Explore KU's Museum Studies Graduate Program
You are encouraged to consider the museum studies field if you are applying to graduate school. Today, the people who work in museums use their expertise and imagination to establish new pathways for understanding the past, present, and future. They see museums as places where the most important topics facing society can be openly presented, discussed, and addressed.
At the University of Kansas, we offer small cohorts, required museum internship hours, mentorship, and practice-based research opportunities. Here, Museum Studies is a rigorous academic discipline that prepares students to become leaders in this rapidly changing field. We’re developing new approaches to museum practice through research and scholarly engagement. Students in our program gain firsthand knowledge of innovative museum work while conducting research on a wide variety of topics that advances the field.
In addition, students can work in KU’s renowned Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Institute collections and take courses in ecology and evolutionary biology, geology, and more as part of their degree plan. Our students often secure teaching assistantships in Biology or Environmental Studies, covering tuition and some campus fees as well.
KU Museum Studies is an affordable program designed to accommodate a wide range of student interests, strengths, and abilities. We work closely with each student to match their curiosity and talents with the needs and aspirations of the museum profession. We are also strongly committed to expanding the diversity of the museum profession by creating courses that address important questions such as decolonizing museums spaces and rethinking the ethics of collection and representation.
Our Museum Studies leadership team is here to answer your and your students’ questions. We invite your students to get a feel for our program by contacting me to schedule Zoom meetings or in-person visits with faculty, current students, and local museum professionals. We’re also available to talk with classes about the field and our program via Zoom.
Applications for Fall 2024 are due February 1.
Contact Us
Brandy Ernzen
Program Coordinator, Museum Studies Program
University of Kansas
bernzen@ku.edu
785-864-6408