Algonquin College’s Applied Museum Studies program provides students with specialized training in collections management, educational programming, exhibit preparation, museum management and conservation.
Starting Fall 2013: This is a Mobile Learning Program.
As a student in this program you will require a mobile computing device, for example a laptop or tablet computer.
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- Ontario College Advanced Diploma
- 3 Years
- Program Code:
- 0446C01FWO
- Academic Year:
- 2012/2013
Our Program
This three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma program provides students with a sound background in museum work and the technical areas common to all museums including collections management, exhibit preparation, conservation, educational programming and museum management.
The program has three components: academic studies, workshops and field placement.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Have an interest in preserving our cultural past.
- Like to be creative with their hands and/or tools.
- Enjoy educating others about cultures, historical events, people and our natural world.
- Are observant and well-organized.
- Have good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Are detailed oriented.
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Your Career
Graduates may find employment in entry-level technical and management positions in museums and galleries or other cultural/heritage institutions. Graduates may also be employed as freelance museum contractors or as staff in antique or art shops.
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Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.| Level: 01 | Hours | |
| ENL1813S | Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments. | 45.0 |
| MUS1934 | History of Technology Students explore the concept of technology and review its historical origins. The influences of early technology and how they have changed the way we see and develop technology today are investigated. Relationships between society and technology including the factors of religion, politics, economics and science are also examined. | 45.0 |
| MUS1997 | Art, Architecture and Artifacts Style has influenced art, architecture and artifacts throughout history. In this course, we discover some of the major style makers and examine the main style periods. Analysis and examination of social history and values, political history and material sources help resolve some historical and modern questions about how style has influenced the objects around us. | 45.0 |
| MUS1999 | Introduction to Museum Research This course focuses on research as it applies to the museum field including the different types of research, sources of information, and research standards and formats. It also includes the role computers play in their many applications to museum work. Assignments enable students to develop the attitudes, knowledge and skills to conduct their own research in museum studies using applicable resources. | 45.0 |
| MUS2000 | Critical Thinking Students learn the art of analyzing and evaluating their thinking processes to improve them. The student is able to learn how to apply reasoning skills, analyze information and problem solve using critical-thinking skills. | 45.0 |
| Elective: choose 1 | Hours | |
| FLS3000 | French as a Second Language Beginner I This course is offered at the basic beginner level for those who have little or no exposure to the French language. The emphasis is on both oral and written comprehension and expression in specific and practical situations. Note: A test is given at the beginning of the course. Those with a 60% or higher are exempt from this class. | 45.0 |
| FLS3001 | French as a Second Language Beginner II This course is a continuation of French Language I. The student builds on the lessons of the last semester to increase their fluency in the French language. | 45.0 |
| Level: 02 | Hours | |
| ENL1853C | Professional Writing for Museum Studies Students continue to refine thinking, reading, writing, and speaking skills through the practical application of writing and speaking for the cultural sector. In addition to preparing standard business correspondence, students create reports and proposals and create labels and brochures for museum exhibits. Prerequisites: ENL1813S | 45.0 |
| MUS1974 | Canadian Studies Students examine the social, political and economic history of Canada from Confederation to the present. Through the investigation of selected political, cultural, social, and economic events students discover and evaluate several key themes in the development of the Canada that we know today. | 45.0 |
| MUS2002 | Introduction to Museum Studies Students are introduced to the major fields of museum work. Theory, practicum work, and institution tours allow students to develop knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of professionals working in conservation, collections management, public programming, exhibitions and museum management and to understand the inter-relationships of these fields within the museum. | 60.0 |
