Western Illinois University-Museum Studies

The Museum Studies Graduate Program prepares future museum professionals for a variety of leadership roles within museums and cultural institutions. The program builds upon each student’s previous studies while teaching about the educational efforts, collections, and collaborative partnerships that make museums essential to our communities. Students can earn an M.A. in Museum Studies (34 semester hours) or a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Museum Studies (18 Semester Hours). Curriculum focuses on building a foundational understanding of the history of museums, as well as knowledge of the best practices and problem-solving strategies needed to meet the challenges of a dynamically changing field. Emphasis is placed on experiential and professional learning opportunities tailored to each student’s area of interest and needs. Faculty leading and teaching in the program have academic and professional experience in museums and related disciplines, and are recognized nationally and internationally for their teaching, research, publications, and professional service. The Museum Studies Program offers several semester-long assistantships that provide a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend. Students receiving an assistantship are required to work 13 hours a week doing a variety of administrative and/or research tasks. Assistantships are hosted at variety of Quad Cities area museums and cultural organizations. Inquiries about the Museum Studies Program or Graduate Assistantships should be sent to: Dr. Heidi Lung Director, WIU Museum Studies Email: HK-Lung@wiu.edu