What to Expect
Students in museum studies programs learn everything from management skills
to artifact preservation. The field encompasses art, history, archeology,
science, anthropology and many more areas.
The bulk of the museum studies program is devoted to management, conservation
and curatorial classes. Most students get their bachelor's degrees in
art or anthropology.
Internships and assistantships are often required. These provide
students with a glimpse of what the career has to offer. They can also provide
students with valuable contacts in the field.
Trent Litchfield saw the practical component as a real asset to the program.
He enjoyed the "hands-on, real-world projects combined with very knowledgeable
instructors."
But students sometimes find it difficult to attend classes, do these internships
and work at the same time. Many students have to seek out their own opportunities.
This can be time-consuming and difficult.
Classes include art history, archeology, historic preservation, management
classes, business administration, conservation, curatorial practice, exhibition
development and arts marketing.
On average, museum studies students work 10 to 15 hours a week on projects,
classes, studying and reading.
You have to be dedicated to the work, says Holly Procktor. "This is a
full two-year commitment -- 24 months straight if you include your internship
and writing your major research paper."
How to Prepare
Jen Lindow did graduate work in museum studies at Carnegie Mellon University
in Pittsburgh. She suggests that high school students participate in creative
venues. "Get involved with the arts. Student theater, the orchestra or
marching band, yearbook staff, fine arts classes -- find every opportunity
to be creative. It is important to have an understanding of the artists and
artistic process in each field," she says.
Museum studies students should be inquisitive, disciplined, self-confident
and open-minded. These are important qualities when graduate students have
to find their own internships.
"Don't wait for the opportunities to come to you. Sometimes you
have to create them on your own," Lindow advises.