The degree combines four seminars from the Public History concentration of the M.A. in History with two seminars from the Master of Public Administration (MPA) to create a new stand-alone master’s degree unique in Norwich University’s online offerings. The M.A. in Museum Administration degree gives students subject matter knowledge of museum functions and administrative policies. Students will be prepared to work in museum jobs such as digital exhibition, preservation, curation, cataloging, project management, and education from the Public History concentration. Students will add subject matter knowledge of leadership, management, marketing, fund-raising, strategic planning, budgeting, and grant-writing in the MPA seminars. The M.A. in Museum Administration will prepare graduates to compete for administrative and leadership positions in the museum field. The internship will entail an immersive experience and a capstone project of significant professional value. Some courses include:
HI 533 -- Museum Studies
An intensive graduate-level seminar teaching the technical skills and knowledge to work in permanent museum institutions in the service of society and its development, which acquire, conserve, research, mediate, interpret, communicate, digitize, and/or exhibit the tangible and intangible heritage in ethical and professional ways for the purposes of education, study, and enjoyment of the public.
AD 552 -- Nonprofit Administration
This course of study focuses on the administration and management of tax-exempt organizations that derive their funding and mandates from individuals, foundations, and governmental sources. Topics include the legal framework of nonprofit organizations, organizational design, fiscal management, fundraising, grants, contracts, assessment and planning. Students will study best practices for leadership and management, nonprofit governance, and the effective use of volunteers. Finally, students will review the role of technology with special attention to information integration and assurance.
HI 563 -- Internship and Capstone
In this culminating graduate-level Public History seminar, students will complete their Capstone projects during a 300-hour Internship at a museum, historical society, archive, park, library, government agency, genealogical society, or similar institution. Working as interns under the supervision of qualified staff members, students will execute their plan and apply their research at institutions previously identified and approved during HI 553. The Capstone Projects will be of sufficient quality and substance that they could be displayed to the public, used by researchers, or mounted in online exhibits.
Norwich’s online master’s courses are delivered over 11 weeks at a time, and the typical program completion time is 18 months. To view additional program details such as course offerings, requirements, and curriculum maps for the Museum Administration program, visit the Norwich University Course Catalog using this link.
Online Master's