11824_JFKU_Catalog Front Cover.indd - John F. Kennedy University

College of Graduate and Professional StudiesCollege of Graduate andProfessional StudiesProgram Learning Outcomes• Learn the purpose/history of museums as complex publicorganizations;• Develop and refine professional writing and oral and visualpresentation skills;• Demonstrate collaborative working practices, consistent withpractices in museum field;• Demonstrate a range of content expertise associated with amuseum studies specialization track;• Acquire and utilize tools for addressing administrative and fiscalchallenges; and• Demonstrate the capacity to engage professionally in themuseum field.Master of Arts in Museum Studiesspecializations: collections management and education anddegree (see the program description for this joint degree).Collections management trains individuals to manage and care fora wide range of collections in varied institutional settings,understand collections stewardship responsibilities includingcultural heritage issues, and participate in exhibitions, outreach,and other aspects of museum life. Education and Interpretationtrains students to interpret collections, develop an understandingof diverse audiences and their needs, plan and develop exhibitions,and design education programs in museums.All students complete the core curriculum, specialization courses,and internships offering independent, individualized study in aconcludes with a master’s project, which allows students to explorein depth a specific area of interest in a museum or relatedorganization.Admission RequirementsIn addition to the University requirements listed previously in thiscatalog, applicants to the Museum Studies program must submitthe following:• Bachelor’s degree with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3. 0 orabove from an institution whose accreditation is recognized bythe Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA);• Personal statement: a double-spaced, three-page (typed) essay,carefully edited for content, grammar, and style that answersthe following question: Describe your museum experience(paid, volunteer, internships), including skills learned, duration(full time/part time) and special projects. Using specificexamples, explain how this experience, along with youreducational background, has influenced your understanding ofthe role of the museum in today’s world. How has yourexperience shaped your goals in the museum field?reference and one academic reference) ;• A resume;• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended;and• Applicants must also interview with a program faculty member.Museum Studies will contact applicants to arrange for aninterview after the application file is complete. Telephoneinterviews will be arranged for applicants who live outside theBay Area.International applicants must have a minimum TOEFL score of 600on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, or 100 onthe Internet-based test with a minimum score of 4.5 in the writingsection.On occasion, the department will admit a student with a GPA below3.0 on probation. Students admitted with a GPA below 3.0 mustachieve a B or higher during their first quarter in order to continuein the program.Upon admission, all students must demonstrate writingcompetency as determined by program evaluation of writing ability.Some students may be required to take courses in writing inaddition to the 58-unit requirement for the degree.Prerequisite courses may be identified at the time of the student’sadmission.No more than six graduate units will be accepted in transfer. Seethe program advisor for specific limitations on transfer credit.initial date of enrollment.Degree RequirementsAll courses are 4.5 quarter units unless otherwise indicated.CurriculumMUS 5004 Issues in Museums II: Finance and AdministrationMUS 5501 Collections Management I: FoundationsUnderstanding AudiencesMUS 5321 Museums and CommunitiesMUS 5405 Exhibition Development IMUS 5420 Museums, Interactive Technologies and ElectronicAccessMaster’s ProjectUnder the supervision of a project coordinator, each studentdevelops a project that reflects his or her expertise in a specialsubject area and demonstrates understanding and application ofmuseum studies theory and practice, analytical and imaginativethinking, and mastery of research methods and writing skills. Allstudents must demonstrate proficiency in writing and researchincluding the oral presentation, must be completed in residence atJFK University.MUS 5996 Master’s Project: Topic Development (1)MUS 5997 Master’s Project: Research Methodology (4.5)Prerequisite: MUS 5996 with a grade of B or betterMUS 5998 Master’s Project: Writing and Production (4.5)Prerequisite: MUS 5997 with a grade of B or betterAll museum studies students are required to complete one or moremuseum internship(s) in the area of specialization. Internshipsallow students to assume professional responsibilities and gain an110 College of Graduate and Professional Studies JOHN F. KENNEDY UNIVERSITY