About
This program will provide a foundation in both the theory and practice of the curation and exhibition of historical materials. The certificate provides an opportunity for students to form a focused and distinct skill set that can be used toward employment in museums, galleries, and institutions that engage in collections management.
What you will learn
Through focused scholarly analysis and applied practice as museum interns, the Certifcate of Curation Studies provides students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for employment in museums, galleries, and institutions that engage in collections management, particularly those housing objects from the pre-modern period. Students will gain foundational knowledge in current curatorial practices and theory including history of museum and gallery display and collecting; collections management (cataloging, conservation, research); exhibition development, digital approaches to collections and exhibitions; education and outreach best practices; and curatorial ethics (representation of diverse voices, handling of sensitive subjects).
ANTH 251.3 Introduction to Archaeological Interpretation
How do archaeologists reconstruct the lives of past peoples from the material remains they left behind? This course introduces the student to the methods, techniques and theoretical models used by archaeologists as they answer questions about our human past and the emergence of modern societies.
CMRS 315.3 Curating Collections in Theory and Practice
The purpose of this course is to give students a good foundational knowledge in current curatorial practices and theory. Through readings, discussions, case studies, and museum/gallery visits, students will examine a variety of curatorial subjects and themes, including the history of museum/art gallery display and collecting, collections management (cataloging, conservation, and research), exhibition development from proposal to display, digital approaches to collections and exhibitions, education and outreach through collections, as well as curatorial ethics.
CMRS 415.3 Museum Internship
The Museum Internship Seminar is designed to provide upper-year students an opportunity to work in a museum and gain experience in hands-on curatorial projects which could be applied in a museum or gallery setting, or as part of a collections-related research project. The course aims to support interns' career competencies by developing practical skills for finding meaningful work after completion of their degree. Interns will spend 6 hours per week working in the Museum of Antiquities. Every two weeks (6 meetings in total) interns will meet for a two-hour seminar to discuss their work and to complete broader work competency training modules that will be focused on transferable work skills. In the final week of the seminar students will be given a mock job interview.The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
The University of Saskatchewan’s Museum of Antiquities provides students with hands-on experience handling artefacts in the collection of originals and replicas. Students can choose to volunteer here ahead of their internship.
Students in this program will study with faculty who also teach in the interdisciplinary Classical, Medieval and Renaissance Studies degree program. These faculty use their active research programs to bring the field to the classroom, and often to bring students to the field.
Careers
Integrating this certificate with additional studies you can seek employment with private collection holders and museums.
- Collections Manager
- Exhibit Designer
- Museum Curator
- Museum Educator
- Museum Director
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $746 per 3 credit unit class | $3,611 per 3 credit unit class |
| Student fees | $1,121 per year | $1,121 per year |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay per class (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access. This estimate reflects the price you would pay if you are a full-time student.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 for this program.
Program options
The Certificate in Curation Studies is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science. You may earn the certificate on its own, concurrently with a degree, or after having already received a degree from here or another institution.
If you are already enrolled at USask, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
International students:
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The College of Arts and Science strongly recommends that international students do not enrol in a certificate program alone, as course offerings per term and program length may not be sufficient to maintain eligibility for a study permit, on/off-campus work permit, or post-graduation work permit when taken as a stand-alone program.
If you are interested in pursuing a certificate program, plan to enrol in your certificate of interest only alongside a degree. Learn more by visiting the International Student Guide and connect with an academic advisor if you are interested in adding a certificate to your degree program after you become a student!
- International Student Guide
- Academic advising
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
If you are a current USask student, consult your academic advisor about enrolling in this program.
To apply to this program as a new student, create an admissions account and apply for admission to any undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Science. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $120 CAD. After you are admitted, declare your plans to the college.
If you are interested in more information about this certificate, please contact student-advice@artsandscience.usask.ca