The Master of Arts in Museum Studies Program (Available on Campus/Online)
Haitham Eid, Ph.D., Director/Associate Professor
Office: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Bldg., Room 215
Phone: (504) 286-5010
Fax: (504) 284-5506
Email: heid@suno.edu
Professor: Sara Hollis, Doctor of Arts in Humanities/Professor
Office: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Bldg., Room 212
Phone: (504) 284-5511
Fax: (504) 284-5506
Email: shollis@suno.edu
Students matriculating in the Master of Arts in Museum Studies (MUSE) Program will undertake a rigorous course of learning in Museology, the branch of knowledge dedicated to the study of the theories, procedures, and managerial concepts of museums. The program takes special interest in the role museums play to create social and cultural value in their communities. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore how museums deal with issues related to diversity, inclusion and social justice, both internally (within museums) and externally.
Practical application of course work is achieved through internships with local, regional and national museums, which serve as extended classrooms. Students will examine options for employment, which will prepare graduates of the program to pursue careers in galleries, libraries, archives, museums and national parks.
Degree – Master of Arts in Museum Studies
Mission Statement: – Realizing the need to develop more equitable, diverse and inclusive cultural institutions, the mission of the Master of Arts in Museum Studies Program is to educate and train a diverse student population to be professionals and leaders in the museum and arts sectors. Through a balanced approach between theory and practice, students gain in-depth knowledge about several aspects of the African Diaspora and museum work, including collections management, exhibition design, museum education, audience engagement, digital strategies and community involvement.
Vision:
As the only program of its kind in the state of Louisiana, the Master of Arts in Museum Studies Program positions itself as a major regional and national hub for intellectual discussions in the museum studies discipline, particularly around issues related to diversity, inclusion and social justice in museums.
Core Values:
- Raising the consciousness of the importance and necessity of culture and tolerance in our lives;
- Intellectual honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct;
- Professionalism in museum work;
- Critical thinking and theoretical discourse;
- Program quality and excellence;
- Innovation and leadership;
- Diversity and inclusion;
- A balance of theory and practice; and
- In-depth, hands-on, Practicum experiences.
Program Requirements
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed Graduate School Application.
- Official Transcript(s).
- Three Letters of Recommendation that address academic achievements and potential as a graduate student. Letters should be from former professors or professional supervisors and colleagues.
- A one-page typed statement of purpose/interest that explains the applicant’s reasons for pursuing a master’s degree in museum studies. Applicants should demonstrate a desire to establish a career in the professional museum field.
- An interview with MUSE Admissions Committee.
Program of Study:
Students who are interested in applying for the Program and do not have a background in museum studies or related field may be required to take GNST Principles of Museology, as a preparatory course before enrolling in the Program. Upon matriculation, students are required to complete thirty-six (36) hours of course work for graduation, which includes four core courses, a one-hundred hour internship and a master’s project (option one) or master’s thesis (option two). Throughout the course of study, students are encouraged to become members and volunteers at local museums and cultural institutions, join professional associations, and to attend local, regional and national conferences and workshops. With continuous full-time study, the Master of Arts in Museum Studies degree can be earned in two years. The program can be pursued on campus or online.
Suggested Course Sequence
First Semester (Fall)
Second Semester (Spring)
Choose 3 classes from the above for 9 credit hours.
Third Semester (Fall)
Fourth Semester (Spring)
Total Credit Hours: 36