Museum Studies Certificate

The University of Alabama is pleased to offer an interdisciplinary graduate certificate in museum studies intended for graduate students who are either majoring in a traditional museum content discipline such as art history, history, anthropology, American studies, geology, or biology; or students who have already completed graduate degrees in these disciplines. Students who complete the certificate program will be qualified for a variety of entry-level professional positions in museums in areas such as museum education, collections management, exhibit planning and development, and museum administration.

Generally defined as the study of all aspects of the theory and practice of museum operations, museum studies includes the history and background of museums, their role in society, and specific systems for research, conservation, education, organization, and administration. This certificate program combines education in traditional academic subjects together with coursework in museum theory and practices, and practical museum field experience.

To be considered for regular admission to the Graduate School, you must have at least one of the following GPAs (on a 4.0 scale):

• An overall 3.0 GPA.
• An overall 3.0 GPA in your last 60 semester hours.
• A 3.0 GPA in your graduate program.

Non-native speakers are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE scores unless they meet at least one of the following criteria: 1) at the time of initial enrollment, they will hold a degree from a U.S. institution or an institution in one of the English speaking countries or regions listed below; 2) at the time of initial enrollment, they will have been enrolled in coursework for at least two years at a U.S. institution or an institution in one of the English speaking countries or regions listed below; 3) they are a citizen or legal resident of one of the English speaking countries or regions listed below. Information on registering for the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE is available online or at U.S. embassies, consulates, Institute of International Education offices, AMIDEAST offices, and other organizations concerned with international education. Note that during the application process we only need unofficial language score reports. Official reports must be sent on admission. 

• Copy of your passport
• Relevant visa and immigration documents (This includes PR card, current visa, or F-1/ J-1 visa request and supporting documents)
• Unofficial transcript copies from every secondary school you have attended. This includes academic transcripts, mark sheets, grade reports, diplomas or certificates, national standardized examination results, or other academic course work.
  • Include an English translation for all documents not written in English. If you need assistance translating your documents into English, we recommend using the American Translators Association to find a certified translator.
  • Students graduating high school in Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, The Gambia or Sierra Leone must submit a copy of their WASSCE results and scratch card information (serial number and PIN) in order to complete their application.
• Students that graduated 6 or more months ago should also provide a brief statement listing any academic activities since graduation (including any post-secondary coursework at institutions inside or outside of the US, English language programs, study abroad programs, etc.) List name(s) of the institutions and dates of attendance. If you have no additional academic activities, please write a short statement that speaks to your activities during the gap period. In the statement, please include the following and send to International Admissions at [email protected]:
  • Full Name
  • Address
  • High School/Secondary School
  • Graduation Date