Studying the Museum

There are so many different types of museums in the world that it can be difficult to contain the education needed for them in one museum degree program.

Some programs focus on such museums as historical, scientific, medical and art in public and private collections. The diversity of museum lends to the diversity of the programs offered. It is a good idea to research the many programs to choose the right one for you before jumping into a particular university.

Regis College: Museum Studies Degree

The museum studies degree program at Regis College is not focused solely on entering a career in a museum. The liberal arts based curriculum has a concentration in museum studies but branches out to study art, technology, history, etc. to give a well rounded education and a broader base for career opportunities.

There is an independent study program in the last year of study that gives a real world lesson in how your museum studies degree will work in your chosen profession and give you experience to take into the work force.

Tusculum College: Museum Studies Degree

The museum studies program at Tusculum College focuses on education for museum professionals. The students are given course work that includes the history of museums, the important role of museums and the information needed to efficiently run a museum.

There is an emphasis put on the use of the museum as a service to the community and students are directed toward non-profit organizations as a source of employment following the completion of their studies.

The program itself handles two museums and the college’s archives which enables the students to get experience with the tools of their trade during the course of their education rather than in a final internship or waiting until they land their first job.

University of Iowa: Museum Studies Degree

The University of Iowa’s museum studies degree program combines the education students need for careers in museums with an outreach program that enables students to look beyond the museum for their career paths.

They study the history of museums, learn about how they are organized and the day to day methods employed in running a museum. The curriculum is a humanities-based liberal arts foundation with a concentration on the efficient function of a museum.

Students in the museum studies degree are encouraged to take an additional degree in any of the natural sciences to enhance their understanding of the subject matter and better direct their chosen career.