| MUS2003 | Introduction to Group Dynamics Students learn to apply knowledge from interpersonal relations and group dynamics to working in a team. The aim is to develop interpersonal effectiveness in teams and as individual team members. Students develop skills which allow them to operate more effectively in groups and to communicate more clearly. | 45.0 |
| MUS2004 | Cultural Sector Career Preparation Students are prepared to locate employment opportunities and apply for employment in the cultural sector. They are provided with the tools necessary to effectively conduct job searches, register for government supported summer positions, create applicable correspondence and resume development specific to procuring employment in the cultural sector. | 30.0 |
| Elective: choose 1 | Hours | |
| FLS3001 | French as a Second Language Beginner II This course is a continuation of French Language I. The student builds on the lessons of the last semester to increase their fluency in the French language. | 45.0 |
| FLS3002 | French as a Second Language Beginner III This course is designed for students who have successfully completed the Beginner II course or have been tested at the equivalent level. The emphasis of this course is on oral and written comprehension and expression. Course learning outcomes are aimed at facilitating communication in daily situations building on concepts learned in Beginner I and II. | 45.0 |
| Choose one from equivalencies: | Hours | |
| GED0446 | General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: ADV2001 or ARC9001 or DSN2001 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or FIN2300 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GEN1001 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED6022 or ENL7643 or GED1896 or GED5009 or PSI0003 | 45.0 |
| GED0446 | General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: ADV2001 or ARC9001 or DSN2001 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or FIN2300 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GEN1001 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED6022 or ENL7643 or GED1896 or GED5009 or PSI0003 | 45.0 |
| Level: 03 | Hours | |
| MUS0039 | Digital Content in the Cultural Sector Students study best practices for creating and managing digital content. This includes basic operation of a digital SLR and the application of techniques for proper artifact documentation in conservation, registration and collections management. Students investigate contemporary standards for digitization of cultural material, explore preservation strategies and consider challenges faced in managing digital heritage collections. | 30.0 |
| MUS2006 | Museum Management An overview of museum management and operations is provided by involving students in the process of management planning. Students create a business plan and project plan from criteria found in a long range strategic plan. | 45.0 |
| MUS2007 | Collections Management I - Registration Students focus on the process through which artifacts and specimens enter the museum and are documented: acquisition, ethics, policy, identification and registration documentation, numbering, vocabulary and classification systems, labeling and related legal concerns are examined. | 60.0 |
| MUS2008 | Shop Practices Basic development of practical skills in museum shop practices is provided. Students learn shop safety and the proper and safe use of hand and power tools. Students learn to identify and use appropriate materials and finishes. A variety of approaches for mounting 2D materials, producing museum labels, matting and framing works are examined. Finally, basic technical sketching, blueprint reading and model construction are introduced. | 60.0 |
| MUS2009 | Digital Design for Museums Students learn the basics of design by integrating graphic design fundamentals with the development of essential computer graphic software techniques. The differences between design for print and web are emphasized. | 30.0 |
| MUS2023 | Preservation Principles 1 This is an introductory theoretical course on the conditions and agents of deterioration. Students explore the various environmental and human influences that can cause or accelerate damage, methods of monitoring and controlling those influences are demonstrated. An introduction to holistic preservation practices is explored. Areas of study include the principles of preservation management, policy development, integrated pest management, environmental assessment and establishing conservation criteria for exhibitions. Prerequisites: ENL1813S Co-requisites: MUS2024 | 60.0 |
| MUS2024 | Preservation Principles 2 Students examine the physical and chemical nature of a variety of object materials and historical methods of production so that they are able to anticipate stability in a given environmental circumstance. Students apply physical, chemical and microscopic examination techniques. The exploration of effective preservation practices and the demonstration of remedial treatment options are also undertaken. Prerequisites: ENL1813S Co-requisites: MUS2023 | 60.0 |
| Level: 04 | Hours | |
