Museum Studies Minor

Department of Art and Art History, College of Fine and Performing Arts

26-32 credits

Introduction

The Museum Studies minor provides the needed academic and practical understructure for a career in museums and galleries. The Minor is designed as an add-on to other programs of study, and it is focused on the intersections of art with the public sphere in practical and theoretical terms, with a commitment to explore the social dimension of museums. As such, it seeks to build upon student’s knowledge and provide (a) advance courses on curatorial history and theory, (b) courses in museum education and public programs (c) practical hands on experience, and (d) supplementary practical knowledge of business law.

Why Consider a Museum Studies Minor?

The Museum Studies Minor is designed for those interested in a museum or gallery career. The minor adds a practical and theoretical edge to your degree, with advance courses on curatorial studies, museum education and public programs, and contemporary practices. The Minor will focus your academic efforts while showing future employers and graduate schools that you have undergone the core applied training and conceptual coursework to become a museum professional. In addition, you will gain valuable hands-on preparator experience working in the galleries on campus and organizing student, local, regional, and national artist exhibitions. Though grounded in art history, the minor is designed to be of use not only if you are an art student, but also if you are interested in a museum career in other disciplines.

Contact Information

Department Chair Cynthia Camlin Fine Arts 240B 360-650-3747 camlinc@wwu.edu

Art History Area Coordinator Jimena Berzal de Dios Fine Arts 119 360-650-3733 berzalj@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Curator/Assistant Curator | Museum Educator | Gallery Attendant | Collections Assistant | Museum Administration | Docent | Preparator

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

In order to apply, students must fulfil the following four requirements:

• Be a sophomore.
• Have completed one 200-level art history course.
• Submit an application outlining their reasons for completing a Museum Studies Minor and their career goals.
• Have a 2.5 minimum GPA.

Applications can be found at cfpa.wwu.edu/art/admissions. 

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.