Nov 24, 2024  
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2023-24 
    
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2023-24 [Archived Catalog]

Museum Studies Certificate


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Museum Studies Certificate – CTMSTG

School of Art + Design
528 Seigfred Hall
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio 45701
740.593.4288
ArtGrad@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Term of Entry: Fall, Spring

Terms of Entry Requiring Program Permission: None

Enrollment Eligibility: Degree-seeking students

Certificate Overview

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.

Certificate Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to design professional museum displays.
  • Students will be able to create appropriate, educational, interpretive materials for museum visitors.
  • Students will be able to properly handle and display objects, artifacts and other museum holdings.
  • Students will be able to articulate how museums collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit items.

Opportunities upon Completion

The 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.

Admission Requirements

Application materials should be emailed to: Sally Delgado, delgado@ohio.edu. Acceptance will be determined by the Director of the program.

  • 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

International Students

This certificate program alone does not permit full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to this certificate.

Completion Requirements

This certificate requires a minimum of 12 hours.

Required Courses


Complete the following courses for a total of 6 hours:

Directed Elective Courses


Students must select and successfully complete 6 credit hours. Courses must be taken from two different areas among the following departments: Anthropology, Art History, Biology, Education, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs Master in Public Administration, Geology, Film, Music, Plant Biology, Recreation Studies, Retail Merchandising and Fashion Product Development, Modern Language, Theater, and History. Students should consult with their advisor for suggested course options in each discipline. 

Culminating Experience


Students in this program will take part in creating an exhibition at the Kennedy Museum of Art during the final semester. This involves concept design, curation of items, individual item display and overall exhibition design, interpretative materials, promotion, educational programming, reception organization and gallery tours.

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