M.A. in Anthropology
The University of Tulsa, a respected private research institution in the United States,...
M.A. in Museum Science and Management
Tulsa, Oklahoma
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of Tulsa's M.A. in Museum Science and Management is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for impactful careers in the diverse and evolving museum field. This program emphasizes a balanced approach, integrating rigorous academic coursework with crucial hands-on experience. Typically completed in 1.5 to 2 years, the program offers students the opportunity to specialize in various aspects of museum operations, from administration and collections care to education and cultural heritage preservation, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for professional roles promoting education and cultural enrichment.
Curriculum: The M.A. in Museum Science and Management typically requires 33 credit hours, including core coursework and specialized tracks. Core components generally cover essential museum functions such as museum administration and management, grant writing for museums, collections and data management, and museum education. Students then choose one of three specialized tracks: Museum Administration, Collections Care and Management, or Cultural Heritage and Research. These tracks allow for focused study in areas like conservation principles, cultural property law and ethics, archives, and digital curation. The curriculum prioritizes the development of practical skills, critical thinking, and ethical considerations in museology.
Research Focus: The University of Tulsa's program leverages its unique partnership with the renowned Gilcrease Museum and the Helmerich Center for American Research, providing unparalleled opportunities for research and practical application. Research within the program often focuses on the curation, care, and exhibition of American art, archaeology, ethnology, and archives. Students engage in object and collections research, exhibition development, publication, and programming. Faculty and museum professionals collaborate to provide in-depth opportunities, allowing students to explore various theoretical, political, and ethical concerns within museology and cultural heritage. The presence of significant collections at the Gilcrease Museum, including the Eddie Faye Gates Tulsa Race Massacre Collection and the Bob Dylan Archive, offers exceptional research potential.
Industry Engagement: A cornerstone of the M.A. in Museum Science and Management program is its robust industry engagement, leading to a reported 100% graduate employment rate. Students gain invaluable practical experience through required internships at local, regional, and national museums and cultural institutions. These hands-on opportunities, sometimes with available funding, allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings and build professional networks. Collaborations with the Gilcrease Museum provide direct exposure to professional operations, from registration and exhibition planning to development and administration. The program actively supports students in attending conferences and other professional development activities, ensuring they are well-prepared for job searching and career advancement in the museum sector.
Global Perspective: The University of Tulsa's M.A. in Museum Science and Management inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing the universal principles of cultural preservation, exhibition, and education. While the program benefits significantly from its focus on American art and cultural heritage through partnerships with institutions like the Gilcrease Museum, the broader concepts of museology are applicable across diverse cultures and nations. Discussions within the curriculum often touch upon international best practices in conservation, cultural property ethics, and the global role of museums in fostering understanding and dialogue. The university's diverse student body and faculty further enrich this global outlook, exposing students to various cultural perspectives on heritage and its management, preparing them to engage with complex cultural issues on an international scale.
Location
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 27858
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 56 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The University of Tulsa (TU) in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their academic journey. Attracting talented students from around the world, TU provides both merit-based and need-based scholarships to help reduce the financial burden of higher education.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students admitted to TU are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs, with awards ranging from partial tuition waivers to full scholarships. The university looks for outstanding academic records, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement when awarding these scholarships.
International Student Scholarships: TU offers specific scholarships aimed at international students, including renewable awards that encourage academic excellence throughout the duration of the degree program. Some scholarships are designated for particular fields of study or for students demonstrating strong community involvement.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students may apply for assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition remission and stipends in exchange for teaching or research responsibilities. These positions not only offer financial support but also valuable professional experience within the university environment.
The M.A. in Museum Science and Management from the University of Tulsa provides a unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience, highly sought after in the dynamic museum and cultural heritage sector. With a reported 100% graduate employment rate, the program excels at preparing students for a diverse range of roles, leveraging its strong partnerships with institutions like the Gilcrease Museum and the Helmerich Center for American Research. Graduates emerge with specialized knowledge in areas like administration, collections care, and cultural heritage research, making them versatile and valuable professionals.
Collections Manager/Registrar: This role involves the meticulous care, documentation, and movement of museum objects. Graduates are responsible for inventorying, cataloging, handling loans, ensuring proper storage, and maintaining detailed records of the museum's collections.
Curator: Curators are subject matter experts responsible for the research, interpretation, and exhibition of museum collections. They develop compelling narratives, select artifacts for display, write exhibition labels, and contribute to scholarly publications. While some senior curatorial roles may require a Ph.D., an M.A. is an excellent stepping stone.
Museum Educator/Public Programs Manager: These professionals design and deliver educational programs, workshops, tours, and public events for diverse audiences, connecting museum collections with community interests and educational goals. This often involves developing engaging content for schools, families, and adult learners.
Exhibit Designer/Developer: Graduates can contribute to the creation of museum exhibitions, working on everything from conceptualization and content development to the physical layout and installation of displays, often collaborating with curators, educators, and technical teams.
Archivist/Digital Curator: With increasing digital collections and historical records, graduates can manage and preserve digital assets, ensuring their accessibility and long-term viability. This also applies to traditional archives within museums and cultural institutions.
Development Officer/Grant Writer: Museums and cultural organizations rely heavily on external funding. Graduates with strong writing and persuasive communication skills can pursue careers in fundraising, securing grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies to support museum operations and special projects.
Museum Administrator/Director (Smaller Institutions): In smaller museums or historical societies, an M.A. in Museum Science and Management can lead to leadership roles. These positions involve overseeing daily operations, strategic planning, budgeting, staff management, and community engagement.
Cultural Heritage Preservation Officer: Beyond traditional museums, graduates can work for government agencies, non-profits, or private firms focused on the preservation and protection of historical sites, archaeological remains, and intangible cultural heritage.
Visitor Services Manager: This role focuses on optimizing the visitor experience, managing front-of-house operations, improving accessibility, and ensuring a welcoming and engaging environment for all museum patrons.
Collections Technician/Preparator: These hands-on roles involve assisting with the physical care of collections, including handling, packing, transporting, and installing artifacts for exhibitions or storage, often working closely with conservators and registrars.
