Minor in Museum Studies
College of Liberal & Creative Arts
Dean: Dr. Andrew Harris
School of Art
Director: Dr. Gwen Allen
Museum Studies Program
Fine Arts Building, Room 293
Phone: (415) 338-2176
Fax: (415) 338-6537
Email: museumst@sfsu.edu
Website: museum.sfsu.edu
Director: Dr. Edward M. Luby
Undergraduate Coordinator: Dr. Lissette Jiménez
Museum Studies Minor
The Museum Studies Minor is rigorous, interdisciplinary, and pre-professional in nature. Coursework emphasizes acquiring knowledge in museum practice and theory to understand the public service role of museums and to apply this knowledge to support the work of museums in creating exhibits, educating the public, and caring for collections through collaborative efforts.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Acquire and combine general education skills with relevant knowledge and information on museum practice and theory to understand and discuss the public service role of museums in a multicultural world
- Apply knowledge of museum practice and theory as a pre-professional to support the work of museums in creating exhibits, educating the public, caring for collections, and serving the public through collaborative work
- Use written, oral, and critical thinking skills to apply knowledge of museum practice and theory to evaluate the work of museums.
- Acquire knowledge of museum practice and theory to serve as an advocate for the role of museums as centers of education, community, and preservation
Minor in Museum Studies
The Museum Studies Minor is rigorous, interdisciplinary, and pre-professional in nature. Coursework emphasizes acquiring knowledge in museum practice and theory to understand the public service role of museums and to apply this knowledge to support the work of museums in creating exhibits, educating the public, and caring for collections, through collaborative efforts. Students gain a useful set of pre-professional skills in museum practice, relevant information about museum theory and history, and learn about future careers in museums and informal educational settings. Written, oral, and, critical thinking skills are developed to evaluate the work of museums.
The Museum Studies Minor will prepare students for the terminal M.A. degree in Museum Studies, or for additional on-the-job training for work in museums. Graduates will appreciate the role and power of museums in the world as centers of learning, enjoyment, and community engagement, and as stewards of cultural and natural heritage.
Admission to the Minor is open to all students with upper-division standing and who have completed M S 201 and M S 202 with a minimum grade of C.
All coursework used to satisfy the requirements of the minor must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
Museum Studies Minor — 18 units
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| M S 201 | Introduction to the History and Development of Museums | 3 |
| M S 202 | Introduction to Museum Exhibits | 3 |
| M S 310 | Introduction to Museum Education Methods and Community Engagement | 3 |
| M S 681 | Preparation for Museum Practicum | 2 |
| M S 682 | Capstone Practicum | 3 |
| Select one: | 1 | |
| Collections Stewardship Practicum | ||
| Educational Programming and Interpretation Practicum | ||
| ART 619 | Exhibition Design | 3 |
or one course selected in consultation with an advisor. | ||