Museum Education Program (Master's)

Overview

The George Washington University developed its master of arts in teaching in museum education in consultation with the museum community. The interdisciplinary curriculum balances academic study with carefully supervised fieldwork, preparing practitioners with the range of knowledge and competencies requisite to lead the profession.

Degree candidates engage with world-class institutions to build their portfolios as advocates for museum accessibility and accountability. A strong network of alumni advances the museum's efforts to fulfill its public service mission, contributing to the formulation of sound policy and best practices through professional activism.

Philosophy

Accessibility, advocacy, and accountability are the three core tenets of The George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development’s Museum Education Program (MEP). After completing the four-semester, 33-credit hour program, students will be better able to:

• Develop and implement effective strategies that empower visitors to experience museums more fully.
• Excel as advocates for the public within the museum and as advocates for the museum with the public.
• Promote the nurturing of an enlightened citizenry.

Methodology

The sequence of four consecutive semesters of core courses combines on-campus instruction with individualized field placements. Students learn the competencies of museum educators by observing experienced practitioners at work in classroom and museum settings, practicing modeled methods in seminar and fieldwork assignments and by sharing independent and collaborative efforts with fellow degree candidates. "See one; do one; teach one" underlies the approach in which MEP degree candidates progress from novice to reflective practitioner and, ultimately, to expert.

Through workshop series tailored specifically for them by internationally recognized leaders in the museum community, students encounter significant issues - social responsibility, ethics - challenging cultural institutions.

Careers

Museums today offer a variety of educational opportunities for every audience. In pursuit of excellence and equity, the museum educator shapes exhibition development, interpretive materials, family and school programming, and interactive devices, as well as evaluates the effectiveness of the museum's offerings.

Graduates qualify for positions in art, history or science museums; children's museums, zoos, aquariums or nature centers; and historical societies or sites. Additionally, alumni across the country and abroad serve in professional associations, government agencies, and private foundations, as well as in schools and universities.

Program of Study

The 33 credits of coursework consist of 27 credits of core courses and six credits of elective courses. The entire class takes the core courses in sequence over four semesters, starting in June each year. Students individually choose their electives in the arts, humanities, and sciences, as well as in museology.

Credit Hours: 33 Program of Study

Who Should Apply?

All applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Prospective students with a strong undergraduate, graduate or professional background in the arts, humanities or sciences, with museum or teaching experience, or with an interest in the needs of the museum's diverse audiences are encouraged to apply.

As of July 2011, 37 classes - including eight Fulbright Scholars - have completed the core courses.  Of the graduating classes from the preceding decade, 85% hold museum-related positions.

Admission Information for this Degree Program

Summer admit available only. Applications must include two letters of recommendation, a 1-2 page statement of purpose, official transcripts from all institutions attended, a résumé and Graduate Record Examination or Miller Analogies Test scores. To be admitted to the program, applicants must meet the admissions criteria established by the University, the School and the program. Applicants who are citizens of countries where English is not an official language are also required to submit either TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Visit our Admissions Section for more general Admissions information.

Tuition Support Information for this Degree/Program:
GSEHD offers a limited number of tuition fellowships and support from endowment funds for on-campus students. All awards are merit-based. For additional information, contact the Office of Admissions.

Visit our Tuition Support for more general Tuition Support information.

MEP Awards and Honors

Once accepted into the program, students are eligible to apply for two financial awards given during the museum internship through the Marcella Brenner Endowment for Museum Education. Worthy students may also apply for one of two Rossetta A. and Sadie B. Feldman Fellowships. Finally, a small monetary prize is conferred at Commencement on a degree candidate through the Doris and Sam Buchalter Endowment for Museum Education.

Program Location(s):
Main Campus (Washington, DC)

Contact Information