Graduate Certificate in Exhibit Design

The Exhibit Design Graduate Certificate Program provides working professionals in museum exhibit design, architecture, interior design, or production design with the tools to meet the increasing demand for dynamic, sophisticated exhibits by museums, trade shows, and other entities. The 18-credit program offers a comprehensive approach to learning that combines three disciplines: museum studies, interior design, and theatre and dance. 

About

The Exhibit Design Certificate Program at GW provides working professionals training in critical design and logistical skills to effectively produce dynamic exhibits. This unique program brings together three disciplines:

  • Museum Studies provides the programmatic backbone to the exhibit development process, including the exhibit narrative and the practical hierarchy of the design development collaboration.
  • Interior Design supports the design process with an aesthetic as well as a practical understanding of ergonomic, architectural, and ADA considerations.
  • Theater & Dance supports the exhibit process with a design approach that emphasizes visual narrative development and effective understanding of the collaborative process.

Faculty

The faculty is comprised of talented scholars and practicing professionals, including Carl Gudenius, director of this new certificate program, co-chair of the Department of Theatre & Dance, and principal designer of Design Concept Presentations; Kym Rice, director of the Museum Studies Program and award-winning exhibition developer and curator; and Stephanie Travis, director of the Interior Design Program and former senior architectural designer for acclaimed design firm Vicente Wolf Associates, Inc. in New York City.

Admission

The program is geared for working professionals holding undergraduate degrees in interior or architectural design, museum studies, art, or theatre. Admission into the program will also be based on a strong understanding of design aesthetics and practical skills to develop and execute visual designs. In addition, the applicant must meet the University's entrance requirements for certificate candidates.

Application Process

  • New students: Apply online (current GWU students contact Carl Gudenius at exhibitd@gwu.edu for application instructions)
  • Submit a portfolio (or statement of experience) to exhibitd@gwu.edu.
  • Current Museum Studies, Theater & Dance, and Interior Design students: No need to apply online but students must submit a portfolio (or statement of experience) and a resume to exhibitd@gwu.edu.
  • Questions? contact Carl Gudenius at exhibitd@gwu.edu.  

(Portfolio may also be sent by regular mail to Carl Gudenius, 800 21st Street NW, Suite 227, Washington, DC 20052.) 

Curriculum

  • 3 credits in Museum Exhibition: Design Processes
  • 3 credits Projects in Exhibition Design (a capstone course)
  • 12 credits of electives from each department—Interior Design, Museum Studies, and Theatre & Dance—plus an additional elective as appropriate.

Sampling of Electives 

Interior Design

INTD 6133   Textiles and Finish Materials
INTD 6111   Advanced Drafting and Materials
INTD 6112   Presentation Techniques
INTD 6141   Color Theory
INTD 6113   Computer Aided Drafting

Museum Studies

MSTD 6701   Introduction to Museum Studies
MSTD 6305   Museum Evaluation: Exhibition and Programs
MSTD 6302   Museum Exhibition: Design Processes
MSTD 6710   Museums and Technology
MSTD 6601   Green Museum

Theatre & Dance

TRDA 6331   Intermediate Lighting Design
TRDA 6340   Period Styles
TRDA 6348   Techniques in Design Presentations
TRDA 6335   Intermediate Scene Design
TRDA 6344   Production Drafting

Contact Us 

For more information about the program, call 202-994-0740 or send an e-mail to exhibitd@gwu.edu.

Additional Information

Find out more information about our graduation rates, median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information by clicking here.