for object-based learning opportunities, and scholars can make use of the resources of museums in their research.

The program requires a minimum of 16 credit hours, which includes Introduction to Museum Studies, a Museum Internship and a Museum Studies Capstone course alongside another 9 hours of elective courses. With the wide of array of electives, students can cater their certificate to their own interests. 

What an exciting new endeavor for the department of history to offer to students across campus. Kudos on the success of establishing an interdisciplinary program accessible to students across campus. We look forward to hearing more about student experiences in the program.