Livingston County Historical Society Collection (SUNY Geneseo/Keith Walters '11)
The SUNY Geneseo Department of History has entered into an agreement with Claremont Graduate University (CGU), Claremont, CA, to offer an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's program in history or cultural studies with a concentration in museum studies.
Geneseo students, regardless of major, can apply up to twelve credits from their senior year towards the 40-unit master's program at CGU. As a result, the Claremont program can be completed in well-under the usual two years and can be achieved as quickly as one year. Also, CGU will provide financial support for Geneseo students admitted to the program with a minimum fellowship of $5,000 per semester.
"This is a unique program, unlike anything that exists elsewhere in the SUNY system," said Michael Oberg, distinguished professor of history and director of the Geneseo Center for Local and Municipal History. "It’s an exceptional opportunity for Geneseo students," he said.
Oberg and Joshua Goode, associate professor of cultural studies and chair of the department of history at CGU, are co-directors of the program. "This program provides an opportunity for students to build on the excellent liberal arts education at Geneseo while putting them on a fast-track to earn an MA at a competitive graduate program, but one with an approach that Geneseo students will feel well-suited for," said Goode.
Oberg points out that this new collaboration is a boon to Geneseo students who currently minor in museum studies, but is open to anyone interested in pursuing a career in public history or working in historical and art museums. CGU has working relationships with museums throughout Southern California and can offer students unparalleled opportunities and experiences in some of the world's finest museums. "The rich playing field of the arts and museums in Los Angeles has always provided unique opportunities for our students. In the past few years, that network has expanded far more widely," said Goode.
"Our partnering with CGU reflects the creativity of Geneseo in providing beneficial opportunities for its students and the college's place as a leading liberal arts institution."
Interested students should consult with Professor Oberg (oberg@geneseo.edu) before the beginning of their senior year. See more information on the Geneseo/CGU accelerated MA program on the Department of History's web page.