Areas of Study
Wells’ Museum Studies program teaches students to be informed and thoughtful managers of artwork and cultural items. Whether curating exhibits of historical value, installing multi-faceted site-specific modern art, managing archives and collections, or using advanced techniques for preservation or restoration, museum professionals need to know what they’ll be working with and how.
The program at Wells begins with an introductory course in Museum Studies and expands from there into a variety of disciplines. For example, courses in management and education teach the skills necessary to operate an informative institution. Visual Arts faculty help students develop their understanding of the art world and learn presentation skills and professional terminology. Local and global perspectives are available in courses that focus on archaeology, history, and other cultures.
There are also many opportunities to get involved right at Wells. The Visual Arts department maintains regular exhibits by professional artists in the String Room Gallery. Students in the Museum Studies program help with installation, run the gallery opening receptions, and hold work-study positions watching the gallery during open hours.
Students also may have the opportunity to contribute to the care of the Wells College Archives and Art Collection, learning techniques of preservation of antique and rare paintings, books, sculpture, artifacts, and more.
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Take the first step toward earning your bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies at Wells College.
Beyond the Classroom: Experiential Learning in the Museum Studies
A special opportunity for Wells students is our notable and popular study abroad program in Florence, Italy. The Lorenzo de Medici institute offers courses in museology, museum experience and education, and ties to ethics & the law.
Internship and Study Abroad Opportunities
The program also requires an internship. Whether close to campus or in your home town, whether a gallery or museum, lab or library, you’ll have a chance to work in a professional setting and build skills and experience for your career.
Career Options for Museum Studies Graduates
Museum studies is an interdisciplinary field that prepares students for careers in museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions. Graduates of a museum studies program can pursue a variety of career opportunities, such as:
- Curator: responsible for researching, acquiring, and presenting museum collections.
- Exhibit Designer: responsible for designing and creating engaging and educational exhibits for visitors.
- Education Coordinator: responsible for developing and delivering educational programs for visitors of all ages.
- Archivist: responsible for collecting, cataloging, and preserving historical documents and artifacts.
- Collections Manager: responsible for overseeing the care and preservation of museum collections.
- Museum Director: responsible for the overall administration and management of a museum or cultural institution.
- Fundraiser: responsible for developing and implementing fundraising campaigns to support the museum’s mission and programs.
These positions can be found in a variety of museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, including art museums, science museums, historic sites, and cultural centers. Graduates of museum studies programs can also pursue careers in related fields such as public history, cultural heritage, and arts administration. The museum studies field offers a wide range of career opportunities for individuals who are passionate about art, history, and culture and are interested in sharing these subjects with the public.
Similar Programs
If you’re interested in studying Museum Studies, you might also consider programs such as: