Master of Arts in Museum Studies

The mission of the Museum Studies program at San Francisco State University is to develop resourceful museum professionals engaged in the important role museums play in our increasingly global and diverse world.

The program integrates practical coursework and theoretical inquiry to foster museum professionals committed to the power of museums as places of inspiration, community learning, and ethical collections stewardship for all segments of society.

The mission of the Museum Studies Program at San Francisco State is to develop resourceful museum professionals engaged in the important role museums play in our increasingly global and diverse world. The program integrates practical coursework and theoretical inquiry to foster museum professionals committed to the power of museums as places of inspiration, community learning, and ethical collections stewardship for all segments of society.

As the only Master of Arts degree program at a public university in the state, and one of the few in the world integrated with a university museum, the program provides unique value by reflecting the concerns of 21st-century museum professionals, who recognize that connecting to communities and engaging diverse audiences are paramount concerns of museums today. Coursework combines a theoretical background in the history, functions and social and political contexts of museums, plus hands-on, practical training in caring for and engaging visitors with authentic cultural collections in the campus’ new Global Museum. Classes are taught by leading museum professionals and scholars who emphasize ethics, engagement and global citizenship.

The capstone experiences of internships and theses/creative work projects allow students to actively contribute to museum professionalism and scholarship. By nurturing the intellectual and practical needs of contemporary students, the Museum Studies Program builds upon the mission of San Francisco State University to inspire the courage to lead, create and innovate as museum professionals.

Visit the Master of Arts Program in Museum Studies for more information.

Museum Studies

The Global Museum serves as a teaching lab for the Museum Studies program, an academic resource for the University, and a public space for the greater Bay Area community. Students can gain practical experience in exhibition development, collections management, and educational programming through the Museum Studies curriculum and volunteer opportunities in the museum. The Global Museum hosts a variety of lectures and public programs during the academic year. All events are free and open to the public. Opened in April 2018, the new Global Museum at SF State is a place in which to appreciate the power of diverse communities in a globally connected world. 

For more information on the visit the Global Museum.

Current deadline for applications to SF State Museum Studies are due February 15, 2023, for Fall 2023 semester.

For detailed information visit Admissions to the Master's Program