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Museum Studies Master’s Degree Program

  • Earn Your Way In

    Excel in 2 Degree Courses to Qualify for Admission

  • Format

    Online and On Campus

  • Average Course Tuition

    $3,100

  • Total Number of Courses

    10

man looking at paintings in museum

Learn techniques and strategies for keeping museum collections relevant, audiences inspired, and operations smooth.

What You'll Learn

Through the master’s degree in the field of museum studies you:

  • Build deep knowledge of twenty-first-century museum operations, including program development and evaluation; visitor engagement and education; collections care and research; fundraising; marketing, and legal issues.
  • Enhance your understanding of exhibition content development and design, museum technology, public outreach, communications, and social media.
  • Gain hands-on experience through intensive courses at Harvard museums, active-learning weekends , and an optional internship.
  • Earn an optional certificate in digital storytelling, learning design and technology, or nonprofit management.

Your Harvard Degree
Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: Museum Studies.

Admissions, Courses, and Degree Requirements

At Harvard Extension School, your admission is based largely on your performance in two specific Harvard Extension courses that you complete before submitting an application.

To get started, we invite you to explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.

Our Community at a Glance

Our museum graduates work in art galleries, museums, historical societies and homes, universities and other institutions that have archive materials and noteworthy objects, such as the Boston Red Sox.

  • 37

    Average Age

  • 1

    Average Courses Taken Each Semester

  • 68%

    Work Full Time

  • 96%

    Would Recommend the Program

  • 50%

    Professional Experience in the Field

  • Most

    Pursued for Career Change

I envision creating a nonprofit organization that can provide emerging artists with a community where they can thrive and embrace the goal of discovering how their art can make a difference, and where they may find their place in the world.

Cost and Financial Aid

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.

Our Tuition (2022–23 rate) $3,100 per 4-credit course ($775 per credit)
Average Tuition of Peer Institutions $5,476 per course
Average Total Cost $31,000

After admission, you may qualify for financial aid. Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.