Why Study Museum Studies?
Museum Studies examines how museums care for collections, create exhibitions, and engage communities. Students combine interdisciplinary learning with hands-on experience in cultural institutions.
Gain Practical Museum Experience
Explore museum work through internships, community partnerships, exhibition projects, and hands-on learning that connects classroom study with professional practice.
Study Museums as Cultural Institutions
Examine how museums collect, preserve, interpret, and present objects and stories, and how these decisions influence public understanding of history, science, art, and culture.
Bridge Academic Knowledge and Public Audiences
Museum professionals draw from history, art, science, anthropology, education, and business to make knowledge accessible and meaningful for diverse communities.
It’s a good fit for you if you are interested in:
- Public history and cultural storytelling
- Art, history, science, or material culture
- Community engagement and education
- Exhibitions and visitor experiences
- Nonprofit management
What You'll Study
Museum Studies courses explore how museums operate, communicate, and serve the public. Students examine collections management, exhibition development, educational programming, and the role of museums in preserving and interpreting cultural knowledge.
The minor works well with majors in:
Art and art history, history, anthropology, sociology, business, biology, and other fields across the humanities, social sciences, and sciences.
In-Demand Skills:
- Collections stewardship and interpretation
- Exhibition planning and development
- Public communication and storytelling
- Educational program design
- Nonprofit management
- Grant writing and fundraising
Comprehensive Curriculum
Students complete 18 credit hours, drawing on courses across multiple disciplines, allowing you to study topics that connect art, history, science, and public interpretation.
View minor requirements in the course catalog
Detailed course requirements, sequencing, and policies are outlined in the official Courses of Study Bulletin.
Meet Your Faculty Mentors
Across the disciplines, including art and art history, biology, business administration, classical studies, history, religion, and sociology and anthropology, faculty have come together to teach courses in this interdisciplinary program.
I still have such a passion for archaeology and the science side of it, but I knew I really wanted to end up at a museum no matter what kind of path I took. My passion for African American studies and African American history really led me down the more historical research path.
Recent Graduate Careers
Museum Studies prepares students to connect academic knowledge with public audiences. Graduates pursue opportunities in museums, cultural institutions, education, nonprofit organizations, and graduate programs related to public history, museum work, and cultural heritage.
Collections and Curatorial Work
Students interested in collections stewardship help preserve, document, research, and interpret objects that contribute to historical and cultural understanding.
Education and Community Engagement
Museums serve as educational spaces. Students interested in teaching and outreach can explore careers developing programs, experiences, and resources for diverse audiences.
Cultural Institutions and Nonprofit Leadership
Knowledge of museum operations supports careers in administration, development, visitor services, fundraising, and organizational management across cultural institutions.
Graduate Study and Public History
The minor provides a strong foundation for graduate study in museum studies, public history, archival studies, arts administration, and related fields.
Get Your Questions Answered
Students interested in the Museum Studies minor should:
Meet with an academic adviser to explore introductory courses in Museum Studies and review degree requirements in the course catalog.