Southern University at New Orleans

Master of Arts in Museum Studies (Online & On-Campus)

The Master of Arts in Museum Studies is the only program of its kind in the State of Louisiana.

The program can be completed entirely online or on campus. Students matriculating in the program will undertake a rigorous course of learning in Museology, the branch of knowledge dedicated to the study of the theories, procedures, and managerial concepts of museums: institutions for the acquisition, preservation, study, and exhibition of works of artistic, historical or scientific value.

Practical application of course work is achieved through internships with local, regional, and national museums, which serve as extended classrooms. Students will examine options for employment, which will prepare graduates of the program to pursue careers in a variety of local, regional, and national museums, campus museums, private galleries, and historical associations.

Mission

Realizing the need to develop more equitable, diverse, and inclusive cultural institutions, the mission of the Master of Arts in Museum Studies Program is to educate and train a diverse student population to be professionals and leaders in the museum and arts sectors. Through a balanced approach between theory and practice, students gain in-depth knowledge about several aspects of the African Diaspora and museum work, including collections management, exhibition design, museum education, audience engagement, digital strategies, and community involvement.

Vision

As the only program of its kind in the state of Louisiana, the Master of Arts in Museum Studies Program positions itself as a major regional and national hub for intellectual discussions in the museum studies discipline, particularly around issues related to diversity, inclusion, and social justice in museums.

Core Values

• Raising the consciousness of the importance and necessity of culture and tolerance in our lives;
• Intellectual honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct;
• Professionalism in museum work;
• Critical thinking and theoretical discourse;
• Program quality and excellence;
• Innovation and leadership;
• Diversity and inclusion
• A balance of theory and practice; and,
• In-depth, hands-on, Practicum experiences