The MA in Museum Education, offered by the Department of Education, is designed for those interested in pursuing careers in art, history, science, and children's museums. As a student in the program, you'll prepare to find your place at the cutting-edge of the interesting and varied field of museum education. We seek applicants who can bring new thinking and leadership to the field at a time when museums are increasingly focusing their resources on community engagement, civic issues, and global problems.

Program Outcomes

The master's program in museum education prepares students to work with audiences of all ages, interests, and abilities in the informal learning environment of a museum. Students take courses in education, human development, psychology, museum studies, and content areas such as history or art history simultaneously.

You'll complete a museum practicum, arranged with academic help and supervision from your faculty advisors, and get the chance to apply your skills and knowledge in the real-world setting of a museum. With its convenient location just a few miles from downtown Boston, Tufts offers easy access to opportunities at the area's many museums, academic, and cultural institutions.

Graduates of the program typically pursue careers as educators or administrators in museums of all types and sizes.

Tracks

Full-Time Track

The MA in Museum Education usually takes two years of full-time study. The program requires completion of eleven courses, including five required museum studies courses, a supervised museum internship, two required education courses, and four electives relating to the student's area of interest.

Part-Time Track for Working Professionals

Using a trimester format for graduate coursework, the part-time MA in Museum Education program allows working professionals to work full-time while attending courses in the evening, on weekends, and online allowing completion of the program in two to three years. Requirements are the same as full-time study.

Application Requirements

Application fee.
Resume/CV.
Personal Statement: Elaborate on your reasons for wishing to pursue graduate study at Tufts and your vision of becoming museum educator. Your personal statement should be a maximum of 2,500 words and single-spaced. Describe experiences, including inspiring individuals or events that motivated you to take this path.
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, if applicable.
Transcripts
Three Letters of Recommendation.

If you are a Connecticut College student and are interested in the Connecticut College/Tufts Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Combined Degree in Museum Education (BA/MA), please visit this page for more information about application requirements and deadlines.

Tuition & Fees

GSAS bills tuition using a per-credit billing model, meaning you are billed for the number of credits you take each semester. This billing model is used to provide students better flexibility so they may "pay-as-they-go".

Tuition*	$1,270 per credit
Total Credits Required	33
Enrollment Status	Part-Time: 3-6 credits (typically 1-2 courses) Full-Time: 9+ credits (typically 3 or more courses) or qualifying enrollment criteria (assistantships, internships, or continuation courses, etc.)

Estimating Tuition Costs for this Program

This example pathway outlines estimated tuition costs per semester using a typical full-time course load. This is one possible pathway to completion; actual credits, costs, enrollment status, and degree completion time may vary based on a student’s course load.

Full-Time Pathway	Fall	Spring	Total
Year 1	9 credits	9 credits	18 credits
Year 1	$11,430	$11,430	$22,860
Year 2	9 credits	6 credits	15 credits
Year 2	$11,430	$7,620	$19,050
Estimated Total Tuition Before Aid*			$41,910*

Note: this example does not account for any scholarships that may be awarded at the time of admission. GSAS offers generous merit- and need-based tuition scholarships for qualified applicants. A list of funding opportunities is provided below.

*Estimated based on 2025-2026 tuition rates. Rates are subject to change each academic year. For further information about the full cost of attendance, including health insurance, fees, and estimated indirect costs (housing, transportation, etc.), visit Student Financial Services.

Financial Aid & Funding Opportunities

At Tufts University, we believe that every qualified applicant should have the opportunity to pursue graduate study, regardless of financial circumstances. We are committed to helping you navigate the financial aspects of your education and strive to make graduate school accessible through a variety of support options.

Scholarships and Awards Available for this Program

Merit- and need-based tuition scholarships for master’s programs: To be considered, be sure to indicate your interest within the Financial Aid section of your application.
The Future Leaders Fellowship is a full-tuition scholarship for outstanding full-time master’s students and entry-level OTD students. Future Leaders Fellows are selected by the GSAS Dean following their admittance to Tufts.
Fifth Year Master's Degree Program — current Tufts Undergraduates can enroll in this program which has reduced tuition costs and provides a Financial Aid Match with a graduate tuition scholarship proportional to the undergraduate tuition award at the time of application.
Connecticut College/Tufts Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Combined Degree in Museum Education (BA/MA) — current undergraduate Connecticut College students can enroll in this program which offers an accelerated path to earn their master’s degree in Museum Education from Tufts.
City Year Corps members, alumni, and staff are eligible to receive a minimum scholarship award of 25% off tuition.

Work Opportunities and Awards

There are various graduate assistantships and work opportunities available for Master’s students across Tufts.
The Graduate Student Open Access Publishing Fund provides financial support to students who want to publish their work open access.
The Graduate Student Research Competition provides funding for expenses including equipment, materials, and supplies; research participant compensation; and expenses of travel to conduct research.
The Graduate Student Conference Reimbursement Fund is available for students to travel to present or attend at a conference or professional meeting.

Visit our Graduate Financial Aid page for information on loans and financing options.