2022-2023 Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Museum Studies, MA


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The mission of the University of San Francisco’s Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Museum Studies is to shape leaders in museums and cultural organizations of all disciplines. Through a curriculum that emphasizes social justice, community engagement and hands-on experience, students acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to strategically transform museums in a constantly changing global context.

Program Learning Outcomes


Students will:

  • Articulate a critical understanding of the histories, challenges and methodologies related to museums as complex public service organizations
  • Analyze institutional practices in light of USF’s mission of social justice
  • Apply skills and knowledge essential for successful professional patterns of behavior and practice in all types of museums and like organizations

Graduate Requirements (32 Units)


Elective Practica (8 Units)


Internship Program


During the summer semester, students complete a 4-unit internship at the location of their choice, supervised by an internship coordinator who leads the accompanying mentoring, online discussion and assignments. Students spend at least 150 hours per week at their internship over a 12-week period.

Museum Studies Capstone


In the final semester, students complete an independent research project focused on a current or historical issue or problem within the field that relates to their professional interests. The capstone is supervised by faculty and culminates in either a final research paper or project, followed by an oral presentation synthesizing their learning experience in the program.

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