Washington DC is unmatched when it comes to the number of world-class museums it has to offer. Museum leaders in the nation’s capital see the value in advancing the public service mission of museums and work to shape them into distinctive learning environments for multiple audiences.
The Museum Education Program at George Washington University prepares graduates as professional practitioners to meet the needs and interests of the public in museums and other informal learning environments. Students balance academic study with supervised fieldwork at world-class institutions, where they build their skills and reputation as advocates for museum accessibility and accountability. Graduates of this program are prepared to take on positions as administrative and education directors, curators/directors of education, development and fundraising officers, event planners, docent/volunteer coordinators, and community-relationship coordinators.
Emily Pope Hermans, Docent Program Manager at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens at Museum of Fine Art, couldn’t be more appreciative of the doors that opened for her after graduating from the program:
“The MEP gave me the opportunity to form deep connections with other museum educators and to gain a better understanding of the intricacies and complexities of the field,” Hermans said. “It also shifted my understanding of the ways in which museums can create successful, impactful experiences for visitors.”
The Museum Education alumni network is extensive, with graduates holding leadership positions in museums and related informal learning environments around the nation and internationally.
Learn more about the program by visiting gsehd.gwu.edu.
