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Museum Studies

Academics > Museum Studies

 

What is Museum Studies?

One of the only programs of its kind in the entire Midwest, Walsh University’s Museum Studies major provides a unique and hands-on experience for students who want a career working in and managing museums. This field is a perfect fit for individuals with a keen interest in art or history.

 

Our courses teach technical skills in managing artifacts and archives. We also focus on the public role of museums, ethical best-practices and the fundamentals of leadership within these institutions.

 

What type of career can I look forward to with a Museum Studies degree?

Graduates are qualified to work in a wide variety of professional opportunities within museums. They also can move on to graduate training in Museum Studies or seek out employment in a non-profit cultural institution.

 

Some specific career opportunities include:

  • Museum Administration/Director
  • Museum Curator
  • Fundraising and Development
  • Corporate Gift and Grant Management
  • Education
  • Historical or Artistic Preservation and Restoration

 

What makes Walsh’s Museum Studies major unique?

  • Exclusive program. Walsh University offers the only full undergraduate major in Museum Studies in the state of Ohio, and the program is one of the few offered in the entire United States.
  • Real-world experience. Walsh has its own museum: the Hoover Historical Center. Museum Studies students have the opportunity to combine classroom instruction with real training at the center and in other local museums, including the National First Ladies Library and Museum, the Professional Football Hall of Fame, the Canton Museum of Art and the Massillon Museum.
  • Esteemed opportunities. We are a partner with the prestigious Campbell Center for Historical Preservation in Mount Carroll, Ill. Walsh students can receive a full scholarship to participate in Campbell Center workshops and work with museum professionals from across the globe while earning classroom credits.

 

Generally speaking, what courses will I need to take?

Students in this discipline are required to take core courses in Museum Studies, including Introduction to Museum Studies and a senior capstone course. They also must complete the major with elective courses in art history, history, communication, business and English.

 

What experiential learning or internship opportunities are available with Museum Studies?

  • Sophomore year. Students intern at Walsh’s museum, the Hoover Historical Center.
  • Junior year. Students receive internship placements working with a museum professional in one of our area museums, including the Professional Football Hall of Fame, the National First Ladies Library and Museum, the Canton Museum of Art and the Massillon Museum.
  • Senior year. The fourth-year students return to the Hoover Historical Museum and spend the school year running the museum independently as a student director, curator, archivist or educator.
  • International opportunities. This major affords sophomore, junior and senior students the opportunity to study at our beautiful campus just outside of Rome, Italy, touring various museums including the Vatican. Museum studies majors also may travel to other places in Europe, such as Paris, to explore museums and culture. Click here for a video on “The Rome Experience.”

 

Whom can I contact for more information?

Dr. Mark Rogers, Chair, Division of Humanities
330.490.7154
mrogers@walsh.edu

Dr. Douglas Palmer, Associate Chair, Division of Humanities
330.490.7043
dpalmer@walsh.edu