The program emphasizes the connection between the academic and the professional, combining classroom study and research into the history and current state of museums with recognition of the best practices in the field. All three full-time faculty have extensive experience working in the museum world, in museum staff positions, as museum board members, and as leaders in museum professional organizations. In addition, the department benefits from the experience of current museum professionals, as teachers of classes, as guest lecturers, and as supervisors of student assistantships and internships.