Goucher College

The MA in Cultural Sustainability is a low-residency graduate program that prepares students to work with the communities they care about to strengthen and sustain valued traditions while advocating for cultural equity across sectors. Drawing on the wisdom and experiences of folklore, indigenous research, activism, inter-cultural dialogue, and non-profit leadership our students develop the knowledge and skills to enact social change through community-driven research, documentation, and action.

We have mastered the low-residency model which enables students to learn while remaining in the communities where they live and work. Students come to campus for short term, intensive residencies twice a year where they meet each other in person, explore hands on cultural sustainability initiatives, and create a community of practice. Then they return to their communities where they apply what they are learning to the communities that matter most to them.

While our required courses focus on undertaking community-based research, building meaningful partnerships, and understanding cultural policy, our electives allow students to plot their own course toward museum education, folklife programming, community organizing, non-profit cultural leadership, healthcare, or education.  87% of our Alums report working in careers relevant to their degree.  See our Curriculum Page for details.

Interested?  Or know someone who might be?  We have a rolling deadline with multiple entry points throughout the year.  Decisions are made within a few days so you can begin planning your graduate career right away.  Read more about tuition, financial aid, and How to Apply.