About Museum Studies at KU

The KU Museum Studies program offers a comprehensive overview of museums and the museum profession. Students master core components of museum practice, gain solid grounding in current issues facing museums, and engage in research to develop new and innovative approaches in the field.

The master's degree in Museum Studies offers personal attention in a small, selective program, with all courses taught by experienced faculty members and museum professionals from leading institutions. As an independent program within a major research university, Museum Studies at KU enables students to develop individualized education plans tailored to their interests. In addition to disciplines such as history, anthropology, paleontology, and art history, students are encouraged to take courses in fields as varied as public administration, education, or design. The graduate certificate program builds on this and enables students to integrate knowledge of museum studies into their own academic disciplines or professional training.

The program is designed to reflect the needs of the museum profession. Graduates gain the skills and experience they need to move immediately into positions of responsibility in the field, whether in collections, public engagement, or administration. The KU Museum Studies program has a loyal, enthusiastic network of alumni eager to help new graduates and we have a strong record of placement across the nation.

The Museum Studies Class of 2018. Not pictured: Kelli Gamel.

Erik Radowski & Dr. Welsh after Erik passed his thesis defense

First year student Kristyn Crossley at the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

Alissa Meehan presenting what would become her thesis at the MPMA Conference in October 2014

Museum Island in Berlin, taken by second year Elenore Leonard on a summer European tour.

Why Choose KU Muse?

Our students say it best...

"The Museum Studies program can be catered to how you want it. Students can choose to focus on what interests them, and there are many opportunities both in school and out to make the most of a student’s two years at the University of Kansas."

"The small class size allows you to get to know everyone in the program."

"The staff and the students all care about helping one another develop the skills and experience needed to mold you into a strong museum professional. Also, all the students, first- and second-years, work together to network, exchange experiences, and have plenty of fun doing it."

Become a MUSE today!