Online Master of Arts in Museum and Curatorial Practices
Museums and heritage organizations shape how communities understand their past and imagine their future. The Master of Arts in museum and curatorial practices at Arizona State University, offered online, prepares you to engage with art museums, heritage sites and curatorial projects through inclusive, forward-looking practices. You’ll build skills in research, interpretation and exhibition development to support careers in curating, education, research and related museum fields.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/20/2026
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 33
Study the future of museums online
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Gain museum practices expertise through these courses
Coursework examines the future of the art museum and the significance of responsive, equitable curatorial practices. You’ll be asked to imagine new possibilities for museums and apply those ideas to present-day work. Through your classes, you’ll build skills in leadership, problem-solving, research and writing, critical analysis, cultural sensitivity and creative organization. Explore featured courses below:
Become a leader in the museum field
This program prepares you to contribute to the next generation of museum and curatorial leadership. Whether you’re seeking to enter the field or accelerate your career growth, you’ll be prepared to effectively shape tomorrow’s museums in roles such as:
Earn your museum practice master’s from leading faculty
The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is home to world-class scholars, artists and designers who inspire students to shape the future. Research conducted by our faculty is grounded in the transformative power of art and its ability to change the world. Research areas include:
- Disability activism in art and museum
- Curatorial practices and institutional critique
- Art and museum practice for social change
- Arts, education and arts-integrated education
- Arts, entrepreneurship and cultural policy
- Community engagement and public policy
Earn your museum practice master’s from leading faculty
The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is home to world-class scholars, artists and designers who inspire students to shape the future. Research conducted by our faculty is grounded in the transformative power of art and its ability to change the world. Research areas include:
- Disability activism in art and museum
- Curatorial practices and institutional critique
- Art and museum practice for social change
- Arts, education and arts-integrated education
- Arts, entrepreneurship and cultural policy
- Community engagement and public policy
How to apply
Applicants to the online Master of Arts in museum and curatorial practices program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Degrees in the social sciences (history, anthropology, archaeology) and the arts (art history, museum studies) are most helpful to prepare students, but not required.
The creative heart of Arizona State University
ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is the home to top-ranked creative programs from various disciplines, including art, design, dance, fashion, film, games, media arts and sciences, music and theatre. We train artists, designers and scholars to leverage their creativity and problem-solving abilities to advance culture, build community and transform society.
9,000+
students
650+
internationally recognized faculty members
130
programs in art, design, dance, fashion, film, gaming, media arts and sciences, music and theatre
Top 15
best graduate schools for fine arts, according to current U.S. News & World Report rankings
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
