Why study Museum Studies?

What is Museum Studies?
Museum Studies or Museology is the study of Museums. It explains the history of museums and their role in society, as well as the activities they engage in, including curating, preservation, public programming, and education.

What types of courses can I take?
Students can take courses in history, public history, anthropology, art history, art education, and sciences.  We are actively reviewing courses for consideration and adding additional course options on an ongoing basis.

What types of subjects will be addressed?
This program is currently focused on three main areas of museum studies:

  • Exhibitions: Curation of physical and digital, exhibitions, design and planning of exhibitions, and the use of art in the public space.
  • Collections: Curation of collections, conservation, preservation, data management and tracking assets.
  • Education: Public programs within a museum, community putreach, and artist-led initiatives.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to this minor must have at least a 2.8 cumulative grade point average in previous college work and have at least 30 credit hours completed. To apply, students should submit the DAAP Undergraduate Application for Certificates and Minor online.

Who is accepted into the program?
The world of collections and exhibitions can be greatly rewarding for many personalities with varied interests.  Museums and galleries provide opportunities for learning in dynamic settings. The conservation and handling of objects within collections can provide exciting opportunities to engage with history and its preservation. The process of making exhibitions can be a challenging yet rewarding way to collaborate with scholars and specialists in all fields to present and inform the public about a vast spectrum of knowledge, from art to science to history to nature.  

If you are interested in some of the many areas mentioned above and meet the requirements listed below, we would welcome your application! We are accepting applicants on an ongoing basis and are happy to answer any questions you may have when deciding if this is the program for you.

What can a Museum Studies Certificate provide to you?

  • If you are interested in working in museums, galleries, historic homes, libraries, archives, or zoos and aquariums, a Museum Studies Certificate can provide insight into the structure and processes within a organization, the theories applied, knowledge, and hands on skills needed to perform specialized duties within a museum environment.
  • If you currently work in a museum, you can increase your knowledge and demonstrate your continued dedication to that field through continuing your education.
  • If you are studying or work in a field doing research or teaching, you can learn the skills and techniques that will allow you to exhibit and present your research in a manner that communicates to your peers and also to the general public in a variety of settings.
  • This certificate explores fundamental aspects of museum work. It can provide you with the skills and knowledge that are the basis for many aspects of museum work, including: museum management, collection care and maintenance, and exhibition and educational program development. It is an integrated program of study combining classroom instruction with an internship opportunity for direct on-the-job experiences
The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

DAAP Admissions
PO Box 210016
Cincinnati, OH 45221
(513) 556-1376
daap-admissions@uc.edu

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Program Code: 23CRT-MSTD-C2