The Graduate Program in Museum Studies is designed to give students the tools to be successful in every aspect of museum work, from exhibitions to education, collections to preservation.
Connect theory and practice
Engage in a diverse curriculum that connects theory and practice. In courses and through an internship, you investigate the challenges confronting museums today and learn the intricacies of operations.
Learn about the degree requirements or find out the admission criteria.
Take online and on-campus courses
A number of courses that fulfill the elective requirement for the degree are offered online, but the majority of core courses are only available on campus.
Consider your career possibilities
Our alumni hold a variety of high-level positions in museums around the world. The following are just a few examples.
- Curator, Milford Historical Society, Milford, Massachusetts
- Marketing Manager, Oakland Museum of California
- Assistant Curator, Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Conservator and Administrative Head of Conservation Department, Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University
Learn from a faculty of experts
Below are some of our expert faculty members; see the museum studies courses for more.
- Mary Malloy, Associate, Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University and Professor, Maritime Studies, Sea Education Association
- Diana Loren, Lecturer on Anthropology and Associate Curator, Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University
- Roger Dell, Director of Education, Farnsworth Art Museum
- Sara Schechner, David P. Wheatland Curator of the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, Harvard University
Earn a Harvard degree
The degree is awarded by Harvard University and is the Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies with a concentration in museum studies.
The Harvard Extension advantage
Being a student in a Harvard Extension School program has its perks. In addition to privileges afforded you by a Harvard student ID card, you have access to academic advising, financial aid, career counseling, early registration, and more. See Candidate Perks.