Graduate Application Guidelines

Any student with a bachelor’s degree who is currently enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Michigan or who has received a graduate degree from an accredited institution in the last five years may apply for admission to the Program. Students enrolled in a Rackham graduate degree program pursue the Certificate in Museum Studies as a second or dual degree. Additional information about Rackham Dual Degree and Certificate programs may be found in the Graduate School Academic Policies. Students may apply for admission during or anytime after their first year of graduate study. There is no official application deadline, however, preference will be given to those who submit completed applications before March 1. Students applying by the March deadline will be notified of acceptance on or before April 1.

Please submit the following materials:

1. Application form
   • Students already pursuing a graduate degree at U-M must submit an Application for Dual Degree/Program. There is no application fee. For item 9 on the form, supply the following information:Program of Application: Museum Studies Numeric code: 01690
   • Students applying simultaneously to a U-M graduate degree program and the MSP must seek admission to the Rackham Graduate School. Please contact the Museum Studies Program office for information regarding the application process.
   • Students who are not currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at U-M, but who have received a graduate degree from an accredited institution within the last five years, and are applying to only the MSP must seek admission to the Rackham Graduate School. Please contact the Museum Studies Program office for information regarding the application process.
2. Transcripts of all post-secondary work.
3. Statement of purpose. A statement of 500-1000 words that addresses the reason(s) you are interested in the Certificate in Museum Studies, how the certificate program relates to the degree program you are currently pursuing (or have recently completed), your previous experience in museums (and related institutions) and your career plans.
4. Current curriculum vitae.
5. Three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from your advisor or chair of the degree program in which you are (or were) enrolled. Please use the Rackham form Recommendation for Admission.

Applicants who are already pursuing a graduate degree at the U-M should send all of their materials, including the Application for Dual Degree/Program and both cover sheets, to the Museum Studies Program. The Museum Studies Program office will route the appropriate materials to Rackham and the applicant’s home department.

Students must commit to enrolling in the two-semester proseminar for the academic year following admission to the program. The proseminar is generally scheduled for MW, 6:00 to 7:30 pm. In addition, students enrolled in the proseminar will be expected to participate in museum site visits. Three all-day visits will be scheduled for Fridays during each semester.