Graduate Degrees in Museum & Field Studies

Museum & Field Studies

The interdisciplinary museum and field studies program is administered by the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History in conjunction with the departments of anthropology; history; art history; ecology and evolutionary biology; and geological sciences; as well as other departments. The Master of Science program provides a strong background in a chosen field as well as theoretical and practical grounding in museology.

Internships are offered at museums in the region, including natural history, history and art museums. Students completing the MS are trained as collection managers, curatorial assistants, registrars, museum educators, exhibit technicians and administrators.

Degree Types

MS

Enjoy access to the most extensive library of natural diversity in the state, and take classes and conduct research in the recently renovated Bruce Curtis Building.

Gain hands-on experience in all areas of museum work at the CU Museum of Natural History.

Take advantage of more than 20 world-class museums, parks and zoos in the area for internship, volunteer, job and networking opportunities.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Museum and Field Studies

Master of Science

2-year program
32 credit hours
A museum internship of 150 hours is required.
Students may choose either the thesis or nonthesis plan.
Three tracks are available: a collections/field track, a public/administration track and an art history track.

GRE/GMAT Requirements

Not required

Fall Semester Application Deadlines

International applicants: Dec. 1, 10 p.m. MT
Domestic applicants: Dec. 15, 10 p.m. MT

For program details, review the course catalog for the MS in museum and field studies.

Research Areas

Anthropological Interpretation
Diatom Taxonomy, Systematics and Ecology
Southwestern Archaeology and Ethnology
Plant Taxonomy, Evolution and Phytogeography
Vertebrate Paleontology and Cenozoic Mammals
Biology of Aquatic Invertebrates
Systematics and Population Biology of Insects of the Rocky Mountain Region
Plant-Insect Interactions
Mammalogy

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Graduate Student Organizations