新墨西哥大学

The masters curriculum offers graduate level training in museum practices integrated with specialized study tailored for individual students in fine arts, area studies, natural history, education, anthropology, and other social sciences. The curriculum provides a firm grounding in museum theory with an emphasis on current standards, best practices and trends in the museum profession. The degree consists of a 33 credit hour interdisciplinary curriculum, which integrates courses in museology along with electives offered in aligned academic departments and culminates in a Master's project or thesis.

Students accepted into the graduate program may choose between two courses of study: Plan I (thesis), and Plan II (project). All students must have a firm grounding in museum studies through the required core museology curriculum as well as specialization in a cognate discipline. Students in either Plan I or Plan II are required to complete one museum practica. Graduate course work may include field projects related to the student's chosen specialization and to the student's chosen cognate discipline in an area of specialization.

The decision to award a Master of Science is determined on a case-by-case basis. The determination, which must be approved by the Graduate Program Director, is made by the student's graduate committee based on the nature of the student's thesis or project, the specific courses taken by the student, and the requirements of the student's cognate department.

Requirements

The seminar (MSST 585) is designed to explore theoretical and practical work in specific museum problems, topics, and themes.

The practicum (MSST 586) is a 3 credit hour internship that includes at least 150 service or participatory hours. The practicum is an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in some aspect of museum work. Practica are offered through the Harwood Museum of Art, Institute of Meteoritics, Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, Museum of Southwestern Biology, the UNM Art Museum, and other UNM collections and programs. Students are also encouraged to conduct practica at off-campus cooperating institutions. In the event that a student has extensive museum experience prior to entering the program, the internship requirement may be waived by the student's graduate committee.