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Museum Studies

The interdisciplinary museum studies minor at the University of St. Thomas introduces the ways that museums work and the theories and practices of museums in both historical and contemporary contexts. The minor offers opportunities to develop interests in numerous aspects of museum careers, including exhibitions, collections management, education, administration and visitor studies.

Why Study Museum Studies at St. Thomas?

Museums are tools for learning, which reflects the university’s vision to prepare students for a complex and contemporary world. We accomplish this by engaging you thoughtfully in interdisciplinary work advancing the common good. Museum studies is flexible, meaning you can combine courses from across the university to suit your specific interests, goals and program concentrations.

Real Skills for the Nonprofit Sector

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Outside of the Classroom
  • Course Requirements

    The minor consists of five courses from different disciplines. You complete two core classes focusing on exhibitions and collections, as well as trends and practices in museums today. From there, you can take courses focusing on business, communication, social science, history and education. You will also have access to opportunities outside of the classroom such as internships and independent studies.

    Four-Year Plan

    Museum studies is a flexible minor that allows you to pursue a variety of courses that interest you. Learn how these courses can fit into your four-year plan below.

    Degrees Awarded

    Minor in Museum Studies

    Outside of the Classroom

    Museum studies core classes partner with local museums for hands-on experiences during the semester. Plus, as service learning courses through the Center for the Common Good, the core classes will build your professional network as you are making a difference in the community. In addition, our students have recently completed internships at Minneapolis Instite of Art, Minnesota Historical Society and Hennepin History Museum.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    The minor consists of five courses from different disciplines. You complete two core classes focusing on exhibitions and collections, as well as trends and practices in museums today. From there, you can take courses focusing on business, communication, social science, history and education. You will also have access to opportunities outside of the classroom such as internships and independent studies.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    Museum studies is a flexible minor that allows you to pursue a variety of courses that interest you. Learn how these courses can fit into your four-year plan below.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    Minor in Museum Studies

    Outside of the Classroom

    Outside of the Classroom

    Museum studies core classes partner with local museums for hands-on experiences during the semester. Plus, as service learning courses through the Center for the Common Good, the core classes will build your professional network as you are making a difference in the community. In addition, our students have recently completed internships at Minneapolis Instite of Art, Minnesota Historical Society and Hennepin History Museum.

    Students examine an artifact during an Art History class in the Art History House.

    The Opportunities Are Endless

    Museums studies prepares you for a variety of careers in multiple industries, with a focus on the nonprofit sector.
    • Museum communications – Grant Writer
    • Museum collections – Collections Manager and Registrar
    • Non-profit foundations – Social Media Manager
    • Gallery management – Gallery Assistant and Donor Liaison
    • Museum visitor services – Historical Researcher and Interpreter
    • Museum education and visitor services – Audience Engagement Manager

    Practical Experiences

    Our program prides itself on providing students with unique and practical experiences inside and outside of the classroom.

    Hands-on

    You will receive hands-on training with St. Thomas and community partner museums in museum studies core courses.

    Flexibility

    You can double-count courses between your majors and the minor, opening a flexible pathway to nonprofit careers.

    13%

    The expects museum jobs to increase 13% between 2016 and 2026.
    University of St. Thomas Arches in spring.

    Practical Skills

    Upon completing the minor students will have a robust and diverse portfolio of projects and skills that directly apply to the museum and nonprofit sectors.

    Take the Next Step​

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.