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Kennedy Hero 2023
Museum Studies Certificate Program

Museum Studies Certificate Programs

Undergraduate Museum Studies Certificate Program (CTMUSE)

Graduate Museum Studies Certificate Program (CTMSTG)

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.

Ohio University students in the Museum Studies Certificate program curate and install an exhibit called "In These Moments" in the Kennedy Museum of Art.
Each year, Museum Studies students curate and install an exhibit called “Merging Concepts,” bringing their own sets of ideas and twists to the theme. This year the topic of “In These Moments” explores the storytelling process of emotions, events, narratives and artworks.

Read more about the "In These Moments" exhibit at OHIO News.

Learning Outcomes 

Students will be able to:

  • Design professional museum displays.
  • Create appropriate, educational, interpretive materials for museum visitors. 
  • Properly handle and display objects, artifacts and other museum holdings. 
  • Articulate how museums collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit items. 

Opportunities Upon Graduation

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. 

Admissions Requirements & Electives

Undergraduate Museum Studies Certificate Program (CTMUSE)

Graduate Museum Studies Certificate Program (CTMSTG)

Download Application [PDF]

To Apply & For More Information

Contact Sandra Harris, Executive Director, Kennedy Museum of Art, harriss3@ohio.edu