Learning Opportunities
The AMA provides a variety of learning opportunities, including
our Certificate in Museum Studies (CMS) program, a virtual webinar
series, and other professional development opportunities.
To register for an open learning opportunity, please visit the Events page.
For more information about the AMA's Learning Programs, please
contact learning@museums.ab.ca.
Please note that these schedules are subject to change at
the discretion of the AMA.
Upcoming CMS Courses
Collections Management (CMS 25 - 04)
March 3 - 28, 2025
Location: Online with four virtual meetings (March 6, 13, 20,
27)
Instructor: Breanna Suk
In this course, participants will learn about the policies and
practices, and the skills needed to manage museum collections. This
course moves from broad concerns related to public trust, cultural
diversity, access and planning, through to issues in the areas of
acquisitions, records management, and loans.
Registration has closed.
Museums & Society (CMS 25 - 01)
June 27 - 28, 2025
Location: Kneehill Historical Museum, Three Hills, AB
Instructor: Mary Pinkoski
This course re-examines the fundamental purpose and role of
museums in society with a focus on the big picture. How do museums
go beyond doing everything right to doing the right thing? This
course will tie together the content from the rest of the program
to explore the museum's role in community engagement, social
responsibility, sustainability, and museums as agents of social
change.
As of January 2024, Museums and Society is no longer a capstone
course. Participants are no longer required to receive credit in
all seven other courses before receiving credit in Museums and
Society.
Registration will open April 2025.
Programming (CMS 25 - 07) With guest instructor Candace
Matelic
July 7 - August 1, 2025
Location: Online with four virtual meetings (July 9, 16, 23,
30)
Instructors: Guest instructed by Candace Matelic with
co-instructor Christine Moreland
Programming is the service a museum provides to the public to
help interpret their collections 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.
Registration will open May 2025.
Preventive Conservation (CMS 25 - 06)
November 3 - 28, 2025
Location: Online with four virtual meetings (November 6, 13, 20,
27)
Instructors: Alison Freake and Carmen Li
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's environment, and pest
control.
Registration will open September 2025.
To support greater Indigenous representation among museum
professionals, the AMA is waiving the registration fee for
online and in-person CMS courses for self-identified First Nations,
Métis, and Inuit members of the AMA. Indigenous
participants must have an active membership with the AMA prior to
registering for the course. Indigenous participants must
email learning@museums.ab.ca to
secure their spot. Participants are registered on a first-come,
first-served basis when course registration opens. There are
limited spaces available.