Certificate in Museum Studies

Certificate

Hours: 12 On-Campus

About

The Certificate in Museum Studies is available for students seeking specialized knowledge of museum operations and administration. Offered on campus through Fort Hays State University, this 12-credit-hour certificate provides foundational understanding and practical skills to enter or advance in the museum field.

We conduct all coursework at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, offering students immersive and collaborative learning with experienced museum staff. Our certificate provides a unique advantage by situating students in a functioning museum environment, enriching their knowledge through hands-on experience with real-world applications.

Why pursue a Certificate in Museum Studies at Fort Hays State University?

The Certificate in Museum Studies at Fort Hays State University stands apart from other museum education programs by offering students an immersive, fully on-campus experience conducted entirely at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.

Additionally, the certificate emphasizes flexibility, allowing undergraduate and graduate students and non-degree seekers to tailor their experience to their career goals. Students work closely with professional museum staff in areas like exhibit planning, collections care, and public outreach.

Who is this program for?

The Certificate in Museum Studies serves a broad audience, including students, educators, and professionals who seek specialized knowledge in museum operations. Whether exploring museum work for the first time or seeking a way to add formal training to your resume, this certificate offers a concise and impactful way to build relevant 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

Learning Outcomes

The Certificate in Museum Studies offers a theoretical foundation and immersive experiences to help students become proficient in multiple museum-related disciplines. Whether students go on to work in exhibit design, collections preservation, or educational outreach, they will possess the competencies to serve institutions with depth, flexibility, and integrity.

Written and Oral Communication

Students will develop the ability to communicate effectively within a museum through written interpretive materials and verbal presentations. They will craft exhibit labels, educational scripts, and donor correspondence while learning how to interact with diverse audiences, volunteers, and staff in professional environments.

Technology Literacy

Students will become proficient in using museum-related software and digital tools, including cataloging systems, exhibit design platforms, and visitor engagement applications. We emphasize the use of technology not only for record-keeping but also to increase accessibility and enhance learning experiences for the public.

Information Literacy

Students who complete the certificate can effectively evaluate and use primary and secondary sources to develop accurate and informative museum content. They train in source verification, citation methods, and ethical considerations when representing cultures or sensitive materials. Students will support museum narratives with evidence-based research suitable for public interpretation and understanding.

Integrative and Cross-Disciplinary Thinking

Students will learn to merge science, art, history, and education knowledge into a coherent and meaningful museum experience. Whether interpreting a fossil display or creating an art exhibit, students will apply methods from various disciplines to deliver engaging content. Their ability to work across fields will enable them to serve in dynamic roles within traditional and emerging museums.

Real-World Applications

The Certificate in Museum Studies aligns closely with the fundamental job functions in the museum field. Students learn by doing, working alongside professionals at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History in exhibit design, artifact conservation, public education, and outreach.

Real-world scenarios addressed include developing exhibit content for diverse audiences, public programming for community engagement, and logistical planning for traveling exhibits or artifact loans. Students will gain an understanding of a museum's inner workings, from administrative procedures to front-line guest interaction, enabling them to pursue varied roles or specialize in specific museum functions according to their career ambitions.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Fort Hays State University’s Certificate in Museum Studies stays current by integrating emerging trends in museum operations, including digital archiving, inclusive exhibit design, and visitor engagement through technology.

Students will leave prepared to work in traditional museum settings and in nontraditional venues, such as science centers, botanical gardens, and historical archives, where innovation is crucial to educational impact and institutional relevance.

Hands-on Activities

Our Certificate in Museum Studies engages students directly in hands-on activities through its partnership with the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Students may assist in mounting exhibits, cataloging artifacts, or developing interactive programming for visiting groups.

Activities are also tied to actual museum projects, allowing students to contribute meaningfully while building a portfolio of practical experience. From working on natural history displays to helping prepare conservation plans for historical items, students finish the certificate with concrete examples of work that support their career path directly.

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

Courses

The Certificate in Museum Studies includes 12 credit hours of coursework, all offered at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History to provide hands-on experience in a real-world museum setting. Students explore core museum practices such as collections care, exhibit design, and public communication. At this time, The Sternberg Museum offers only one of the following courses per semester and designates the course name as GSCI 673:

GSCI 673: Museum Management

This course presents students with a comprehensive coverage of instructional design models and processes associated with medical imaging education.

GSCI 673: Museum Collections Management

This course will prepare imaging science educators to compare various learning assessment techniques to include 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.

Career Prospects

Students who complete the Certificate in Museum Studies are eligible for entry-level and mid-level positions within the museum field. From exhibit planning and collections care to education and outreach, students will possess targeted skills needed in institutions of varying sizes and types.

Museum Manager

Museum managers oversee the strategic and daily operations of museum institutions. Responsibilities may include supervising staff, planning exhibits, managing budgets, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Managers leverage leadership and curatorial knowledge to keep the museum mission-driven 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 coordinate with curators, educators, and designers to create informative and engaging displays for the public. Skills developed in this certificate, such as interpretive planning and visitor engagement, prepare students who complete the certificate to support or lead these projects effectively.

Museum Public Outreach Manager

Public outreach managers develop and manage community-based programming and educational partnerships. They liaise between the museum and schools, local organizations, and donors. The certificate’s emphasis on communication and interdisciplinary education provides students with the tools to organize impactful outreach events and partnerships.

Education Program Coordinator

Museum education coordinators are responsible for designing curriculum-based learning experiences for various age groups. They organize school tours, develop teaching materials, and evaluate program success. The certificate’s hands-on experience with educational exhibits ensures students can support learning successfully within a museum context.

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.

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Related Programs

For students who enjoy the coursework and professional focus of the Certificate in Museum Studies, Fort Hays State University offers several other academic programs that align with careers in the museum field. These programs support further specialization or broaden the student's educational foundation to include other disciplines valuable to museums and public education:

Certificate in GIS User
B.A. in History
M.A. in History

FAQ

How long does it take to complete the Certificate in Museum Studies?

Students can complete the certificate in one academic year or two semesters of part-time study.

Where are the classes held for the certificate?

All courses and activities are available on-site at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History at Fort Hays State University.

What topics are available in the required courses?

The courses focus on collections management, exhibit development, public relations, and practical museum operations.

Can non-degree students complete this certificate?

The certificate is open to non-degree seekers and current undergraduate and graduate students.

What types of museums does this Certificate in Museum Studies prepare students to work in?

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 offers students the opportunity to explore the world from a scientific and geographical perspective, preparing them for diverse careers that impact our understanding of the planet. Our programs, available both online and on-campus, are designed to cultivate critical thinking and perseverance, equipping students with the tools they need to excel in fields such as education, government, industry, and research. With a curriculum that blends academic study with practical field experiences, students are empowered to drive their future success.

Our faculty are experts in geology and geography and are dedicated to providing personalized guidance and support to help students navigate their academic journey. Graduates from our department are highly sought after in various industries, supported by a strong network of accomplished alumni. Whether you choose to study on-campus or online, the department is committed to helping you achieve your academic and professional goals, ensuring that you are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in your chosen field.

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