At the FIU Art + Art History Department, the Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies is intended to prepare students for professional employment in museums and historic sites. In accordance with the mission of FIU, attention is given to issues of diversity and multiculturalism, and the relationship of museums to changing populations and interdisciplinary trends in a variety of different collecting environments ranging from the arts to history, anthropology, archaeology, and the sciences.
The certificate program, which involves 18 credits, is most appropriate for people interested in museum careers and is designed to give a broad overview of museum history as well as a solid grounding in museological theory and practice. The program offers graduate level courses appropriate for museum work as well as some cross-listed courses from associated academic disciplines. This certificate program is open to both degree- and non-degree-seeking students.
Madiana Echavarria is currently enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies program. Echavarria jumped on the opportunity to enroll in the program once she had first heard about it. “I chose to be a part of the Museum Studies Certificate program ever since I learned about it my last semester of undergrad,” she said. “I wanted to advance my skill set as a museum professional….”
Echavarria feels it is unique to be a part of a Museum Studies program in a city like Miami. “Unlike other parts of the country where an art scene has been long established,” said Echavarria, “Miami’s art community is growing exponentially. Advancing in this field in Miami is especially advantageous as an FIU student on account of its 3 museums, The College of Architecture + The Arts | Miami Beach Urban Studios, supportive mentors, and countless resources offered by the university.”
“FIU is an anchor in Miami’s increasingly significant cultural community with students, graduates and faculty participating in every cultural institution over the years,” said Dr. Carol Damian, Professor of Art History and former director of The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum. “As students look toward a career in the museum world, we have a responsibility to train them to be the most accomplished professionals, whether in art museums, science, history, and others, and the Certificate is a first step and its internships are especially important as entry-level experiences. We are most fortunate to have a city that is a lab for the global art scene, and to have a presence in its excitement and success through our program.”
For more information on the Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies, click here.
Follow FIU Art + Art History on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.