Imagine being able to inspire, educate, and capture the attention of thousands of people every day. Are we talking about a sports figure? No, we’re talking about museum professionals. In order to play a valuable role in our world’s education, consider a master’s in museum studies online. Whether you want to become a researcher, curator, exhibition developer, or museum director, this degree will put you on the path.
Without a doubt, museums have a massive impact on our society. In 2022, the Smithsonian received nearly 15 million visitors at its museums. The public benefits from access to these exhibits, and the information they share. In the meantime, pros work hard in the background to curate each exhibit.
In this article we’re going to take a deep dive into what you can do with an online museum studies degree. Let’s begin!
Article Navigation: What is an Online Master’s in Museum Studies? | What To Expect from Online Museum Studies Programs | Museum Studies vs. Art Leadership | Top 4 Master’s in Museum Studies Online Programs | Top 3 Master’s in Art Leadership & Management | Career Outlook | Ready to Start Your Museum Studies Degree Online?
What is an Online Master’s in Museum Studies?
An online Master’s in Museum Studies teaches students all about museums, their history, and their impact on society and culture. Additionally, expect to gain many job-ready skills like critical thinking, research, education, and management. Online master’s degrees in museum studies generally offer about 30 credit hours of coursework. Full time students may complete this in just a few semesters. By the same token, students can set their own pace as needed. Curriculum typically includes core subjects, electives, and a final capstone project. The capstone may involve defending a thesis, or completing an immersive project on a topic of interest.
Students enrolled in museum degrees online will access a virtual learning platform. During that time, they’ll access lectures, assignments, course materials, and forums to interact with colleagues. Classes may be self-paced or have minimal lecture obligations. This, of course, varies with each program.
GetEducated's Picks
- Johns Hopkins University Master of Arts in Museum Studies
- University of Kentucky Masters in Arts Administration
- Winthrop University Master of Arts in Arts Administration
What To Expect from Online Museum Studies Programs
Core courses may include Collections Management, Museums and Communities, Curatorship, or Museum Finances. With electives, students choose certain skills to develop. For instance, they may choose to focus on Independent Research.
Students should check for any in-person aspects before enrolling. For example, it’s common for a master’s in museum studies online to offer internship or practicum opportunities which involve face-to-face work. In cases like Southern University at New Orleans, there’s a summer internship at a museum. Some programs, on the other hand, may allow for in-person museum fieldwork at the end of one’s studies.
Academic quality is equally important. You should only consider online museum studies master’s programs from an accredited university or college. This recognition means an institution meets the highest standards for academic excellence. Accrediting bodies such as HLC and SACSCOC, are included in this list.
Admission requirements are unique to each program. However, all qualified applicants need a bachelor’s degree. Normally, applicants submit transcripts from all prior postsecondary education. Additionally, they may need to submit a letter of intent, a resume, and letters of recommendation.
Master’s in Museum Studies vs. Art Leadership
This article features excellent programs for two separate degree pathways. The first is a master’s in museum studies, while the second is a master’s in art leadership and management. Before choosing either of these master’s degrees online, think about your career goals.
Master’s in Museum Studies
If your dream is to land a specialized role at a museum – like archivist, educator, or curator; then an online master’s in museum studies is a perfect stepping stone. In-depth coursework to prepare you for those positions is included in the programs we’ve listed. For instance, you can gain a deeper understanding of the context and history of collections in courses like History of World Art. Meanwhile, Collections Management at the University of Oklahoma will serve as an excellent foundational course. Thanks to rigorous curriculums, you’ll gain the expertise you need.
Master’s in Art Leadership and Management
Students who want to lead an art or culture-related organization, on the other hand, should consider a master’s in art leadership and management. Rather than specialize in a singular function for a museum, you’ll be prepared for executive roles. In this case, your decisions can impact the greater scope of the entire organization. Courses like Events Management, Engagement, and Managing Arts Organizations will provide essential skills.
For the most part, the structure for both degrees is similar. You can expect about 30 credits of coursework, in either case. This includes a final capstone project and fieldwork opportunities for hands-on experience. Foundation coursework is included for both programs. With this is mind, electives are available for students to tailor their degree to their career goals. Museum studies graduates aren’t disqualified from management roles, though. They can choose electives such as “Leading Groups and Teams” found in the Master of Arts in Museum Studies from CUNY Graduate School and University Center, that offer skills needed for executive positions. However, an art leadership master’s degree can open doors to executive roles in many industries. As a result, graduates can explore positions beyond arts and culture.
Top 4 Master’s in Museum Studies Online Programs
We’ve created a list of some of the top master’s in museum studies online. Get Educated hand-picked these programs based on educational quality, affordability, and the level of online experience. Their cost of attendance ranges from $14,440 to $45,020.
