Overview
SUNY Oneonta's Cooperstown Graduate Program in Museum Studies trains creative, entrepreneurial museum leaders committed to generating programs and services for the public good. You’ll learn by doing tangible, useful work on real-world projects and dedicate yourself to developing programs that play a central role in your community, encouraging public audiences to use artifacts and the study of science, art and history as a catalyst for social change.
Department
Program Type
Area of Study
Delivery Mode
Requirements
Select the track that interests you – either History or Science – and see the list of required courses for your program of study.
Why SUNY Oneonta?
- You will be able to practically apply your knowledge and develop professionally through projects, seminars and internships. Your classroom is a museum!
- Graduates become part of a long-lasting and exclusive alumni network.
- You’ll gain hands-on experience working in a variety of facilities around historic Cooperstown and across the United States.
Museum of the Rockies Internship
Recent Museum Studies grad Calen Cavallaro talks about his internship at the Museum of the Rockies, where CGP alum Chris Dobbs ’98 is the executive director.
Cost, Aid and Graduate Assistantships
The cost of attendance for the Cooperstown Graduate Program is lower than that of many other graduate programs. See the full cost breakdown. In keeping with our effort to make CGP affordable, we offer a variety of scholarships. Additional funds are available for special circumstances. We also offer both first- and second-year assistantships for students to earn money by working in the field with professors. Nine Graduate Assistantships are available to second-year students. Recipients of these assistantships receive a tuition waiver and bi-weekly stipend.
How to Apply
- Submit your graduate application and the non-refundable fee.
- Submit two letters of recommendation. Ideally, one will be from a SUNY Oneonta faculty member who can attest to your ability to complete an M.A. program and one will be from a supervisor or individual qualified to evaluate relevant work experience.
- Submit transcripts from all previous educational institutions
- Submit an essay on the following topic: “Imagine your ideal museum. What is it like? Who does it serve? What is your job?” Provide a personal narrative on this subject of approximately 750 words.
Successful Alumni
Blending hands-on experiences with field trips, internships and a rigorous academic program, the Cooperstown Graduate Program has an excellent track record of employment for graduates. More than 1,000 alumni have attained prominence in museums and related fields as directors, educators, curators and programming specialists. Together, they form a close-knit network that supports current students with internship placements and career connections.
Program Details
Study in Historic Cooperstown
You’ll attend classes in Cooperstown, a village 25 miles northeast of Oneonta, and have full access to the resources and facilities of SUNY Oneonta. Cooperstown is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, The Glimmerglass Festival, The Farmers’ Museum, Fenimore Art Museum and a research library. Located on Otsego Lake, the Museum Studies program makes use of the entire community and its natural environment as its classroom.
Alumni Story
Hear From Students and Alumni
SUNY Oneonta alumni and current students talk about their experiences in the Cooperstown Graduate Program in Museum Studies.