For more information click on the following link - "http://wiu.edu/newsrelease.sphp?release_id=6437".
Update:
- More information on admission to the program and the fall schedule will be posted soon. (Tentative fall semester 2008 )
The Masters Degree in Museum Studies is a unique program administered through the College of Fine Arts and Communication at Western Illinois University. It offers course work through the departments of Art, and Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration working in conjunction with museum professionals at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa.
The mission of the Museum Studies Program is to educate students as to the history of museums, the various aspects of museum work to include Administration, Collections Management, Exhibition Development, Education, Community Development, Tourism, and Fundraising. Also, the program strives to acquaint students with the opportunities and problems faced by museums and museum personnel, and to create career opportunities for students who might seek employment in a museum. Emphasis is placed on practicum experiences involving such basic museum functions as exhibition, curatorial research, cataloging, acquisition, community service, education and administration.
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, 'hands on' experience of specific collections, and a supervised negotiated internship placement. As a part of the degree students are encouraged to build a portfolio of project work to support future job applications. The program has close links with a number of important institutions both in the city and the region.