Museum Studies

Program Overview

Quick Facts

Master of Museum Studies

Program Description

The MMSt program prepares students for future involvement in museums and related cultural agencies. The program examines the theoretical body of knowledge of museology as a necessary context for professional practice. The Faculty of Information also offers a combined degree program whereby students may complete both a Master of Information and Master of Museum Studies.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Application deadlines are available on the Master of Museum Studies web page. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty's additional admission requirements stated below. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree with an overall grade of at least a B+ average (grade point average 3.3) from a recognized university.

• Demonstrated previous experience in museums or related cultural organizations will also be considered. Admission to this program is competitive.

• All incoming graduate students must have a good command of English. All applicants educated outside Canada whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This requirement is a condition of admission and must be met before an offer of admission is made. The English language requirement may be satisfied using one of the following tests:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with the following minimum scores:

    • paper-based TOEFL exam: 600 with 5.5 on the Test of Written English (TWE)

    • Internet-based TOEFL exam: 107/120 with 24/30 on the speaking section and 27/30 on the writing section.

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): a minimum required score of 7.5 overall with 7.5 on the writing section and 7.0 on the speaking section.

  • Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): a minimum required score of 95 overall with 41 on the writing component, 27 on the reading component, and 27 on the listening component.

  • English Language Program, U of T School of Continuing Studies with an overall score of A in Academic English Level 60.

Program Requirements

Coursework Option

• Students must complete a minimum of 7.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including:

  • Five required half courses (2.5 FCEs).

  • MSL4000Y Museum Studies Capstone Projects (1.0 FCE; Credit/No Credit).

  • Eight additional courses (4.0 FCEs), of which 2.0 FCEs must be internal (Museum Studies) elective courses.

Thesis Option

• The thesis option allows students to gain experience in developing and executing a research project from beginning to end. Students gain familiarity with the research process and hone their research skills. Faculty approval is required to enter the thesis option. The thesis option is designed for students who have a clearly defined topic, can find a supervisor, and can meet tight deadlines in order to graduate within the usual time frame envisioned for the degree.

• Students must complete 7.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • Five required half courses (2.5 FCEs).

  • A research methods course (0.5 FCE) appropriate to their program of study with a final grade of at least A–.

  • A thesis (2.0 FCEs).

  • Five additional courses (2.5 FCEs), of which up to four graduate half courses (2.0 FCEs) may be taken outside the MMSt program.

Program Length

4 sessions (2 years) full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/F/W)

Time Limit

3 years full-time