Museum Studies Certificate — Online Program
The Museum Studies certificate program unites history, theory and practical learning that prepares participants for professional or volunteer careers in administration, collections and specialty disciplines within museums, zoos, aquariums, parks, and botanical gardens. All three required online courses may be taken in any order, allowing you to complete the certificate on your own terms.
Our curriculum emphasizes real-world projects that let you apply course concepts to meet the needs of actual museums. Past projects have included developing virtual tour plans for the Musée Naval de Quebec, creating rebranding campaigns for the National Hellenic Museum, and designing family programs for Chicago’s Adler Planetarium.
For an immersive, in-person experience, the program offers an annual two-day symposium, The Journey of a Museum Exhibition. Held on our Chicago campus, this session features museum site visits and guest speakers, providing a comprehensive look at the exhibition process from vision to reality.
| Spring 2026 | Registration Deadline: |
|---|---|
| 370-DL Museum Origins and Issues | March 20, 2026 |
| 372-DL Learning and Museums | March 20, 2026 |
| 371-DL Successful Museum Management | March 20, 2026 |
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The courses that I took definitely provided a foundation for me in museum management. 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 of Biggs Museum of American Art
The Museum Studies certificate program is useful for a wide range of careers within museums, zoos, aquariums, and gardens, including curatorial, administrative, collections management, education, and board roles Whether you want to advance your career as a current museum professional or break into the field from another industry, this program provides the knowledge and skills essential to achieving your goal in a timely manner.
Those considering a graduate degree in museum studies may also benefit from the online Museum Studies certificate as a chance to see whether a master’s is the right fit for you. Many organizations now prioritize experience over advanced degrees in their hiring process; when combined with internships and a relevant professional portfolio, the Museum Studies certificate may provide enough of the requisite educational background to qualify you for coveted roles at well-known museums.
The things I learned [in the program] allowed me to get into graduate school for my master’s degree in museum studies and have stayed with me throughout my career. It was a great way to network. I still keep in touch with my teachers and some of the people I met in the program.”
Teresita Avilés Bailey, director of donor relations at Pritzker Military Museum & Library
The Museum Studies faculty have designed this program to cast a wide net regarding critical topics in the museum world. Through lectures, guest speakers, discussions, and field trips to their local museums, students will gain relevant information and build applicable skills related to the following areas:
To earn a certificate of completion in Museum Studies, students must successfully complete three courses. Students typically earn their certificate in one year. Classes can be taken in any order and may be completed concurrently.
The required courses are:
Explore the Museum Studies courses page for more details on the program's offerings.
Please note that MUSEUM 371 is not offered during the summer quarter.
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 on Northwestern's Chicago campus. Students should expect out-of-pocket expenses related to meals, transportation to/from museum sites, and museum entrance fees.
Details can be found on the tuition and financial aid for Museum Studies certificate page.
Read more on the Museum Studies career options page.
Northwestern University School of Professional Studies is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. Some courses in this program are valid for PDCs for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. Refer to each course description for requirements and the number of PDCs awarded.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.
