Museum Studies and Public Engagement Program

Email: Professor Zara Anishanslin zma@udel.edu
Website: https://www.museumstudies.udel.edu/

The Minor in Museum Studies welcomes students who want to explore museums and other institutions that collect and share artifacts, documents, and visual materials with the public. Museums are places where Americans gather to refresh their minds and senses, and where they share stories of the past and present. The United States alone has more than 30,000 museums; more Americans visit museums each year than attend all professional sporting events combined. A recent study calculated that US museums generated $15.9 billion each year to the US economy and directly supported 372,100 jobs. And another recent study shows that 81% of Americans regard museums as more trustworthy than all other sources of historical information.

The Museum Studies minor is open to all undergraduates. It consists of eighteen credit hours. Nine credits are taken as requirements: MSPE 203 Introduction to Museums (three credits), three credits from the list of Museum Studies core courses, and one three-credit internship. Museum Studies core courses train students in best practices in museum education and public programs; collections development and care; the use of digital technologies in museums; and administration. Many courses are taught by area museum professionals and emphasize hands-on learning. The other nine credits can be taken from a list of approved courses from throughout the College of Arts and Sciences.

Whether you are interested in exploring careers in the museum sector, or simply want to become a more knowledgeable visitor or volunteer, the Museum Studies minor offers a behind-the-scenes look at museums in the United States and around the world. Visit the website of the Museum Studies Program (https://www.museumstudies.udel.edu/ ) to learn about our work and opportunities for study.

Programs

Minor

Museum Studies and Public Engagement Minor