Art (Museum Studies), BA

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Online Program
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If you like art; children's and natural history museums; botanical gardens; zoos; the Grand Canyon; and Venice, Italy, then an undergraduate degree in museum studies might be for you.

A global perspective and social justice are at the core of the BA program in museum studies at ASU.

The courses focus on the most prescient international themes and issues at the forefront of contemporary museum and heritage studies. These include various ethical and legal issues, such as decolonization and repatriation claims; the impact of Black Lives Matter and COVID-19 on the cultural sector; activist curating; the role that institutions can play in fighting climate change; and the impact of tourism on heritage sites; among other current topics.

In order to reflect the breadth of the sector, the museum studies degree students select their own concentrations, in consultation with their advisor, in areas such as art history, anthropology, history, liberal studies, education, global studies, justice studies, parks and recreation, and other approved subjects. These courses offer a range of learning opportunities led by scholars and museum practitioners from across the ASU campus. Optional internships enable students to work directly with working arts professionals in their field of interest.

At A Glance

Art (Museum Studies), BA

Required Courses

A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.

While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.

Application requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:

Affording college

Scholarships
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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact, more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of financial assistance every year.

Admission requirements

Students meeting the university requirements for admission may matriculate in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Separate admission procedures and approvals are required for some programs within the college. Students must contact specific departments or schools for details.

Career outlook

Upon completion, students are prepared to seek an entry-level position in the museum sector or to matriculate in a Master of Arts program in museum and heritage studies. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in museum studies find employment opportunities in museums, galleries, archives, historical societies, national parks and other nonprofit organizations.

Example careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:


Career*growth*median salary
Archivists 14.3%$51,760
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 12%$66,930
Curators 14%$53,770
Museum Technicians and Conservators 12.4%$40,670
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes4.7%$64,940

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

  • Bright Outlook
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What are Accelerated Programs at ASU?

ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.

What are ASU's Online Programs?

ASU Online offers programs like Art (Museum Studies) in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

More information on the program is available directly from ASU Online.