Graduate Studies

Museum Studies

“The Museum Studies program in the Quad Cities was the perfect place for me to combine my love for teaching, history, and museums. It was essential in providing me the experience I needed to start my professional career in museology. The staff, students, and local museum professionals helped provide a perfect blend of professionalism, friendliness, and guidance to help me achieve my degree.” – Bradley Jorgensen, M.A. in Museum Studies '21

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Museum Studies degree program prepares students for a variety of leadership roles within museums and cultural institutions. The program presents a foundational understanding of museums historically and addresses how once traditional practices are being transformed to meet the needs of museums today.

Courses build upon each student's previous studies while teaching about the educational efforts, collections, and collaborative partnerships that make museums essential to our communities.

Experienced faculty offer in-depth knowledge of best practices in management, collections, exhibites, resource development, and community engagement within current social and cultural contexts.

Our flexible and interdisciplinary degree allows students to customize their program of study through a combination of core courses and electives. Emphasis is placed on practicum experiences within locally based museums and cultural institutions so students develop professional networks while gaining hands-on experience.

Why Museum Studies at WIU?

Graduates of the program will be prepared to:

  • Preserve, present, and interpret the stories found within museum collections and the communities they serve
  • Engage audiences with a range of educational programming, exhibits, community outreach initiatives, and digital publications
  • Promote participatory practices that reflect the diversity of the surrounding community
  • Manage and lead museums and cultural institutions in sustainable ways that increase their public value

Our Faculty

Faculty leading and teaching in the program have academic and professional experience in museums and related disciplines and are recognized nationally and internationally for their teaching, research, publications, and professional service.

Quick View

Degrees Available:

  • M.A.
  • Integrated Bachelor's/Master's

Locations:

  • Quad Cities

Required GPA:

  • Cumulative: 3.0 or
  • Last 2 years: 3.0

Admission Requirements:

  • Statement/Essay
  • Transcripts
  • Resume
  • Three Letters of Recommendation

Interesting Facts: Fall 2023

  • Currently enrolled: 18
  • International: 0
  • Minority: 6
  • Students with Assistantships: 9

Department Contact Information:

Heidi Lung
WIU Quad Cities
309/762-9481
HK-Lung@wiu.edu