The four courses in the program introduce students to the history and role of museums in society, the philosophical and legal issues that face the modern museum, hands-on exhibition planning and collections care skills, and museum education. The culmination of the program is an internship in a museum setting. The certificate is available to professionals who are interested in earning it on a part-time, nondegree basis, as well as to graduate students in art history, history, education, or fine arts interested in pursuing it as a concentration within their master's degree. The program is open to students with a bachelor's degree. Four courses and an internship are required for the certificate.
Students select a concentration in either art history, history, or education.
After completing the foundation course, a student selects a concentration in art history, history, or education, and takes the corresponding electives. The internship is the culminating course in the certificate program, and is intended to provide the student with firsthand professional experience in museum work. Internships are arranged according to the student's interests and career goals.