Museum Studies Certificate — Online Program
The Museum Studies certificate program unites history, theory and practical learning in a curriculum that prepares participants for professional or volunteer careers in administration, collections and specialty disciplines within museums, zoos, aquariums, parks
We offer courses online every quarter, so you can complete your Museum Studies certificate on your own terms.
Upcoming courses
| Spring 2025 | Registration opens: |
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| 371-DL Successful Museum Management | February 24, 2025 |
| 370-DL Museum Origins and Issues | February 24, 2025 |
| 372-DL Learning and Museums | February 24, 2025 |
Coming soon...
| Summer 2025 |
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Dates: June 27 - June 28, 2025 |
| 370-DL Museum Origins and Issues |
| 372-DL Learning and Museums |
The courses that I took definitely provided a foundation for me in museum management. All of [my classmates] were at museums, and I was able to network with folks from institutions like Cooper Hewitt. Having the exposure to people who were working day to day in the field was helpful.”
Sandra James, Deputy Director, Biggs Museum of American Art
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“This was my first experience with a certificate program and with mostly online instruction. I would recommend both of those aspects to anyone, especially at Northwestern, because of the way this program is packed with content.”After spending much of his career managing finances in higher education, Robert |
Through lectures, discussions, guest speakers and field trips to area museums, students learn about:
The Museum Studies certificate program is useful for a wide-range of careers inside museums as well as those preparing for a graduate program in museum studies.
Explore all the Museum Studies Program Courses for details on the program's offerings.
To earn a certificate of completion in Museum Studies, students must successfully complete three courses. Students typically earn a certificate in one year. Classes can be taken in any order.
The required courses are:
The Journey of a Museum Exhibition: From Vision to Reality (MUSEUM 373-0) - On-Campus
The Journey of a Museum Exhibition: From Vision to Reality is a supplement to the Museum Studies certificate program or can be a stand-alone experience for museum professionals and those who are interested in furthering their knowledge of the exhibit process. This two-day symposium presents a comprehensive overview of the critical components that make a museum exhibit successful.
Chicago museum site-visits, guest speakers, case-studies, and group activities will give ample opportunities to model best practices and help attendees better understand the remarkable opportunities and possible challenges facing museum professionals as they create an exhibition.
Topics include brainstorming, interpretation, design, fabrication, lighting, accessibility, loans, advertising, education, visitor satisfaction sponsorship, archiving, and above all how to ensure that multiple voices are heard, represented, and welcomed.
The course is typically offered one time a year in either late Spring or Summer at Wieboldt Hall – Chicago Campus. Students should expect out of pocket expenses related to meals and transportation to/from museum site visits and museum entrance fees.
Details can be found on the Tuition and Financial Aid for Museum Studies Certificate page.
Instructors for this program have a range of expertise, specializations and work experience. Read about their qualifications on our Museum Studies Faculty page.
Read more on the Museum Studies Career Options page.
Learn more about related certificate programs:
SPS Enrollment Advisers at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies can be a resource to you for inquiries regarding our certificate programs.
