Education

Certificate Program in Community Museum Studies

The Certificate in Community Museum Studies is a comprehensive, ten-course program that provides entry-level training in museum management and operations. Participants will gain the skills they need in order to successfully operate a public community museum. Each course is offered in a scheduled rotation in locations across Saskatchewan and/or online.

Courses in the Certificate Program include:

In this course, you will learn about the museum’s role in caring for collections and how to write a collections policy. You will also learn about factors that cause objects to deteriorate, and how to respond with appropriate measures. You will learn how to handle, store, and exhibit objects safely, as well as the role of museums and their professional responsibility involving the ethical care of these collections.  (2 days)

In this course, you will learn what collections management is, and what activities are involved in it. The course also examines collections management policy and procedures, the laws and regulations affecting the collecting, safeguarding, and legal deaccessioning/repatriation of objects, and the collection documentation process.  (1 day)

This course guides you through the exhibit design process. Through lectures, group work, and group discussions, you will share your experiences and develop the skills to offer exhibits that engage and reflect your community, tell captivating stories, and appeal to visitors of all ages.  (2 days)

You will learn what marketing is; and gain an understanding of marketing the museum in today’s environment. This course also looks at developing products and services appropriate target audiences, branding, and creating a marketing plan.  (1 day)

This course will increase your familiarity with the most recent edition of Standards for Saskatchewan Museums, focusing on applying the standards to your museum. It will also examine the relationship between your institution, sector standards, and public trust, as well as look at the museum standards in a provincial, national, and international context.  (1 day)

In this course, you will learn about the role of the museum as an educational institution in the community. You will also learn about responding to current issues affecting the sector, planning and designing audience appropriate education and public programs, and writing and education and public programming policy.  (1 day)

The museum has the potential to be a cultural and social hub within the community. This course explores the shifting landscape affecting museums and their communities, and introduces current practices for planning, assessing, and implementing museum-community initiatives. You will learn skills and share ideas around determining community and audience needs, engaging in meaningful ways with diverse groups, and developing a community engagement plan.  (2 days)

In this course, you will learn about the roles and responsibilities of a non-profit board of directors with regard to public trust, board decision-making, policy development, financial and human resource management, and community relations.  (1 day)

In this course, you’ll learn to develop a research policy, and develop and implement a research plan. You’ll strengthen your research skills, learn to integrate them into your museum’s practices, and learn ways to use research and resources to build community relationships.  (1 day)

You will learn about the scope of volunteerism nationally and provincially, volunteer trends and motivation, and community analysis. You will also examine the relationship between the museum and community and its impact on volunteerism, learn how to write a volunteer policy, and understand the volunteer management cycle.  (1 day)

Any individual may enroll in the Certificate Program. To receive the Certificate in Community Museum Studies, participants must meet all of the course requirements listed in each course syllabus. Upon successful completion of the program, a certificate will be issued.


View our Current Courses Offered from this program.

What are the objectives of the program?

The certificate program aims to:

  • Promote the fundamentals of museum practice and philosophy.
  • Introduce students to current knowledge and techniques for good museum practice.
  • Assist museum workers in applying their new learning to their institutions.
  • Promote the value of continuing education.
  • Give students training that results in recognized qualifications.
  • Serve museums and heritage professionals through a training program tailored to their needs.
  • Facilitate recognition of the specialized skills, knowledge and standards of excellence needed for the successful management and operation of a museum.

What are the benefits of the certificate program?

Participating in the certificate program will give you opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills to operate a successful public museum. You can network with colleagues from throughout the province, share your ideas and concerns with expert instructors and fellow museum practitioners, and learn to apply course material to your own museum.

Questions? Contact Tim Panas, Learning Program Lead at [email protected], 306-780-9241.

Current Courses Offered