| MUS2010 | Informal Learning in Museums Students develop an understanding of making exhibitions and programs more accessible to museum visitors. Students study learning styles, visitor profiles, and the use of evaluation strategies to identify appropriate objectives, means and methods of communicating interpretive messages. Strategies, such as interpretive writing and developing interactivities for exhibitions are examined in some detail. Finally, characteristics of successful visitor-centered exhibitions and programs are discussed and reinforced by visits to a variety of institutions. | 45.0 |
| MUS2012 | Educational Programming An indepth introduction with a focus on the educational aspects of interpretive programming is provided. The development process of program creation is examined with special emphasis on outcome-based objective writing, program evaluation, learning theory and styles and curriculum based programming. | 45.0 |
| MUS2013 | Techniques in Exhibition Focus is placed on skills and techniques required in the fabrication and installation of interpretive exhibits/displays and for the protection of the objects being displayed. Students develop their skills in these techniques to a level that meets museum requirements and standards. Prerequisites: MUS2008 | 90.0 |
| MUS2014 | Laboratory Procedures I Students develop knowledge and skills required to begin basic remedial conservation treatment of inorganic objects. Students learn to assess artifact conditions, provide appropriate remedial conservation treatment procedures, preventive recommendations and complete, clear, concise documentation of same. Safe and orderly laboratory procedures are taught and used. Prerequisites: MUS2023 and MUS2024 | 90.0 |
| MUS2015 | Revenue Generation and Public Relations Students learn revenue generation and public relation skills by creating a fundraising proposal and creating relevant public relations materials for a museum project. Prerequisites: MUS2006 | 45.0 |
| MUS2016 | Collections Management 2 - Cataloguing and Research Students develop and apply skills in identifying, researching, cataloguing, classifying and evaluating museum artifacts according to standard collections management systems. Prerequisites: MUS2007 | 45.0 |
| Level: 05 | Hours | |
| MUS1982 | Human Resources Planning and Management Focus is placed on human resources planning and management of paid staff, volunteers and contract personnel. | 45.0 |
| MUS2017 | Collection Management 3 - Care, Handling and Storage The student examines areas of collection management including care of different types of museum collections, artifact storage, loans, packing and shipping, and risk management and emergency preparedness plans. Prerequisites: MUS2016 | 60.0 |
| MUS2018 | Program IntERPretation The delivery of museum programs is the primary focus, in which students learn about the many methods used to animate collections in museums today. Students are expected to show proficiency in developing and delivering an interpretive program, and in obtaining feedback from program participants. Prerequisites: MUS2012 | 45.0 |
| MUS2019 | Plan and Develop Educational Exhibitions Students explore exhibit planning, design and development. The management principles, visitor evaluation strategies, interpretive planning details and design guidelines introduced in earlier courses are used as a framework to produce a comprehensive plan for developing an exhibition for an institution. As an exhibit team, students develop an exhibition brief to include proposal, research, storyline, timeline, budget, detailed designs, programming and promotional material. A maquette of the exhibition space accompanies a formal presentation of the brief. Prerequisites: MUS2010 and MUS2013 | 60.0 |
| MUS2020 | Laboratory Procedures 2 This is an advanced lab course with both instruction and student projects that involve the practical application of conservation theory to the remedial and preventive care of artifacts. Students learn to work with a variety of organic materials in order to gain a better understanding of their properties and composition. Paper, textiles, photographs, and books are diagnosed, documented and treated. Prerequisites: MUS2014 and MUS2023 and MUS2024 | 90.0 |
| MUS2021 | Museum Field Placement Preparation Students prepare for placement. They learn how to choose a relevant placement position, express learning objectives in a meaningful manner and prepare all of the background information needed to successfully complete their placement. | 30.0 |
| Level: 06 | Hours | |
| MUS2022 | Museum Field Placement This element of the program allows students to experience and observe activities and operations common to the cultural sector. Students are required to develop a learning contract with clearly articulated, achievable and measurable learning objectives. All students must be partnered with a professional member of the cultural sector to ensure successful completion of the established learning objectives and must account for a minimum of 500 hours of service. Prerequisites: Successful completion of all courses in Levels 03 through 05. | 500.0 |
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Fees & Expenses
Tuition Fees: $1,266.75 per term in Levels 01 and 02, $1,260.69 per term in Levels 03 and 04, and $1,254.66 per term in Levels 05 and 06.
Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *
Incidental Fees: $56.50 in Level 01, 03 and 05.
Student Activity/Sports Fee: $200.50 per term.
Student Commons/Auditorium Fee: $22 per term.
Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.
Health Service Fee: $20 per term.
Health Plan Fee: $117.02 paid once annually. **
A $40 graduation fee is payable in the final term.
A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.
International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.
* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/support/IT-Fee/index-it-fee.htm
** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the request. This request will have to be made annually.
Books and supplies cost approximately $700 for first year, $410 for second year, $150 for third year and can be purchased in the campus bookstore. An extra $360 is added to second year costs and $160 for third year for minor equipment costs, such as lab coat, safety goggles, SD Memory card, safety boots, etc.
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Admission Requirements
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $40 (subject to change) will be charged.
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
- Complete a questionnaire which will be used in the selection of eligible applicants.
- Applicants with a recognized university degree may be admitted directly into Level 03 of the program.
- Applicants who have completed a university degree may be accepted for direct entry into second year of the program (Level 3). Direct entry applicants should clearly identify that they are applying to Level 3 (rather than Level 1) when applying to ontariocolleges. Competition for a limited number of direct entry vacancies is stiff. Ensure you apply and submit the questionnaire form by February 1st for equal consideration. Once the direct entry vacancies are filled, university graduates will be waitlisted and/or offered admittance to the regular 3-year stream.
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Application Information
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca A $95 fee applies.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave, Room C150
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Email: AskUs@algonquincollege.com
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Additional Information
Students are strongly encouraged to improve their French language skills to maximize job opportunities, particularly those available in the Ottawa area which require bilingualism. Students will be tested in the first week of classes.
There is a significant workload in the program, particularly in second and third year. Students should be prepared to complete one to two hours of additional preparation, study and/or project work for each hour spent in the classroom or laboratory. Due to the specialized nature of the museum labs and equipment, a significant amount of this extra work needs to be conducted in the labs at the College and cannot be completed at home.
Students may apply for transfer of academic credits from Algonquin College (internal transfer) or from other institutions (external transfer). College Directives AA09 and AA10 apply to transfer of credits. Students pay a fee for each course they wish to be exempt from and must provide course outlines and transcripts for the course substituted. www.algonquincollege.com/directives.
Students may apply for credit by challenging courses using Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). College Directive E35 applies to PLAR http://www2.algonquincollege.com/directives/policy/prior-learning-assessment-and-recognition/. Students pay a fee for each course they wish to be exempt from and, through either a portfolio or challenge examination, a PLAR may lead to the acceptance of work and life experience in lieu of taking certain courses. More information can be found at www.algonquincollege.com/col/plar.html.
Museum workers are often in contact with the public and frequently engage with others in a team environment. As such, interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing are considered crucial skills for our graduates. Workers who handle museum objects and works of art must be precise, detail-oriented and comfortable with assuming responsibility for collections that are often delicate, fragile and very valuable.
Experience is a key factor in finding permanent employment in the cultural sector. Volunteer positions and field placements help students determine their preferred areas of work and provide networking opportunities with industry professionals. The program schedule allows time for volunteering, provides a 15-week field placement and offers students many opportunities to establish industry contacts.
Note: Students must successfully complete all courses up to Level 06 to participate in a 15-week Field Placement.
ACADEMIC PROBATION
Students who have two or more F grades in a given term or whose term grade point average falls below 1.7 are considered to be on academic probation (Directive AA14 Grading System). This requires the student to meet with their academic advisor or coordinator to sign a learning contract which identifies the conditions which must be met to continue in the program. Students who do not meet the terms of their learning contract are withdrawn from the program.
For more admissions information, contact the School of Health and Community Studies at 613-727-4723 ext. 7776.
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