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Frequently Asked Questions | ||
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Program Related Questions Q. Why choose the Museum Studies at Tufts?A. There are many reasons to choose the Tufts University Museum Studies program. Based on feedback from our students, the main reason they come to Tufts is our reputation. Admission to our program is competitive. Our program is also known by those in the museum field as one that trains students through skill-based, hands-on courses. For example, in the Exhibition Planning course, you will not only learn about how to mount an exhibit, but will be able to see your own exhibit come to fruition. The fact that the program requires four courses plus an internship provides job qualification without the time and financial commitment of a master’s program. The internship is the culminating part of the program and provides the student with the opportunity to experience working in a museum, historic-home, or another institution. Throughout the internship, you will be mentored closely by the Internship Supervisor to ensure a quality experience. Most of the Museum Studies faculty at Tufts are practitioners in the field who exude enthusiasm for the program and who bring “real-world” experience to the classroom. After completion of the program, you will have skills that may open doors for museum jobs and give you the edge over other candidates. To quote an alumni of the program, “the certificate program gave the context, theory, and understanding of museums that I needed to further my career in the profession.” Q. Can I continue to work full-time and pursue the certificate program? A. In many cases, yes. The Museum Studies courses are held in the evening (typically from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.) with one class meeting a week. Q. I currently work in a museum. How will this program benefit my career? A. Those who currently work in a museum can still greatly benefit from pursuing the certificate program by earning a new credential for resume building, fine tuning old and/or learning new skills-sets, keeping updated on current trends and happenings in the field, meeting future colleagues, networking with experienced museum professionals through many contacts including, instructors, guest speakers, conferences and special behind-the-scenes field trips and tours, and working on museum-specific writing skills in assignments such as press releases, exhibition critiques, grant applications, educational proposals. Q. What other benefits would I receive as a Tufts University Museum Studies student? A. Each year, incoming Museum Studies students are provided with a membership to the New England Museum Association (NEMA), which gives students discounts to area museums and discounts on NEMA-sponsored workshops and their annual conference. NEMA memberships gives students many opportunities for networking in the field and developing their skills. In addition, students have the opportunity to network with classmates via the university’s Blackboard system. We also offer an annual “Career Night” and invite area professionals to discuss trends in the field and to provide tips on the job search. Q. How quickly may I complete the certificate program? A. The program may be completed in one academic year (fall and spring semesters) by taking two-three courses in the fall and one-two courses and the internship in the spring. Q. Once I begin the Certificate program, do I have to take at least one course each semester? A. No, but you are expected to complete the Certificate program in four years. Q. Can I take the courses for pass/fail? A. Only courses taken for credit may count toward the certificate. Q. May I take other courses other than the Museum Studies courses listed in the brochure and on the website? A. You may take one upper-level graduate course, with permission of your advisor, to count toward the certificate. This course may be out of the Departments of Art History, Classics, History, or Education that might enhance your knowledge in a particular area of interest. Q. Can audited courses count toward the Certificate? A. No, only courses taken for credit at Tufts count. Q. May a Certificate student audit a course, even though it does not count toward a certificate? A. Yes. The current tuition to audit a course is $600, unless the student is a graduate of a Tufts program or is a resident of Medford or Somerville. Q. May I take a Museum Studies course if I am not in the certificate program? A. Generally, the Museum Studies courses are filled by certificate and graduate students in the program. On occasion, there may be room for an individual who is not in the program. To obtain permission to enroll in the foundation course, one must contact the Program Administrator at least four weeks before the start of the fall semester via email. The email should include a copy of your resume and personal statement. The statement should be well-written and give clear indication of why you would like take the class. Q. May I transfer from the Certificate program into one of the MA programs? A. No, you must apply separately to an MA program even if you are enrolled in the Certificate program. If you are interested in pursuing an MA at Tufts in one of the subject areas connected to the Museum Studies program, please contact the relevant departmental adviser. Each department handles admissions to its own graduate programs. If you are accepted into an MA program having already begun, or finished, the Certificate in Museum Studies, up to four courses can be transferred and will count towards your degree requirements. Q. How much is the tuition for the certificate courses? A. Please visit our Application and Tuition page for current tuition rates. Q. Is financial aid available? A. Museum Studies certificate students may apply for federal financial aid provided the student takes a minimum of two courses per semester (and is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident).
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