The Bachelor of Innovation (BI) degree in Visual and Performing Arts - Museum Studies and Gallery Practice (MSGP) combines academic studies and professional training to prepare students for a variety of careers at museums and galleries. The degree is structured for students to not only gain a depth of understanding in museum studies and art history, but also a breadth of other arts disciplines, business, and entrepreneurship. Our classes are intimate, supportive, rigourous environments where students of all levels and abilities are encouraged to take risks and engage in experiential learning opportunities.
The major is composed of core courses in museum and gallery practice, art history, visual and performing arts (VAPA), and innovation and cross-disciplinary studies. You will learn about the different types of museums and organizations, develop the necessary skills for collections management and exhibition design, as well as examine the ways in which objects and cultures are represented and presented to a wider audience. In addition, you will study the history of art and visual culture from the deep past to the latest theories in contemporary art and visual culture. The Innovation core will introduce you to entrepreneurship, grant and proposal writing, and invaluable team projects with regional organizations.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate understanding of methodology and process in museum practice
- Discuss critically current theory and practice in museums and galleries
- Demonstrate understanding of key ethical and legal issues in museums
- Understand range of career opportunities available
General Information
The Bachelor of Innovation (BI) in Museum Studies and Gallery Practice requires the following:
- A minimum of 36 credit hours of VAPA, History of Art and Visual Culture, and Museum Studies and Gallery Practice course work. At least 21 of those hours must be upper-division (courses numbered 3000 and higher).
- A grade of C or better in all VAPA department courses applied to the major.
- A minimum 2.0 GPA must be maintained in all VAPA course work.
- A 3-credit hour internship is required as MSGP 4030.
- 24 credit hours of Bachelor of Innovation Core course work.
- 15 credit hours of Cross-Discipline Core course work.
- No more than 60 credit hours of VAPA course work may apply to the bachelor’s degree.
Additional course work is required to complete the Museum Studies and Gallery Practice, BI degree. Please see the advising guide on the Academic Advising website for more information.
Arts Fees
Students enrolled in AH, DNCE, FILM, MUS, MSGP, THTR, VA, and VAPA courses will be assessed fees to help defray the cost of supplies. Program fees range from $15-$40 per course, per semester. Check the course schedule for fees, or use the fee estimator at the Student Financial Services website. There is a full refund of the deposit for courses dropped the first two weeks of the term (for full-term courses).
