Certificate in Museum Studies
The Ontario Museum Association Certificate in Museum Studies (CMS) is the only museum studies training program in Ontario offered on a part-time basis for paid and volunteer museum workers.
Program Update Notice
The OMA strives to ensure that the professional development provided to OMA members through the Certificate in Museum Studies (CMS) program is current, inclusive, comprehensive, and accessible. The museum sector and the online tools available for learning have changed since our last curriculum review, as have the needs of the Ontario museum sector. As a result, we have been undertaking an extensive review of our CMS curriculum.
Based on broad-based research and consultation with OMA members and stakeholders, the OMA is in the process of updating the courses and program accordingly. The course descriptions and content will change over the next few annual cycles of the CMS. Be sure to periodically check this page for updates and the latest news.
About the Certificate in Museum Studies (CMS) program
The CMS introduces participants to the skills and knowledge needed for good museum practice over 9 courses.
CMS course content and assignments are intended to encourage participants to relate topics to their own institutions, apply new knowledge and skills to real-life situations and meet the Standards for Community Museums in Ontario.
Courses are taught by experienced practitioners in the museum field. CMS courses are offered either as face-to-face workshops at museums across the province, or over 10 weeks online.
Why Enrol in the CMS Program?
Exclusive Part-Time
The CMS program is the only museum studies program in Ontario offered part-time. Take the courses when convenient – you have five years to complete the certificate!
Well-regarded
The CMS program is longstanding and well-regarded in the Ontario museum community. Over 400 museum professionals have graduated since the program was established in 1982.
On-Site Museum Course Experience
You will visit museums across Ontario! Face-to-face courses take place on-site at museums all over the province and feature guest speakers and behind-the-scenes tours that give you an insider’s look at how museums of all sizes operate.
Flexible Learning
Many courses are also available online. Learn with your colleagues from across the province from the comfort of home!
Expert-Led Curriculum
Courses are taught by experienced practitioners in the field. Course Directors have extensive experience working in museums, sharing how best practices are implemented in the real world.
Ontario Museum-Focused Curriculum
The curriculum is linked to the Standards for Community Museums in Ontario – what you learn in this program is specific to the Ontario context and directly applicable to your museum.
Professional Networking
Meeting and sharing experiences with other professionals in the field is a highlight of the CMS experience! This program brings together museum workers from across the province and fosters collegial relationships and professional networks that endure well beyond graduation.
Courses
Meet Our Faculty
Artifacts
Museums in Historic Buildings (Facilities Management)
Museums in Context
Collections Management
Exhibit Planning & Design
Organization & Management of Museums
Care of Collections
Education Programs
Museums in Context
Sign up
To sign up for a CMS course, please log in to your individual OMA member account and register under ‘My Courses’.
Fees and Payment
Fees
2024 – 2025 Course Fees are
$395.50 ($350.00 + $45.50 HST) per course
- Registration fees may be subject to change.
Payment
Payment can be made by VISA, MasterCard, cheque or money order, and must accompany all registrations.
Regardless of payment method, all registration details must be received by the OMA once registration opens for the course.
- Credit card payments will be processed immediately.
- Cheques must be received at the OMA office no more than 30 days following the date of registration.
- Payments received by mail before the registration opening date will not hold a spot in the course.
Key Things to Remember About Registration
- You must be an Individual Member of the OMA to register for a CMS course.
- Registration for each course opens approximately 10 weeks before the course begins.
- Registration opens at 12am on the registration opening date.
- Registration is accepted online beginning on the registration opening date and continuing until the course is full.
- CMS participants with four or fewer courses left to complete the program will receive priority registration in CMS courses.
- Refunds for cancellation (minus 25% administration fee) are available up to 10 business days before the first day of the course. After this date, no refunds will be issued.
- Registration fees are not transferable to other courses or individuals.
Course Cancellation and Withdrawal
Cancellation
The OMA reserves the right to cancel any course at any time for any reason. The Association cannot guarantee continuation of any program should funding cease. The availability, date and location of the course offerings are subject to change at any time. Contact the OMA Secretariat for the most current information.
Withdrawal
Registrants may cancel up to ten business days in advance of a course and receive a refund minus 25 per cent. After this date, no refunds will be issued. Fees are not transferable to other courses or individuals.
Program Funding
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage Museums Assistance Program.
Questions about CMS
Please contact [email protected] if you have further questions about the CMS.
FAQ
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions page.