Certificate in Museum Studies
Hours: 12 On-Campus
About
The Certificate in Museum Studies at Fort Hays State University offers students specialized training in museum operations and administration. This 12-credit-hour, on-campus certificate provides a solid foundation in the principles and practices essential for careers in museums and related institutions.
All coursework takes place at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, giving students direct experience in a working museum environment. Through hands-on learning alongside experienced museum professionals, students develop practical skills and real-world insights that prepare them for roles in museum settings and other cultural institutions.
Why pursue a Certificate in Museum Studies at Fort Hays State University?
Pursuing the Certificate in Museum Studies gives students a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience in a professional museum setting. By working directly with exhibits, collections, and museum staff at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, participants develop practical skills that are immediately applicable to careers in museums, cultural institutions, and related fields.
Structured for flexibility, FHSU welcomes undergraduate and graduate students, as well as non-degree learners. Participants can tailor their coursework to align with individual career goals, whether focusing on collections management, educational programming, or public engagement.
Who is this program for?
This certificate caters to a broad audience, including students, educators, and professionals seeking specialized knowledge in museum operations. Whether exploring the museum field for the first time or aiming to enhance credentials with formal training, it provides a focused, practical pathway for developing relevant, career-ready skills.
- Undergraduate students in arts, history, or education
- Graduate students seeking focused credentials
- Nondegree seekers looking to transition into museum work
- Teachers interested in integrating museum education
- Volunteers or staff who are already working in museums
Real-World Applications
The certificate is closely aligned with core job functions in the museum field, providing participants with hands-on learning alongside professionals at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Through active involvement in exhibit design, artifact conservation, public education, and outreach, participants gain practical experience in essential museum operations.
Real-world experiences include developing exhibit content for diverse audiences, planning public programs to engage the community, and managing logistics for traveling exhibits or artifact loans. Participants also gain insight into the internal workings of a museum, from administrative procedures to front-line guest services, preparing them to pursue a variety of roles or to specialize in specific museum functions based on their career goals.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University ensures the curriculum reflects current and emerging trends in museum operations, including digital archiving, inclusive exhibit design, and technology-enhanced visitor engagement.
Students complete the certificate prepared to contribute to both traditional museum settings and non-traditional venues, such as science centers, botanical gardens, and historical archives, where innovation is essential for educational impact and institutional relevance.
Hands-on Activities
The Certificate in Museum Studies provides participants with direct, hands-on experience through its partnership with the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Participants may assist with mounting exhibits, cataloging artifacts, or developing interactive programs for visiting groups.
All activities are tied to real museum projects, allowing participants to make meaningful contributions while building a portfolio of practical experience. From working on natural history displays to supporting conservation plans for historical items, participants complete the certificate with tangible examples of work that directly enhance their career development.
What You’ll Learn:
- Fundamentals of museum management
- Exhibit development and presentation
- Public outreach strategies
- Basics of collections preservation
- Museum operations and staffing structures
- Communication with diverse museum audiences
How You’ll Learn:
- Hands-on work at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History
- Close mentoring by the museum professionals
- Direct experience with artifacts and exhibits
- Projects on exhibit planning and curation
- Team-based museum operations activities
- Integration of theory and real-world settings
The curriculum requires 12 credit hours, all offered on-site at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, providing participants with hands-on experience in an authentic museum environment. Participants engage in museum practices, including collections care, exhibit design, and public communication.
Currently, the Sternberg Museum of Natural History offers only one of the following courses per semester, each listed under the course title GSCI 673.
GSCI 673: Museum Management
This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of instructional design models and processes relevant to medical imaging education.
GSCI 673: Museum Collections Management
This course will prepare imaging science educators to compare various learning assessment techniques, including learning domains such as foundational knowledge, application, integration, and human dimension.
GSCI 673: Museum Exhibit Planning and Design
This course provides an overview of principles and practices in administration and management as applied to medical imaging educational programs within higher education.
