Museum Studies
Minor
About this program
The Minor in Museum Studies helps you learn how museums serve, educate, preserve and show culture. You cover museum theory, exhibit design and history through courses like Introduction to the History and Development of Museums and Introduction to Museum Exhibits. You also gain real-world experience in two practicum courses — preparing and completing a capstone. You build communication and critical-thinking skills to support museum work from behind the scenes.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
Coursework in the Museum Studies Minor emphasizes acquiring knowledge in museum practice and theory to understand the public service role of museums, and to apply this knowledge to support the work of museums in creating exhibits, educating the public and caring for collections through collaborative efforts.
Students gain a useful set of pre-professional skills in museum practice, relevant information about museum theory and history, and learn about future careers in museums and informal educational settings. Written, oral and critical thinking skills are developed to evaluate the work of museums.
The Museum Studies Minor will prepare students for the terminal M.A. degree in Museum Studies, or for additional on-the-job training for work in museums. Graduates will appreciate the role and power of museums in the world as centers of learning, enjoyment and community engagement, and as stewards of cultural and natural heritage.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Acquire and combine general education skills with relevant knowledge and information on museum practice and theory to understand and discuss the public service role of museums in a multicultural world.
- Apply knowledge of museum practice and theory as a pre-professional to support the work of museums in creating exhibits, educating the public, caring for collections and serving the public, through collaborative work.
- Use written, oral and critical thinking skills to apply knowledge of museum practice and theory to evaluate the work of museums.
- Acquire knowledge of museum practice and theory to serve as an advocate for the role of museums as centers of education, community and preservation.