Museum Studies Minor

Career Areas

• Art direction
• Administration
• Curatorial
• Conservation
• Restoration
• Registrar
• Collections management
• Exhibit design/preparation
• Archive management
• Education
• Tours
• Sales
• Publications
• Development
• Public relations
• Historian

Employers

• University, Public, Private Art museums
• Archives
• Historical societies
• Natural history museums
• Living history museums
• Galleries
• Community centers
• Auction houses

General Information

• Gain relevant experience through internships or volunteer positions in museums or galleries.
• Visit museums around the country and world to gain exposure to art.
• Learn a foreign language and plan to study abroad.
• Supplement curriculum with courses in history, religion, anthropology, and classical civilizations.
• Most art historians will specialize in a period or region.
• Acquire strong skills in research, fund-raising, speaking, writing, and an attention to detail.
• Plan to earn a graduate degree in art history, museum studies, or other related discipline depending upon specific interests.
• Each specialty has varying qualifications and required training.
• Develop good interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well on teams.
• Become a member of local museums.
• Read published resources provided by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).

Career Areas

• Appraisal: art and estate
• Sales
• Antiques dealing
• Antiquarian book dealer
• Art authentication
• Public relations
• Website management

Employers

• Self-employed
• Dealers
• Galleries
• Museums
• Auction houses
• Specialty stores

General Information

• Learn to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
• Take additional courses in interpersonal communication and public speaking.
• Prepare to work independently and to be self-motivated.
• Plan to work irregular and/or long hours.
• Cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit, including self-discipline and perseverance, are keys to success.
• Pursue a business minor to increase knowledge of business principles.
• Obtain sales experience through internships or summer and part-time jobs.
• Volunteer in museums, membership drives, local galleries, and community outreach programs.
• Serve as a student assistant in a university gallery.
• Develop solid public speaking skills.
• Become familiar with marketing techniques using social media platforms.

Career Areas

• Administration
• Management
• Public relations
• Program coordination
• Fund raising/ development
• Grant writing
• Writing/Editing
• Volunteer coordination
• Community education

Employers

• History museums and historical sites
• Historical associations and societies
• Cultural heritage organizations
• Historical projects
• Research and service institutions
• Libraries
• Educational institutions
• Local and national nonprofit agencies
• Trade or professional associations
• Special interest groups
• Nonprofit organizations

General Information

• Gain experience through extensive volunteering or by completing an internship; these experiences are critical to finding full-time positions.
• Supplement curriculum with courses in anthropology, sociology, art history, or foreign languages.
• Obtain leadership roles in relevant campus and community organizations.
• Develop strong communication and research skills.
• Gain an understanding of budgeting and fiscal management.
• Learn how to write grants.
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience in a specialty area, time period, or geographic locale.
• Research organizations’ values to find a good fit with yours.
• It is critical that you are knowledgeable about and committed to the work you’re going to do.
• Investigate term of service or service corps positions as a way to gain entry into the field.
• Consider earning a graduate degree for more job opportunities and advancement.