The Museum Studies Certificate at UMD combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience to prepare students for professional careers in the heritage world, from museums to archives, tribal collections, state and national parks, and more. The Certificate is designed to equip you with the skills required for entry-level positions and to provide current working professionals with the formal education and credentials needed for advancement in museum and related organizations.
The Museum Studies Certificate is open to enrolled UMD undergraduates *and* to non-degree seeking guest students (that is, individuals who have not been admitted as UMD students but who wish to complete this certificate).
Complete this from to add a Museum Studies Certificate
Questions? Contact the Museum Studies Program Director David Woodward for more information.
Museum Studies Certificate Requirements
The Museum Studies Certificate is 16 credits and consists of four components:
- Two required Core courses (Introduction to Museums, Introduction to Public History)
- One Museum Studies Foundation elective course
- Two 2-credit online Business Foundations courses
- One Internship
Museum Studies students have the option to complete their internship at heritage organizations on UMD’s campus, in Duluth and Superior, throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, and even abroad in Ireland. Program Director David Woodward works directly with students and these organizations to find the best placement for each individual student. Our Internships page has more information about internship options.
Check out the Museum Studies Certificate listing in the UMD Catalog for a full list of the certificate requirements.
Consider combining your Museum Studies Certificate with a Public History Major
The Museum Studies Certificate is an excellent complement to any major, but in particular it pairs well with Art History and our own Public History major. The Public History major also includes an internship, which means that Museum Studies/Public History students complete two internships.
If you’re interested exploring this possibility, please reach out to one of your UMD History professors. If you know you want to take this step, you can complete this form to declare a Public History Major.
Museum Studies Certificate Assessment
UMD’s History Department is annually assesses our Museum Studies Certificate program to ensure its quality and effectiveness. Visit our Assessment page to learn more about this process.