Museum Science and Management - Kendall College of Arts and Sciences

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Museum Science and Management

The Museum Science and Management (MSM) master’s program at The University of Tulsa provides both interdisciplinary course work and hands-on experience. It is designed to prepare future museum professionals in the areas of administration, fiscal management, collections care, research and education.

Program overview and outcomes

Students gain experience using objects and collections in research, exhibition, publication and programming, as well as a background in museum administration, leadership and fundraising. Internship opportunities are available at regional and national cultural institutions that provide practical experience for students in their selected areas of specialization.

MSM faculty provide mentoring to ensure students gain a broad understanding of professional opportunities and responsibilities. Program graduates are ready to take up careers in museums, historical agencies, archives, national parks and related institutions.

Prospective students

TU’s MSM program is open to students who have earned an undergraduate degree in any academic discipline from an accredited university. Admission to a particular track within the MSM program, however, may be limited based on prior coursework and is decided by the MSM graduate committee.

Facilities

The entrance of Gilcrease Museum
The entrance of Gilcrease Museum

Gilcrease Museum is one of the country’s best facilities for the preservation and study of American art and history. It houses the world’s largest, most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West, including historical manuscripts, documents and maps, as well as an unparalleled collection of Native American art and artifacts.

TU’s Helmerich Center for American Research is home to the Gilcrease Library and Archive, a collection that includes an array of materials telling the story of America. The Helmerich Center is also home to a paper conservation lab and a digitization studio, while TU’s McFarlin Library curates complementary collections.

The Henry Zarrow Center for Art and Education, across from Guthrie Green in downtown Tulsa, provides exciting new gallery space for contemporary exhibits and a suite of art education classrooms.

  • Contact Us

    Anthropology Department

    William Smith, Ph.D.
    Assistant Director, Helmerich Center for American Research
    Interim Program Coordinator, Museum Science and Management
    Gilcrease Museum/University of Tulsa
    (918) 631-6414 Office
    william-smith@utulsa.edu

    Graduate School

    Lorton Hall 201
    800 South Tucker Drive
    Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104

    918-631-2336 or 1-800-882-4723
    grad@utulsa.edu

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  • Degree Options

    Museum Science and Management, M.A.

    Prepares students to become museum professionals through classroom preparation, a commitment to hands-on projects, and meaningful internships.

  • Application Requirements

    Applicants must submit all required application materials prior to an admission decision and meet all general standards for graduate admission at The University of Tulsa. Required application materials and general standards for admission are available on the Graduate School website. Other requirements include:

    • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
    • A minimum TOEFL score of 90 on the Internet-based exam, 232 on the computer-based exam, or 575 on the paper exam for students whose native language is not English. Non-native speakers may submit a minimum score of 6.5 from the IELTS examination to substitute for the TOEFL score.
    • An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0. Students who do not satisfy this requirement but have at least a 3.0 GPA in their major field may be admitted on probation.
    • Letters of recommendation from at least two professors or former supervisors who are familiar with the applicant’s technical background, work performance and academic potential.
    • A Statement of Purpose that includes a description of the applicant’s background, rationale for the desired track, specific interests in museum science and management, and long-term professional objectives.
  • Program of Study

    The Museum Science and Management program leads to a Master of Arts degree. Full-time students should be able to complete the degree program in two years, and part-time students should expect to complete the degree program in three to four years.

    The degree program requires the completion of 33 credit hours, including classroom instruction coupled with actual work in a museum setting. The curriculum consists of:

    • A museum science and management core (12 credit hours)
    • A selection of courses either in one track or in a variety of tracks (12 credit hours)
    • A selection of electives (6 credit hours)
    • An internship or capstone project (3 credit hours)

    The faculty at TU and the staff of the Gilcrease Museum collaborate to provide in-depth opportunities to specialize in the curation, care and exhibition of American art, archaeology, ethnology and archives.

  • Program Learning Outcomes
    1. Create museum products such as proposals, reports, presentations, and databases that conform to industry standards, are clear concise and persuasive, and serve the institution’s mission.
    2. Critically evaluate projects and programs according to industry standards, including legal and ethical considerations, safety and collections care, and concern for visitor experience.