Museum Studies (M.A.)
Master of Arts Program
Program Code: MA-NS
Major Code: MST
HEGIS 1099
History and Social Studies Education Department
Classroom Building C205, (716) 878-5412
history.buffalostate.edu/
The Museum Studies Master of Arts program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in museums or related cultural institutions. The program utilizes a multidisciplinary approach including both theoretical instruction and practical experience to prepare students for museum careers. In addition to a set of core courses, students specialize in one of three fields of museum work. Each student works closely with an academic advisor to develop a program that will position him or her as an innovator who will serve the broad and changing needs of both collections and communities.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours in a major field of study prior to admission.
- A transcript review showing a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in at least 30 credit hours in the major field of study. An admissions committee will review foreign transcripts for the equivalency of the GPA and major content requirements.
- A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
- Statement of intent, minimum 500 words, addressing the reasons for wanting to enter the museum studies program, plans for applying the graduate experience to the museum profession, and related professional experiences.
- Sample research paper from the applicant's area of specialization. Writing samples will be evaluated for content, organization, and the use of standard language conventions.
- Three (3) letters of reference that attest to the applicant's potential as a graduate student and as a museum professional.
- Candidates will complete an interview (in person or by phone) with an admissions committee that the includes the Director of Museum Studies and two representatives from the program faculty.
In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program section in this catalog.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (9 credit hours) | ||
| MST 601 | THEORY AND METHOD IN MUSEUM STUDIES | 3 |
| MST 660 | MUSEUMS AND SOCIETY | 3 |
| CRS 559 | PRINCIPLES IN CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING | 3 |
| Tracks (12 credit hours) | ||
| Select one of the following tracks: | 12 | |
| All Tracks (6-9 credit hours) | ||
| MST 590 | INDEPENDENT STUDY | 3 |
| MST 688 | INTERNSHIP | 3-6 |
| All Tracks (3-6 credit hours) | ||
| MST 795 | MASTER'S THESIS | 3-6 |
| or MST 690 | MASTER'S PROJECT | |
| Total Credit Hours | 33 | |
Collections Management and Curatorial Track
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MST 621 | MUSEUM REGISTRATION METHODS | 3 |
| MST 622 | RESEARCHING AND PRESENTING MUSEUM COLLECTIONS | 3 |
| MST 623 | DIGITAL MUSEUM COLLECTIONS | 3 |
| MST 624 | MUSEUM ARCHIVES | 3 |
| Other course(s) under advisement | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Visitor Experience and Education Track
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MST 630 | VISTOR EXPERIENCE IN MUSEUMS | 3 |
| SSE/MST 632 | TEACHING WITH HISTORIC PLACES | 3 |
| AED 505 | FOUNDATIONS IN MUSEUM EDUCATION STUDIES | 3 |
| AED 604 | FUNDAMENTALS OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING FOR MUSEUMS | 3 |
| EDT 617 | EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY FOR INFORMAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS | 3 |
| EXE 500 | INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS | 3 |
| Other course(s) under advisement | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
Museum Operations Track
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MST 640 | MUSEUM ADMINISTRATION | 3 |
| MST 641 | REVENUE GENERATION FOR MUSEUMS | 3 |
| MST 643 | MUSEUM MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS | 3 |
| BUS 545 | BASIC ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS AND NONBUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS | 3 |
| BUS 688 | LEADERSHIP IN ORGANIZATIONS | 3 |
| COM 519 | COMMUNICATION FOR LEADERS AND MANAGERS | 3 |
| Other course(s) under advisement | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |