J o h n F K e n n e d y U n i v e r s i t y

DEPARTMENT OF MUSEUM STUDIESThe Department of Museum Studies is committed topreparing museum professionals to meet the demandsof an increasingly complex profession. Today’s museumprofessionals must have the knowledge and skills to servenew audiences, create collaborative partnerships withcommunities, design innovative exhibitions and programs,and develop a sustainable financial base of support.The curriculum covers a wide range of museum issues andprovides fundamental skills while challenging students to criticallyanalyze and creatively reform the museum for a diversesociety. The training is applicable to all types of museums,historical sites, natural parks, and cultural centers.All Museum Studies faculty members are practicing professionals.Their ranks include conservators, registrars/collectionsmanagers, educators, exhibit designers, and museumadministrators. Students have close contact with other expertsin the field through museum visits, guest speakers, andinternships.The Master of Arts is the preferred credential andrecommended for students who intend to pursue a full-timecareer in the museum field. The department’s certificateoption is designed for professionals who have extensiveexperience in the field and do not require a master’s degree.Prior advising with the department chair may assist applicantsin their selection of the master’s or certificate program.Individuals interested in taking only one or two coursesmay do so as non-degree students if space is available. Nondegreestudents must hold a bachelor’s degree and havean interview with the department chair before enrolling incourses.ADMISSION REQUIREMENTSApplicants must meet all university requirements foradmission in addition to the requirements listed here.• Interview with the department chair. The department ofMuseum Studies will contact applicants to arrange for aninterview after the application file is complete. Telephoneinterviews will be arranged for applicants who live outsidethe Bay Area.• Bachelor’s degree from an institution whose accreditationis recognized by the Council for Higher EducationAccreditation (CHEA).• Personal statement: a double-spaced, three-page (typed)essay, carefully edited for content, grammar, and style thatanswers the following questions:• What is the role of the museum in today’s world?• Given your response to question one, describe yourspecific career goals.• How has your education and experience prepared youfor graduate study in museum studies?• Three letters of recommendation.• Official transcripts from all colleges and universitiesattended.• International applicants must have a minimum TOEFL scoreof 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-basedtest, or 100 on the Internet-based test with a minimumscore of 4.5 in the writing section.Application Deadline is March 15. Late applications willbe considered on a case-by-case basis if space is available.Applicants for the master’s degree are admitted only for thefall quarter.54 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND LIBERAL ARTSJOHN F. KENNEDY UNIVERSITY