University of Oklahoma
Degree: Master of Arts in Museum Studies
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $34,596The University of Oklahoma offers an extensive MA in museum studies online. Their varied course list includes Collections Management, Museums, Cultures and Communities, and Museum Interpretation. Each course offers modern concepts relevant to the constantly evolving museum industry.
An immersive Museum Project is also part of this program. This allows students to collaborate with a real museum. In time, they’ll learn the details of operating an impactful museum. During the final capstone project, students can choose a topic of interest. With guidance from an instructor, they manage and work on the project. This is a culmination of knowledge and skills gained throughout the master’s. In summary, OU Online students will be exposed to modern technologies and in-demand skills. At the same time, they’ll explore multiple learning theories.
With three start dates each year, students can graduate in 24 months. Moreover, OU’s 30-credit MA in museum studies is fully online. This flexibility along with experienced faculty make for a rewarding learning experience. In short, graduates will be prepared for an abundance of competitive museum roles. The scope of this online museum studies degree helps create future well-rounded industry professionals.
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Master of Arts in Museum StudiesCUNY Graduate School and University Center – School of Professional Studies
Degree: Master of Arts in Museum Studies
Accreditation: MSCHE
Total Cost (In-State): $14,810
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $14,810Students of this master’s in museum studies online will gain vital knowledge for success in the field. In fact, the New-York Historical Society (N-YHS) contributed to make this MA in Museum Studies as in-depth as possible. Their partnership with CUNY SPS gives students valuable mentorship, expert faculty, and the chance to build professional relationships. Students also gain access to discussion forums and an extensive peer support network.
This online museum studies master’s degree balances quality and affordability. Also, its fully virtual delivery method offers flexibility for working students. The program is 30-credits long. Moreover, students can build a degree that matches their interests. Elective courses include Leading Groups and Teams, Economics for Business Decisions, plus Digital Media. Required courses include History and Theory of Museums and Museum Finance and Law. The final Capstone Project combines independent practice with team building. During this, students can explore their creative side to produce a concept for a future museum initiative.
The MA in museum studies online teaches skills like theory, evaluation methods, archival management, exhibition development, and education. What’s more, an underlying theme throughout each course is inclusion and diversity.Find Out More:
Master of Arts in Museum StudiesSouthern University at New Orleans
Degree: Master of Arts in Museum Studies
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Total Cost (In-State): $17,779
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $31,661Next on our list is the Southern University at New Orleans master’s in museum studies online. Their innovative degree is a great first step towards many careers in the museum and arts fields. You’ll certainly have greater knowledge of a museum’s role in our society, upon completion. Graduates will acquire skills in museum education, digital strategies, and building community relationships, all of which play a vital role in museum operations.
Students will benefit from a fully online learning experience. Example courses include Collections Management, History of World Art, and Museum Curatorship. This online master’s in museum studies includes an internship with 100-200 hours of practical museum experience. Whether this is in-person or not will depend on the site and their needs. This gives students a real-world perspective as well as networking opportunities. Degree candidates may choose between a master’s project or thesis after finishing all coursework.
The project involves curation and installation of an actual museum exhibit. The thesis would require extensive research on a topic of the student’s interest.
SUNO’s program exposes students to innovative concepts found in other museology masters programs. Its Introduction to Museology and Writing for Research in Museums courses offer a foundation to this branch of knowledge.
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Master of Arts in Museum StudiesJohns Hopkins University
Degree: Master of Arts in Museum Studies
Accreditation: MSCHE
Total Cost (In-State): $17,779
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $31,661Lastly, Johns Hopkins University offers an elite master’s in museum studies online. In this case, students can earn an in-depth MA in museum studies from one of the nation’s top universities. With 30 credits to complete, full-time students may earn their degree in about 2 years. Graduates will qualify for diverse museum-related careers due to the extensive course offerings. Equally important to note, there’s only one required course. For the most part, the rest of the degree can be fully personalized. Example classes include Museums in the Digital Age, Living Collections, Introduction to Archives, plus various internships. The Exploring Museum Professions course, meanwhile, focuses on career paths.
Most of the program is online, except for a two-week in-person seminar. This takes place during the summer, either in the US or abroad. In either case, students will enrich their knowledge with daily experiences. They’ll work alongside museum staff, peers, and even patrons in real-world settings. Students who enroll in this MA in museum studies online become part of JHU’s diverse learning community. Complimentary certificates in Digital Curation and Nonprofit Management can boost future careers.
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Master of Arts in Museum Studies
Top 3 Master’s in Art Leadership & Management
We’v>e introduced some of the top online museum studies programs so far. Now, let’s consider a related degree. An MA in Art Leadership & Management is an option if your dream is to run a museum or become an industry policymaker. Similar to MA’s in museum studies programs online, this master’s can spark a museum career. The biggest difference is that you’d be eligible for executive positions. Tuition ranges between $12,208 – $47,520. Keep reading to learn more.
