CUNY SPS Fetes Museum Studies Program and Its Graduates

The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) celebrated its 2024 MA in Museum Studies graduates and lauded their successes during a special event last month at the New-York Historical Society (N-YHS).

“It was wonderful to see our Museum Studies students and alumni celebrating their accomplishments together with faculty," said Jenna Coplin, academic program manager for the program. "We now have more than 100 graduates who continue to expand and diversify the museums where they work, playing critical roles in public life. They ensure that new voices and histories are heard wherever they go. We’re so proud of them.”

The CUNY SPS Museum Studies Master's Program was launched in Fall 2019 as part of a collaboration with N-YHS. 

“I clearly remember the summer of 2019, just after the Museum Studies degree had just received approval from New York State, working with Jenna to process applications and prepare the courses for our first cohort," said Jennifer Sparrow, interim senior associate dean for academic affairs . "It seems like yesterday, and yet here we are five years later celebrating graduates from a thriving program that has graduated over 100 students.”

Josie Gonzalez was one of those students who graduated with 15 classmates on May 23.

"I’ve always had a passion for museums, seeing them as potentially sacred spaces where reflection, beauty, inspiration, community and new ideas can be explored," she said.

Gonzalez was working as a part-time museum educator at N-YHS five years ago when she learned about the partnership between N-YHS and CUNY SPS to create the online program and felt compelled to apply.

"I saw it as the perfect opportunity to pursue a deep dive into museum studies, and the scholarship I received provided more support while I was employed part time," she said. "I plan to continue with rigorous research and reflection on museum best practices and applying what I’ve learned in my role as manager of education at El Museo del Barrio."

About the CUNY SPS MA in Museum Studies

The MA in Museum Studies online degree program grounds students in the theory and practical applications of museum operations, including administration, finance, curation, technology, and education. Developed in collaboration with the New-York Historical Society (N-YHS), students gain the knowledge, skills, and preparation necessary to engage in professional museum practice.

About the CUNY School of Professional Studies

As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

Press Contact
Prerna Dar
CUNY SPS Chief Marketing Officer
Prerna.dar@cuny.edu