Graduate Museum Studies Certificate Program

What You'll Learn

The museum field continues to expand because of the ongoing process of collecting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting historically significant items. This certificate adds value to a variety of degree programs in multiple disciplines by providing a foundation for students interested in working in museums, in educational and interpretive centers, or in similar organizations promoting public outreach and education. In addition, the program provides a foundation for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in Museum Studies. 

The program emphasizes the visitor experience throughout all aspects of museum decision-making and planning processes. Students in the program will learn about the inner operations of nonprofit and arts and cultural heritage organizations; have an opportunity to work directly with objects and artifacts; become immersed in current museum methods and cultural heritage literature; and learn about networking and resume-building opportunities. This certificate is typically completed in two semesters.

View Full Curriculum in the Academic Catalog

Learning Outcomes 

Students will be able to:

• Design professional museum displays.
• Create appropriate, educational, interpretive materials for museum visitors.
• Properly handle and display objects, artifacts and other museum holdings.
• Articulate how museums collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit items. 

Opportunities Upon Graduation

The Graduate Museum Studies Certificate Program helps prepare students to work in museums, educational and interpretive centers, and in similar organizations promoting public outreach and education. In addition, the program provides a foundation for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in Museum Studies. 

Admissions Requirements

Application materials should be emailed to: Sandra Harris, harriss3@ohio.edu. Acceptance will be determined by the program director.

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree or equivalent
• Resume/CV
• Letter of recommendation from a faculty member in the major discipline of the student
• Application essay stating how the Museum Studies Certificate meets the academic and professional goals of the student

English Proficiency Requirement

Please review information about Ohio University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirements for graduate study.

Download Application [PDF]

To Apply & For More Information

Contact Sandra Harris, Executive Director, Kennedy Museum of Art, harriss3@ohio.edu.