Museum and Field Studies

The interdisciplinary Museum and Field Studies Program leading to a master of science degree is administered by the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, in conjunction with the departments of anthropology; history; art history; ecology and evolutionary biology; and geological sciences; as well as other departments. The program provides a strong background in a chosen field as well as theoretical and practical grounding in museology.

Internships are offered at a variety of museums in the region, including natural history, history and art museums. Students completing the MS are trained as collection managers, curatorial assistants, registrars, museum educators, exhibit technicians and administrators.

Program Tracks. Two tracks are available: a collection/field track and an administrative/public track.

• The collection/field track offers training for students interested in the curatorial and research aspects of museum work, such as floristic or faunistic studies of the past and present, material culture of the past and present and biological inventory. The curriculum gives students academic training as well as experience in all areas of museum work. Field experience is offered through the curatorial and field practica.
• The administrative/public track offers education for students interested in the public aspects of the museum such as program development and evaluation, exhibition planning and design, education and the organization and management of museums. The curriculum offers both academic training in a discipline and hands-on experience with all aspects of the public museum.

The degree in museum and field studies is a two-year program requiring a total of 32 credit hours. Students may choose either the thesis or nonthesis plan. Depending on the track and plan, students complete from 9 to 15 credit hours in a department and from 13 to 22 credit hours in museology courses. A museum internship of 150 hours is required. The thesis plan requires the completion and successful defense of a thesis; the non-thesis (or project) plan requires the completion of a paper or a project

Collections/Field Track Requirements

This track is for those interested in collections management, field and collections research, and curatorial work. It is designed to give students academic training in all aspects of museology and their chosen discipline with special emphasis on how to collect, catalogue, and care for museum collections. This track may include field projects related to the student's chosen specialization.

Course Requirements

Thesis Plan Requirements

• 5011: Intro. to Museums (4)
• 5051: Collections Management (3)
• 6110: Advanced Seminar (3)

Subtotal MFS Requirements: 10

At least one of the following:

• 5041: Museum Administration (3)
• 5031: Exhibit Development (3)
• 5030: Museum Education (3)

Subtotal Required: 3

Plus:

• 5000+: Cognate hours** (12)
• 6950: Thesis (4-6)
• Seminar, Independent Study, Practicum (1-3)

Subtotal Required: 19

Total required hours: 32
Plus 150 hours of internship

Project Plan Requirements

• 5011: Intro. to Museums (4)
• 5051: Collections Management (3)
• 6110: Advanced Seminar (3)
• Subtotal MFS Requirements: 10

At least one of the following:

• 5041: Museum Administration (3)
• 5031: Exhibit Development (3)
• 5030: Museum Education (3)

Subtotal Required: 3

Plus:

• 5000+: Cognate hours** (15)
• 6960: Project (4)

Subtotal Required: 19

Total required hours: 32

• Plus 150 hours of internship

Public/Administration Track Requirements

This track is for those interested in the public aspects of museum work, including education, exhibits, interpretation, audience assessment, administration, and some aspects of curatorial work. It is designed to give students serious academic training in museology and a chosen field, with special emphasis and hands-on experience in all aspects of the public side of museums.

Course Requirements

Thesis Plan Course Requirements

• 5011: Intro. to Museums (4)
• 5051: Collections Management (3)
• 5041: Museum Administration (3)
• 6110: Advanced Seminar (3)

Subtotal MFS Requirements: 13

At least one of the following:

• 5031: Exhibit Development (3)
• 5030: Museum Education (3)

Subtotal Required: 3

Plus:

• 5000+: Cognate hours** (9)
• 6950: Thesis (4-6)
• Seminar, Independent Study, Practicum (1-3)

Subtotal Required: 16

Total required hours: 32
Plus 150 hours of internship

Project Plan Course Requirements

• 5011: Intro. to Museums (4)
• 5051: Collections Management (3)
• 5041: Museum Administration (3)
• 6110: Advanced Seminar (3)
• 5031: Exhibit Development (3)
• 5030: Museum Education (3)

Subtotal MFS Requirements: 19

Plus:

• 5000+: Cognate hours** (9)
• 6960: Project (4-6)

Subtotal Required: 13

Total required hours: 32

Requirements

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university; appropriate fields include anthropology, biology, geology, geography, history, archival studies, classics, fine arts, and education (other major fields will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
2. Have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.00.
3. Provide GRE scores.
4. Provide three (3) letters of recommendation.
5. Complete and submit the Supplemental Application for Graduate Admission – Part III
6. It is suggested that applicants contact potential faculty advisors (e-mail, call or visit) before the application deadline. Please visit cumuseum.colorado.edu/ for further details.

Minimum Standards for Applicants
In addition to Graduate School standards we look for prior museum experience (either paid or volunteer positions) and a clear professional focus for a specific job or position after graduation. We encourage serious conversation between prospective applicants, Museum and Field Studies director, and relevant faculty prior to application to the program.

Financial Support

GA positions (vital to the functions of the museum and our best support and experience for students), fellowships, and limited research/professional support from museum funds and endowments.