Wichita State University
Degree: Master of Arts in Arts Leadership & Management
Accreditation: HLC
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $12,208The first MA in Arts Leadership & Management online is from Wichita State University. The 30-credit program offers an expansive list of subjects. Significantly, there are no in-person requirements for this museum studies master’s online. Students will take courses in Introduction to Adaptive Leadership, Managing Arts Organizations, and Shaping Arts in the 21st Century.
The Final Project incorporates Wichita’s commitment to applied learning. This approach places greater emphasis in hands-on practice. Degree candidates will gain practical knowledge of marketing campaigns, fundraising, and museum operations. Internships are also available.
Each course will build core skills needed for arts leadership and management: marketing, critical thinking, advocating, and organizational management. Students will have ample opportunities to collaborate with industry experts, artists, and peers to discuss issues facing the industry. Graduates will earn tools necessary to succeed in many different art settings. Whether it’s a nationally recognized museum, production company, or local theater, the knowledge gained translates to all settings.
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Master of Arts in Arts Leadership & ManagementColorado State University
Degree: Master in Arts Leadership & Cultural Management
Accreditation: HLC
Total Cost (In-State): $20,644
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $20,644Colorado State University offers a museum studies degree online designed especially for future art leaders. Their Master in Arts Leadership & Cultural Management (MALCM) is flexible with online, hybrid, or in-person delivery methods available. It’s offered in collaboration with the LEAP Institute for the Arts.
The 32-credit program normally takes four semesters to complete. However, this online master’s in museum studies is available for CSU’s Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP). This allows degree-seekers to save time and money on their education.
The goal of the MACLM is to prepare future leaders of organizations across a multitude of sectors. In addition, numerous in-person practical opportunities are available. These include seminars, art venues, festivals, and internships. Students will learn from faculty with knowledge of the industry.Example core classes are Arts Event Management and Arts Policy and Advocacy. Included are electives in twelve different focus areas including Conflict Management and Communications, Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship, and Visual Arts. The breadth of this degree gives learners tools to succeed in many art fields. Given that, there are many possible career outcomes. These include production manager, art director, or even social justice leader, to list a few.
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Master in Arts Leadership & Cultural ManagementDrexel University
Degree: Master of Science in Arts Administration & Museum Leadership
Accreditation: MSCHE
Total Cost (In-State): $47,520
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $47,520Drexel University offers a dynamic online masters in museum studies. In fact, it’s ideal for people who want a competitive education. Their MS in Arts Administration and Museum Leadership (AAML) prepares future arts and culture leaders. This rigorous 45-credit program uses the quarter system and can be completed in 15 months. Another key point, all coursework is online with an asynchronous format.
Students may specialize in either Arts Administration or Museum Leadership. Arts Admin students will defend a thesis to graduate. The Museum Leadership route has a hand-ons practicum as its final project. All students will complete core courses like Marketing and Engagement in Arts and Cultural Organizations. In any case, expect to gain strong competencies in leadership, entrepreneurship, revenue development, cultural policy, media, research, and organizational management. With an abundance of electives offered, Drexel is committed to meeting the diverse goals of its graduate students.
Graduate assistantships and fellowships are also available. This provides networking and fieldwork opportunities. Additionally, first year students are invited to the National Arts Action Summit. Enrollment includes Arts Administration Graduate Association (AAGA) membership. This organization offers invaluable tools, to be sure. Students benefit from mentorship and a robust network of art industry experts, to name a few.
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Master of Science in Arts Administration & Museum Leadership
What’s the Career Outlook With a Museum Studies Degree?
Undeniably, an online master’s degree in museum studies is a gateway to an fulfilling career. Is your dream to acquire skills that transfer to many industries like the arts, government, and higher education? Then, this is a great choice for you. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the museum industry has a substantial 12% projected growth over the next ten years. To be sure, it’s well above the national average of 5%.
An MA in museum studies online prepares graduates for a number of roles. These include curators, museum technicians, operations specialists, archivists, and more. Overall, these careers offer competitive salaries. The median annual income of archivists was ($60,050), curators ($60,110), and museum workers ($47,630).
A master’s in art leadership & management online goes a step further. Rather than work for a museum, you will be able to influence its major decisions. Though the scope of this degree involves arts and culture, students will have expertise that transfers to other fields. In fact, its broadness creates leaders for many work settings. This includes museums, corporations, creative organizations, foundations, or even government. Moreover, these leadership positions typically pay very well. For example, the median annual salary for an art director in 2021 was $100,890. Also, general management positions averaged $102,450.
Ready to Start Your Museum Studies Degree Online?
In conclusion, it’s never been easier to dive into the exciting world of museums, arts, and culture. There are plenty of museum studies and art leadership online degrees. Given that, you have options for selecting what’s best for you. What’s more, you can choose to pursue a challenging, engaging, and highly impactful career. Museums are a foundation for our society’s knowledge and guardians of our history. Working in this field puts you at the forefront of art, culture and history. Start your journey today!