Discover the full Certificate in Museum Studies course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Participants who complete the Certificate in Museum Studies acquire the skills needed for entry- and mid-level roles in the museum field. With training in areas such as exhibit planning, collections care, education, and public outreach, they are prepared to contribute effectively to a wide range of institutions, from small local museums to large cultural organizations.
Museum Manager
Museum managers oversee daily and strategic operations, including staff supervision, exhibit planning, budget management, and regulatory compliance. They combine leadership and curatorial expertise to keep the museum mission-focused and sustainable.
Museum Collections Manager
Collections managers are responsible for acquiring, preserving, cataloging, and caring for museum objects. They maintain databases, handle storage logistics, and ensure collections are accessible for research and exhibit purposes.
Museum Exhibit Planner
Exhibit planners design the narrative and visual layout of museum exhibits. They collaborate with curators, educators, and designers to create engaging and informative displays, incorporating interpretive planning and interactive elements that enhance the visitor experience.
Museum Public Outreach Manager
Public outreach managers develop and oversee community programs and educational partnerships to promote social engagement and community development. They serve as a liaison between the museum and schools, local organizations, and donors, coordinating events and initiatives that engage diverse audiences and promote the museum’s mission.
Education Program Coordinator
Museum education coordinators design curriculum-based learning experiences for diverse age groups. They organize school tours, develop instructional materials, and assess program effectiveness to ensure engaging and impactful educational experiences within the museum.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,444.76* (on-campus) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
For those who find the coursework and professional focus of the Certificate in Museum Studies engaging, Fort Hays State University offers additional academic options that complement careers in the museum field. These programs provide opportunities to gain further specialization or to broaden one’s educational foundation in disciplines relevant to museums and public education.
Students can complete the certificate in one academic year or two semesters of part-time study.
All courses and activities are available on-site at FHSU’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History.
The courses focus on collections management, exhibit development, public relations, and practical museum operations.
The certificate is open to non-degree seekers and current undergraduate and graduate students.
Students who complete the certificate can pursue opportunities in art museums, natural history museums, children's museums, science centers, aquaria, and more.
Information about the Department of Geosciences
The Department of Geosciences at FHSU provides students with the opportunity to explore the world through scientific and geographical lenses, preparing them for a wide range of careers that enhance our understanding of the planet. Programs, available both online and on-campus, focus on developing critical thinking and perseverance, equipping students with the skills necessary to succeed in fields such as education, government, industry, and research. With a curriculum that integrates rigorous academic study and practical field experiences, students are empowered to shape their own future success.
Faculty, experts in geology and geography, are committed to offering personalized guidance and support throughout students’ academic journeys. Department of Geosciences graduates are highly sought after across various industries, bolstered by a strong and accomplished alumni network. Whether pursuing studies on-campus or online, students can expect dedicated support to help them achieve their academic and professional goals, ensuring they are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Sternberg Geosciences Club: The Sternberg Geosciences Club is an active organization for students passionate about geology and related sciences. It provides members with opportunities to participate in field trips, attend guest lectures, and engage in hands-on projects that enrich learning beyond the classroom. Club members collaborate on research, explore geological sites, and contribute to community outreach initiatives, fostering both academic growth and community engagement.
- AAPG/SEG Petroleum Club: The AAPG/SEG Petroleum Club is affiliated with the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. It offers students valuable exposure to the petroleum industry through networking events, industry presentations, and participation in national conferences. The club serves as an excellent platform for students pursuing careers in oil and gas exploration and production.
- WiSTEM (Women in STEM): WiSTEM is an inclusive organization dedicated to supporting and empowering women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The club promotes diversity and provides mentorship opportunities, workshops, and networking events designed to foster professional growth for women in STEM fields.
- Honor Society - Gamma Theta Upsilon: Gamma Theta Upsilon is the international honor society for geography. Membership is by invitation and recognizes students who have demonstrated academic excellence in the field. Members gain access to exclusive events, scholarships, and networking opportunities, and frequently participate in service projects that benefit the community.
- Certificate
- On-Campus
