University of South Carolina

Program Information

Degree Offered

Certificate of Graduate Studies in Museum Management

Program Description:

At the center of the graduate certificate program in museum management is the University's McKissick Museum. Established in 1976, the museum serves as a repository to many valuable campus collections. The certificate program, founded in 1982, utilizes its holdings and facilities in teaching best practices. Our students receive specialized museum training to complement their firm grounding in their academic subject area. At McKissick, we adhere to the professional standards established by the American Association of Museums, while also providing a source of knowledgeable, trained personnel for the many rapidly growing regional institutions.

Course of Study

The course of study is designed to be completed concurrently with a graduate degree in an academic field, or to supplement a degree already in hand. Degree-seeking students in many departments in the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as the College of Mass Communications and Information Studies, and other professional programs, integrate museum courses within their program of study. The certificate program courses are also accessible for museum professionals who have already attained a graduate degree and would like to extend their knowledge in the museum field.

Course work is focused on the three main areas of museum work: management, collections, and exhibitions and related programs. In each of these areas instructors seek to impart current information, encourage independent thinking, and enhance leadership skills. In all of the courses, students work on team projects in museums throughout South Carolina. For the internships "real world" experience is stressed and expected, as students work on individualized projects from which they and their institutional sponsors benefit.
All students must complete 18 credit hours divided among courses and an internship. The core curriculum consisting of two courses (6 credit hours) requires students to take

Accreditation:

American Association of Museums, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Eligibility Requirements:

None

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Format: Campus

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Midsize City

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above