ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Online Master of Arts in Museum and Curatorial Practices
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 10Total Classes
- 7.5Weeks per Class
- 33Total Credit Hours
- OnlineDelivery Mode
- Future-focused curriculumKey Differentiator
- In-person or virtual internshipPractical Experience
Arizona State University's online Master of Arts in Museum and Curatorial Practices is designed for students passionate about the evolution of museums and cultural institutions. This program explores how museums shape public understanding and addresses the urgent global and ethical issues facing them today, such as decolonization, climate responsibility, and accessibility. You will develop skills in research, interpretation, and exhibition development, preparing you for leadership roles in the museum sector. The curriculum focuses on forward-looking, inclusive, and community-centered practices, distinguishing it from traditional museum studies programs by emphasizing contemporary challenges and solutions. This master's program focuses on the future of art museums and curatorial work, grounding your learning in equitable and imaginative approaches that respond to societal needs. You'll examine how museums adapt to new expectations and responsibilities, exploring topics like activist curation, gender and race inequities, and the growing role of technology. The program offers a balance of history, theory, and practical application, ensuring you can connect ideas to real-world museum contexts. The program culminates in an internship (in-person or virtual) and a tailored culminating experience. You can choose to design and implement a project, such as an exhibition or educational initiative, or pursue a research-focused option to deeply examine a key question in museum or curatorial practice. This hands-on approach, combined with theoretical coursework, prepares you to become a thoughtful, imaginative, and motivated leader in the arts, culture, and research fields.
Curriculum
The curriculum examines the future of the art museum and the significance of responsive, equitable curatorial practices. You will be asked to imagine new possibilities for museums and apply those ideas to present-day work. Through your classes, you’ll build skills in leadership, problem-solving, research and writing, critical analysis, cultural sensitivity and creative organization. Some featured courses include:
- Throughout Program
- Methodologies and Art History
- Anti-Racist Approaches to Art Museums Today
- Decolonizing Museums
- Curating the Contemporary in Practice
- Gender/Sexuality in Museums
- Contemporary Indigenous Art & Museums
- Museums & Technology
- Identity Politics & Exhibitions
Careers
This program prepares you to contribute to the next generation of museum and curatorial leadership. Whether you’re seeking to enter the field or accelerate your career growth, you’ll be prepared to effectively shape tomorrow’s museums in roles such as:
- Museum curator
- Museum educator
- Museum executive or leader
- Exhibition developer
- Researcher
- Gallery or collection manager
- Museum administrator
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Online Master of Arts in Museum and Curatorial Practices program?
- You need a Bachelor's Degree with a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of your bachelor's program. While degrees in social sciences or arts are helpful, they are not strictly required.
- How much does the online Master of Arts in Museum and Curatorial Practices program cost for international students?
- Online tuition and fees are aligned with on-campus rates, and international students pay ASU for tuition and fees. There is no separate out-of-state tuition rate for online students. Exact costs depend on your program, transfer credits, and course load; use the university's tuition estimator for a personalized estimate.
- What is the duration of the online Master of Arts in Museum and Curatorial Practices program?
- The program consists of 33 credit hours with 10 classes, each lasting 7.5 weeks. The program is designed to be completed over a period that accommodates 33 total credit hours.
- What career paths can I pursue after completing this program?
- This program prepares you for roles such as Museum Curator, Museum Educator, Museum Executive or Leader, Exhibition Developer, Researcher, and Gallery or Collection Manager.
- What is the application deadline for the Online Master of Arts in Museum and Curatorial Practices program?
- The next start date for the program is August 20, 2026. You should begin the application process online in advance of this date.
- Does the program offer any scholarships for international students?
- The New American University Scholarship (Graduate Level) may be available if you completed your undergraduate degree with a scholarship and enroll full-time immediately after. Specific eligibility and renewal criteria apply.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeMinimum 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of the bachelor's program.
Applicants must fulfill requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. While degrees in social sciences (history, anthropology, archaeology) and arts (art history, museum studies) are helpful, they are not strictly required. The ideal candidate is thoughtful, imaginative, and motivated by arts, culture, and research, with an interest in shaping the future of cultural institutions through creative thinking and hands-on implementation.
Fees
Tuition (international)As an international student, you will pay ASU for tuition and fees. Online tuition and fees are closely aligned with campus tuition and fees, and ASU doesn't have out-of-state tuition for online students. Exact tuition costs will depend on your program, transfer credits, and course load. You can use the university's tuition estimator for a personalized estimate.
Tuition (home)Arizona residents pay a lower tuition rate. Online tuition and fees are closely aligned with campus tuition and fees. Exact tuition costs will depend on your program, transfer credits, and course load. You can use the university's tuition estimator for a personalized estimate.
LivingHousing and food, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, and personal expenses will vary.
Tuition costs vary by residency (Arizona resident, non-resident, international) and whether the program is online or on-campus. Online students do not pay an out-of-state tuition rate. Common university fees include: Recreation fee ($28), Student Service Facility fee ($100), Student Programs fee ($35), Health and Wellness fee ($80), Student Athletic fee ($100). College and school-specific fees and a surcharge fee may also apply.
How to apply
1. Explore Degree ProgramsReview the specific requirements and curriculum for the Master of Arts in Museum and Curatorial Practices program to ensure it aligns with your academic and career goals.
2. Complete the ASU ApplicationFill out Arizona State University’s general application for graduate students online.
3. Fulfill Program-Specific RequirementsEnsure you meet the departmental requirements for the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, which includes a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of your bachelor's program.
4. Submit Required DocumentsPrepare and submit all necessary application materials, which typically include academic transcripts.
5. Monitor Application StatusAfter submitting your application, regularly check your status for any updates or requests for additional information.
Scholarships
New American University Scholarship (Graduate Level)Any remaining semester scholarship amount from an undergraduate New American University scholarship (National Scholar, President’s, Provost’s, Dean’s or University level)
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Online Master of Arts in Museum and Curatorial Practices program?
+
You need a Bachelor's Degree with a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of your bachelor's program. While degrees in social sciences or arts are helpful, they are not strictly required.
How much does the online Master of Arts in Museum and Curatorial Practices program cost for international students?
+
Online tuition and fees are aligned with on-campus rates, and international students pay ASU for tuition and fees. There is no separate out-of-state tuition rate for online students. Exact costs depend on your program, transfer credits, and course load; use the university's tuition estimator for a personalized estimate.
What is the duration of the online Master of Arts in Museum and Curatorial Practices program?
+
The program consists of 33 credit hours with 10 classes, each lasting 7.5 weeks. The program is designed to be completed over a period that accommodates 33 total credit hours.
What career paths can I pursue after completing this program?
+
This program prepares you for roles such as Museum Curator, Museum Educator, Museum Executive or Leader, Exhibition Developer, Researcher, and Gallery or Collection Manager.
What is the application deadline for the Online Master of Arts in Museum and Curatorial Practices program?
+
The next start date for the program is August 20, 2026. You should begin the application process online in advance of this date.
Does the program offer any scholarships for international students?
+
The New American University Scholarship (Graduate Level) may be available if you completed your undergraduate degree with a scholarship and enroll full-time immediately after. Specific eligibility and renewal criteria apply.