MUSE Pathways

The UTEP MUSE Program offers two complementary pathways: a complete Minor in Museum Studies and a more-targeted Certificate in Exhibition Practice. Students may pursue one pathway or the other and depending upon a student’s interests and their overall program of studies, it may make sense to complete both.

For the most robust undergraduate training to further your future GLAM (“Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums”) career goals, we advocate you pursue the full Minor in Museum Studies. This progression allows you to hone your academic training, develop your professional skills, and earn hands-on experience that will enrich your resume and sharpen your competitive edge in the Museums and Cultural Heritage industry. If you are interested in pursuing a Graduate degree in Museum Studies or a related field, especially, the Minor is the right path for you.

For students who may already be at an advanced stage of their undergraduate career and thus unable to complete the Minor, or for those who are interested in earning a credential that complements their pre-established Major and Minor, the Certificate in Exhibition Practice may make sense. This three-course sequence provides an immersive but focused exploration of Museum Professional Practices; reach out to Dr. Strauss for further details.

If you complete both pathways, this significant accomplishment will appear in formal writing on your official UTEP transcript, where you will be credited with both a Minor in Museum Studies and a Certificate in Exhibition Practice. For students who are passionate about museums and exhibition design, specifically, we would love to assist you in earning both credentials to best further your professional MUSE goals.