Museum Studies at GWU
The Master of Arts in Museum Studies program at The George Washington University responds to the evolving museum profession by combining hands-on training with future-focused theoretical engagement. Students gain foundational knowledge about the state of museum work today, practical skills and the ability to critically engage with developments in the field. Our location in the nation’s museum capital offers a unique opportunity to connect to national and global conversations at the cutting edge of museum practice.
Coursework offers both breadth and depth in Collections Management, Museum Management, Exhibitions and Visitor Experience, and Public Engagement. Our students come from a range of academic disciplines, from history and anthropology to art history and the natural sciences.
The MA program of study is flexible so students can personalize their academic experience to help accomplish their own goals. Our 36-credit program can be completed by full-time students in two academic years. Part-time study is also permitted, but the program must be completed in a maximum of four years
Program Requirements
All students complete:
- one core course entitled Museum Ethics & Values
- one internship
- five (5) courses as required in the selected concentration
- five (5) electives, which may be drawn from within Museum Studies (including a second internship) or from outside the program. Up to four (4) non-museum studies courses are permitted.
- a Museum Studies comprehensive exam in their concentration
- the graduate writing requirement
- an oral presentation related to their internship
Throughout the program, students work with an advisor to ensure that they will meet program requirements and their own career and educational goals.