Minor in Museum Studies

College of Liberal & Creative Arts

Dean: Dr. Ifeoma Kiddoe Nwankwo

School of Art

Director: Victor De La Rosa

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

  1. 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
  2. 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 
  3. Use written, oral, and critical thinking skills to apply knowledge of museum practice and theory to evaluate the work of museums.
  4. 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 - 18 units

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 or M S 202 with a minimum grade of C. 

A minimum of 6 upper-division units are required to complete the minor.

All coursework used to satisfy the requirements of the minor must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

Required Courses (18 units)

M S 201Introduction to the History and Development of Museums3
M S 202Introduction to Museum Exhibits3
M S 310Introduction to Museum Education Methods and Community Engagement3
M S 681Preparation for Museum Practicum2
M S 682Capstone Practicum3
Select one:1
Collections Stewardship Practicum
Educational Programming and Interpretation Practicum
ART 619Exhibition Design3
or one course selected in consultation with an advisor.