Pursuing a graduate degree can open doors to a fulfilling career in the museum field. With a specialized education, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to excel in this competitive industry. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top graduate schools that will equip you for success in museum work.
University of California, Berkeley
Master’s Degree in Museum Studies
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Highlights:
- Renowned program in the heart of San Francisco’s museum district
- Internships with top institutions, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the California Academy of Sciences
- Graduates work at prestigious museums around the world
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Master’s Degree in Museum Studies
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Highlights:
- Project-based curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and creativity
- Partnerships with the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Brooklyn Museum
- Small class sizes and individualized attention from faculty
New York University
Master’s Degree in Museum Studies
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Highlights:
- Located in New York City, a major hub for museums and cultural institutions
- Internships with over 70 partnering organizations, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum
- Focus on diversity and inclusion in the museum field
University of Glasgow
Master’s Degree in Museum Studies
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Highlights:
- One of the oldest and most prestigious museum studies programs in the world
- Home to the Hunterian Museum, a renowned collection of historical and scientific artifacts
- Graduates find employment in various museum roles globally
University of Leicester
Master’s Degree in Museum and Gallery Studies
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Highlights:
- Ranked among the top 10 museum studies programs in the UK
- Strong focus on practical skills, including conservation, collections management, and curatorship
- Partnerships with museums and galleries throughout the UK
Emory University
Master’s Degree in Art History with a Concentration in Museum Studies
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Highlights:
- Internships at renowned institutions, such as the High Museum of Art and the Atlanta History Center
- Courses in art history, museum theory, and museum education
- Graduates pursue careers in curating, collections management, and public programming
University of Southern California
Master’s Degree in Museum Studies
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Highlights:
- Located in Los Angeles, a major cultural center and home to numerous museums
- Internships with institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Getty Center
- Emphasis on museum management, leadership, and fundraising
University of Florida
Master’s Degree in Museum Studies
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Highlights:
- Partnerships with over 150 museums and cultural institutions
- Focus on research and scholarship, including a master’s thesis option
- Graduates work in museums across the United States and internationally
Pratt Institute
Master’s Degree in Arts and Cultural Management
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Highlights:
- Combines museum studies with business and management courses
- Internships with non-profit and for-profit cultural organizations
- Graduates pursue careers in marketing, development, and management in the museum sector
Best Graduate Schools for Museum Work by State
To help you narrow down your search, here’s a table summarizing the best graduate schools for museum work by state:
| State | University | Program |
|---|---|---|
| California | University of California, Berkeley | Master’s in Museum Studies |
| New York | Cooper Union | Master’s in Museum Studies |
| New York | New York University | Master’s in Museum Studies |
| Scotland | University of Glasgow | Master’s in Museum Studies |
| England | University of Leicester | Master’s in Museum and Gallery Studies |
| Georgia | Emory University | Master’s in Art History with a Concentration in Museum Studies |
| California | University of Southern California | Master’s in Museum Studies |
| Florida | University of Florida | Master’s in Museum Studies |
| New York | Pratt Institute | Master’s in Arts and Cultural Management |
Best Graduate Schools for Museum Work by Specialization
If you have a specific area of interest within museum work, consider the following schools with specialized programs:
| Specialization | University | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Curating | New York University | Master’s in Museum Studies with a Concentration in Curatorial Studies |
| Collections Management | University of Leicester | Master’s in Museum and Gallery Studies with a Specialization in Collections Management |
| Museum Education | Emory University | Master’s in Art History with a Concentration in Museum Education |
| Museum Management | University of Southern California | Master’s in Museum Studies with a Concentration in Museum Management |
| Museum Technology | Pratt Institute | Master’s in Arts and Cultural Management with a Concentration in Museum Technology |
Tips for Choosing the Right Graduate School
- Consider your career goals: Identify the specific areas of museum work that interest you and choose a program that aligns with your aspirations.
- Research program curriculum: Thoroughly review the course offerings, faculty, and internship opportunities to ensure they meet your needs.
- Visit the campus: If possible, visit the campus and meet with faculty and students to get a firsthand impression of the program.
- Attend a virtual event: Many graduate schools host virtual events, such as webinars and Q&A sessions, which provide an opportunity to learn about the program from the comfort of your home.
Conclusion
Pursuing a graduate degree in museum studies is an investment in your future. The top graduate schools listed in this article provide exceptional education, hands-on experience, and valuable connections that will prepare you for a successful career in the museum field. Take the time to explore these programs thoroughly and choose the one that best aligns with your interests and aspirations.