Certificate in Museum Studies
Hours: 12 On-Campus
About
The Certificate in Museum Studies at Fort Hays State University is designed for students seeking specialized knowledge in museum operations and administration. Offered on campus, this 12-credit-hour certificate provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices essential to working in the museum field.
All coursework is conducted at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, allowing students to engage directly in a functioning museum environment. Through immersive, hands-on learning alongside experienced museum professionals, students gain practical skills and real-world insights that enhance their understanding and preparedness for roles in museums or related institutions.
Why pursue a Certificate in Museum Studies at Fort Hays State University?
The Certificate in Museum Studies offers a distinctive, immersive experience conducted entirely on campus at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. By placing participants directly within a working museum environment, the certificate provides practical, hands-on learning guided by experienced museum professionals.
Designed for flexibility, the certificate is open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as non-degree seekers. Students can tailor their coursework to align with individual career goals, gaining experience in key areas such as exhibit planning, collections care, and public outreach.
Who is this program for?
This certificate is designed for a broad audience, including students, educators, and professionals seeking specialized knowledge in museum operations. Whether exploring the museum field for the first time or looking to enhance credentials with formal training, this certificate offers a focused and practical pathway to develop 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, offering participants 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 scenarios include developing exhibit content for diverse audiences, planning public programs to foster community engagement, and managing logistics for traveling exhibits or artifact loans. Students also gain insight into the internal operations 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 traditional museum environments as well as nontraditional venues, such as science centers, botanical gardens, and historical archives, where innovation plays a key role in educational impact and institutional relevance.
Hands-on Activities
The Certificate in Museum Studies offers students 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 connected to actual museum projects, enabling students to make meaningful contributions while building a portfolio of practical experience. From working on natural history displays to supporting conservation plans for historical items, students complete the certificate with concrete examples of work that directly support 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 Certificate in Museum Studies consists of 12 credit hours, all delivered at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History to provide hands-on experience within an authentic museum environment. Students engage with core 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 designated under the course title 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.
Students who complete the Certificate in Museum Studies gain the skills necessary for entry-level and mid-level roles within the museum field. With training in areas such as exhibit planning, collections care, education, and outreach, students are prepared to contribute effectively to institutions of diverse 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.
Related Programs
For students 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 for further specialization or expanding the educational foundation to include 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
