Part of the arts and humanities program in the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Museum Studies combines traditional academic training and the practical experience necessary to begin a successful museum career. The program ranks among the top museum training programs in the United States. Students receive advanced study and practical working experience through internship affiliations with than 60 museums and cultural organizations, including the Smithsonian Institution.

The 42-credit M.A. program (36-39 credits of coursework and 3-6 credits of internships) offers concentrations in Collections Management, Exhibitions and Visitor Engagement, and Museum Management Leadership. Students also select a content area in which to concentrate (history, natural sciences, arts, social sciences or humanities).

The on-campus Certificate in Museum Studies is an 18-credit program (12 credits of coursework combined with 6 credits of internships) designed for U.S. students who already hold at least a Master’s degree in a related area or for foreign museum professionals who wish to study one or aspects of museum work in the United States. Areas of concentration include: Collections Management, Exhibitions and Visitor Engagement, Museum Management and Leadership.

The Certificate in Museum Collections Management and Care features 12 graduate-level credits designed for U.S. museum employees or volunteers who have collections management responsibilities and desire formal museum studies training. Students generally complete the four three-credit graduate courses over four consecutive semesters.