Overview

The Museum Studies programme at Harvard University provides a comprehensive foundation for professionals seeking to lead within cultural and heritage institutions. This Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) degree focuses on the practical and theoretical aspects of modern museum operations. Students develop the technical skills required to manage diverse collections and engage contemporary audiences effectively.

Why Museum Studies at Harvard University?

Studying at this world-renowned institution offers unparalleled access to the extensive Harvard University library system and its prestigious on-campus museums. The curriculum is taught by industry experts, including directors and curators from leading galleries and historical sites. Students benefit from a rigorous academic environment where 97% of recent graduates report they would recommend the programme to others. Additionally, learners join a global alumni network of over 400,000 members, providing lifelong professional connections.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 3440 per module
National fee: USD 3440 per module
Local fee: USD 3440 per module

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 12 graduate courses, including core requirements, electives, and a final capstone project. Modules may include:

Museum Studies
Graduate Research in Museum Studies
Collections Management
Museum Exhibition Content Development
Museum Ethics
Project Management
Museum Futures: Innovation and Impact

Careers with Museum Studies

Graduates are prepared for diverse leadership and technical roles within the global cultural sector. Alumni from Harvard University have secured positions at prestigious organisations such as the Smithsonian, The Met, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The programme supports career advancement in art galleries, historical societies, and university archives.

Common professional roles for graduates include:

Museum Director
Exhibitions and Collections Manager
Curatorial Research Associate
Museum Technologist
Exhibit Designer
Collections Manager

Beyond direct museum employment, some graduates choose to progress into doctoral research or advanced studies at other highly ranked international institutions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Master of Liberal Arts, Museum Studies degree field consists of 10 courses, with a minimum of two courses on campus. Weekend options available.

10 Graduate Courses

The museum studies program is customizable. Within the program curriculum, you choose the museum studies electives that support your personal learning goals.

Museum Studies

Proseminar

Six electives

Optional internship or additional elective

The Capstone Proposal Tutorial (noncredit)

The Capstone

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

125

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Museum Studies View 77 other Masters in Museum Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To begin the admission process, you simply register—no application needed—for the following two, graduate-level degree courses (available online):

MUSE 100 Introduction to Museum Studies
MUSE 102 Proseminar: Introduction to Graduate Studies and Scholarly Writing in Museum Studies
- Before registering, you'll need to pass our online test of critical reading and writing skills or earn a B or higher in the EXPO 42a Writing in the Humanities (counts as one of the six electives).
- You have two attempts to earn the minimum grade of B in the proseminar (a withdrawal grade counts as an attempt). The proseminar cannot be more than two years old at the time of application.

The two courses don't need to be taken in a particular order or in the same semester, but each course must be completed with a grade of B or higher, without letting your overall Harvard cumulative GPA dip below 3.0.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Out-of-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Museum Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Cambridge

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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