The Minor Program in Museum Studies is rigorous, interdisciplinary and pre-professional in nature.
Undergraduate Coordinator: L. Jiménez
Coursework in the Museum Studies Minor emphasizes acquiring knowledge in museum practice and theory to understand the public service role of museums, and to apply this knowledge to support the work of museums in creating exhibits, educating the public and caring for collections through collaborative efforts.
Students gain a useful set of pre-professional skills in museum practice, relevant information about museum theory and history, and learn about future careers in museums and informal educational settings. Written, oral and critical thinking skills are developed to evaluate the work of museums.
The Museum Studies Minor will prepare students for the terminal M.A. degree in Museum Studies, or for additional on-the-job training for work in museums. Graduates will appreciate the role and power of museums in the world as centers of learning, enjoyment and community engagement, and as stewards of cultural and natural heritage.
Minor Program Learning Outcomes
- Acquire and combine general education skills with relevant knowledge and information on museum practice and theory to understand and discuss the public service role of museums in a multicultural world.
- Apply knowledge of museum practice and theory as a pre-professional to support the work of museums in creating exhibits, educating the public, caring for collections and serving the public, through collaborative work.
- Use written, oral and critical thinking skills to apply knowledge of museum practice and theory to evaluate the work of museums.
- Acquire knowledge of museum practice and theory to serve as an advocate for the role of museums as centers of education, community and preservation.
Museum Studies minor: 18 units
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated
Required Courses
- M S 201 Introduction to Museums
- M S 202 Introduction to Museum Exhibits
- M S 310 Museum Education Methods and Community Engagement
- One Course Selected on Consultation with Faculty (*)
- M S 681 Preparation for Museum Practicum (2 units)**
- M S 682 Capstone Practicum
- M S 683 Collections Stewardship Practicum (1 unit)**
- M S 684 Educational Programming and Interpretation Practicum (1 unit)**
(*) It is highly recommended that students enroll in ART 619 Exhibition Design, which is offered every semester. Upon admission to the Minor, students will be allowed to enroll in Art 619.
(**) Either M S 683 or M S 684 must be taken concurrently with M S 681
Preparing to Add/Declare the Minor
Students first must complete either M S 201 or M S 202 with a minimum grade of C, have upper division standing, and meet with a Museum Studies faculty advisor BEFORE admission to the Minor.
Upon approved admission to the Minor, students will be eligible for M S 681, Preparation for Museum Practicum, which involves work in SF State’s Global Museum, and M S 682, the Capstone Practicum, a 120-hour practicum in a museum located off campus. M S 681 is taken concurrently with M S 683 or M S 684 for a total of 3 units; all are offered in the Fall semesters. M S 682 is offered in the spring semesters.
Note: All coursework in the Minor must be completed with a grade of C or better. Students should meet with a faculty advisor at least once a semester to remain on track for a timely graduation. Download and complete the Museum Studies Minor Advising form below and bring with you for advising.
How to Add/Declare the Minor in Museum Studies
Students need to make an advising appointment with a Museum Studies faculty advisor after completing either M S 201 or M S 202 to declare a minor in Museum Studies. If you are a Transfer student and would like to Minor in Museum Studies, please contact a Faculty Advisor as soon as possible. Email museumst@sfsu.edu to make an appointment with faculty.
After advising, students may then complete an online Request to Add a Minor via SF State Gateway/MySFSU. Go to the online Student Center. Under the Academics section, select Change Major from the drop-down menu and follow the instructions. If you're having trouble with the online form, you may also download and complete the Add Minor form.
See the Bulletin for more information about the Minor in Museum Studies.