We look for applicants who can demonstrate an established interest in, and motivation for, a career path related to the MA in Arts and Cultural Interpretation and Programming.  This interest may be reflected in their academic record, relevant professional experience, strong motivation, demonstrated commitment, or other indicators of their potential to succeed in this field.  Applicants may draw on their undergraduate coursework and/or professional experience in one academic field related to the public-facing educational work of cultural institutions.  Relevant backgrounds include Anthropology and Archaeology, Art History, Arts and Cultural Management, Applied Indigenous Studies, Museum Studies, Musicology, Geography, History, Science Education, Public Humanities, Parks and Recreation Management.

Personal Statement (500–1,000 words)

Your personal statement is an opportunity to reflect on your individual qualities, experiences, and aspirations in relation to the expectations outlined above. Please provide specific examples that demonstrate your readiness and potential to succeed in a professionally oriented MA program. How have your educational background, professional experience, or extracurricular activities prepared you for graduate-level study? In particular, how have these experiences helped you develop the critical reading, writing, analytical, and thinking skills essential for success in this program?  You may wish to address the following questions. (1) Preparation and motivation: What has inspired your interest in this field, and how have your academic, professional, or personal experiences prepared you for graduate-level study?  (2) Immediate goals: What do you hope to learn, explore, or accomplish during your studies in the MA program?  (3) Long-term aspirations: How do you envision using this degree in your future career or professional development? What do you hope this degree will mean to you personally and professionally five or ten years from now?  Take the time to carefully edit and proofread your personal statement. We encourage you to submit writing that is as clear, coherent, and polished as possible.

Letters of Recommendation

Your recommenders can play an important role in supporting your application. We prefer letters of recommendation that speak to your academic preparation, intellectual abilities, and skills, as these are particularly helpful in assessing your readiness for graduate-level study.  If you have not completed academic coursework recently and are unable to obtain references who can speak to your academic background, you may instead ask former or current direct supervisors to provide recommendations. Ideally, these letters should address your professional skills, work ethic, reliability, sense of responsibility, and ability to work effectively with others.

Selecting Elective Courses from an Academic Field to Support Your Career Goals

Prospective students considering graduate study in our program may find it helpful to strengthen their academic preparation by enrolling in one or two 400-level courses in a related academic field of specialization, either in person or online. Once accepted into the MA program, these credits can be transferred as partial fulfillment of the electives requirement.