CMS Course Descriptions

The Certificate in Museum Studies encourages the use of standards for museum development and is in accordance with the AMA's award-winning Standard Practices Handbook for Museums, the Museum Excellence Program, and the Guidelines for Developing Entry-Level Museum Practice Programs produced by The Learning Coalition (a network of learning managers from provincial museum associations).

1. Museums and Society

Is your museum relevant and responsive to your community's needs? Do you know whom you serve? This foundational course examines the fundamental purposes and roles of museums in society. Participants will explore how museums can examine and enhance their relationship with the communities they serve and create successful, accountable, and responsive museums. Participants are strongly encouraged to take this course early in their program. 

2. Museum Management

Participants will examine a range of activities needed to manage any museum, including planning, financial management, human resources, facilities management, public relations, marketing, risk management, and information management.

3. Museum Governance

As legally constituted organizations, museums must define their governing authorities and public trust responsibilities. This course introduces the basic legal and ethical requirements for operating a museum. Topics covered include an explanation and identification of governing documents as well as governing authority, accountability, and fiduciary responsibilities.

4. Collections Management

Collections are at the heart of a museum. Participants will learn about the policies, practices, and skills needed to manage museum collections. This course moves from broad concerns relating to public trust, cultural diversity, and planning through to issues in the areas of acquisitions, records management, and loans.

5. Research

Research is undertaken in all areas of museum practice. It is fundamental to the museum's purpose and programs. Participants will explore the kinds of research conducted in museums and will learn practical guidelines for planning and conducting research projects. Topics covered will include discipline-based research, collections-based research, research relating to museum functions and activities, and research methods such as field research and oral history interviews.

6. Preventive Conservation

The measures taken to care for and preserve museum collections are of vital importance. This course provides an introduction to preventive conservation (the actions taken to delay the deterioration of objects or to protect them from potential damage). Topics covered will include care and handling of museum collections, storage, managing the museum environment, and pest control.

7. Public Programs

For this course, participants will explore the services museums provide from the visitor's point of view. Participants will learn how to enhance the range of opportunities museums offer to their communities. Topics covered will include audience research, customer service, planning, and evaluation.

8. Exhibits

This course provides an overview of the role and importance of exhibits in museums and introduces the concepts involved in planning, fabricating, and evaluating exhibits. Topics include the basic elements of exhibit planning and design, exhibit policy, development, production, and evaluation.

Course Schedule

Museums and Society and Collections Management are offered annually. The remaining six courses are offered on an ongoing basis.

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