Museum Education
INSPIRE
LEARNING
+ ACTION
GW: Where Learning Comes to Life
GW: Where Learning Comes to Life
Earn a Master's in Museum Education
Washington, D.C. offers an unmatched landscape of museums, galleries, and cultural institutions—and at GW’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD), you’ll be right at the center of it all. As a student in the Museum Education program—the first of its kind in the nation—you’ll prepare to lead transformative learning experiences in museums and other cultural and natural heritage sites. Combining academic rigor with supervised fieldwork, the program empowers you to become an advocate for accessibility, accountability, and lifelong learning in diverse museum environments.
The GW Advantage
Immersive Learning in the Nation’s Capital
There is no better place to examine museum education than in Washington, D.C. Engage with world-renowned institutions like the Smithsonian, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, International Spy Museum, and the National Zoological Park through hands-on fieldwork and internships.
Streamlined Time to Completion
This full-time, 4-semester, in-person program allows you to earn a master's degree in 14 months; start in June and graduate the following August.
Global Network, Lasting Impact
Since 1974, GW has shaped museum educators who help institutions foster more humane and just societies. Join an alumni network of museum professionals around the world, and build lifelong connections with faculty and peers committed to the power of museums as catalysts for education and equity.
Expert Faculty, Grounded in Practice
Learn from practitioner-scholars who bridge theory and application in museum education, leadership principals, accessibility, and community engagement.
GRE is Not Required
The GSEHD Admissions team completes a wholistic review, considering extracurricular activities, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
No Application Fee
There’s no risk to applying to GSEHD, only reward! So what are you waiting for? Apply today!
Funding Available
Explore opportunities for GW, GSEHD, and external scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options.
Museum Education at GW isn’t just studied — it’s experienced. Hear from a few people who help bring it to life.
Your Future in Museum Education
Museum education professionals play a vital role in making cultural institutions more accessible, engaging, and inclusive. Whether working in art, history, science, or children's museums, graduates can pursue careers in education, interpretation, visitor engagement, and program development—translating complex ideas into meaningful experiences for diverse audiences. Potential positions include:
- Museum Director
- Education Director
- Education Strategist
- Education Initiatives Manager
- Director/Manager of Access Initiatives
- Docent Coordinator
- Director/Curator of Education & Public Programming
- Community-Relationship Coordinator
- Event Planner
- Interpretation Specialists
- Members of the Board for Museums
- Museum Program Evaluators
- Vice President of Learning and Engagement
- Development/Fundraising Officer
95%
Alumni From Past 5 Years Hold Positions in the Field
