Museum Studies

Explore a career in Museum Studies, Curatorial and Collections Management.

The museum studies field, including curatorial and collections management, focuses on the acquisition, display, preventive conservation, accessibility, and management of artistic, historical, and scientific items. Museums and galleries are common settings, but can also include auction houses, libraries and archives, private collector brokerage, public art nonprofit organizations, and individual collection management for organizations like hospitals, corporations, or government facilities. Zoos, aquariums, arboretums, and botanic gardens also fall under the broad museum category.

Employment Opportunities

The career search includes gaining experience via internships, as well as possible graduate studies. Curatorial studies and collections management tend to require advanced degrees in studies specific to arts, cultural, or nonprofit administration and legal and ethical issues affecting collections. Well-known auction houses often run their own graduate programs, blending the collections management field with business degrees. Students can get started by joining groups that set up and manage art spaces, gaining knowledge through coursework, and interning for museums, galleries, and cultural organizations. 

  • Successful candidates have:
    • Broad knowledge of art, with specific depth in particular mediums or historical periods
    • Experience working with artists on installations and translating a vision to a final product
    • Strong organizational, project management, research, and creative skills
    • Strong networking skills and ability to develop interpersonal relationships 
  • Hiring cycle:
    • Internship Cycle – Summer Internship Programs open in January / February
    • Job Cycle – Fellowships open in December / January, smaller organizations list in March and April

This Week in the Marketing & Creative Community | February 29, 2024

Hello, Marketing & Creative Community, here are some opportunities for you.
Featured Opportunities

3/4 , Wix Webinar

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By Max Robbins
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This Week in the Marketing & Creative Community | February 15, 2024

Hello, Marketing & Creative Community, here are some opportunities for you.
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This Week in the Marketing & Creative Community | January 24, 2024

Hello, Marketing & Creative Community, here are some opportunities for you. We hope you’ll join us on campus at Rock Your Next Conference and/or the Professional Etiquette Dinner if you’re available!

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1/31, Rock Your Next Conference

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Career Service Hours

Day of the week
Career Center Hours PCA Drop-In Hours
Monday 9am – 5pm 12pm - 3pm
Tuesday 9am – 5pm  
Wednesday 9am – 5pm 12pm – 3pm
Thursday 9am – 5pm  
Friday 9am – 5pm 12pm – 4pm

Learn more about 1:1 advising and evening appointments here.

Contact & Location

Phone
(585) 275-2366
Address

4-200 Dewey Hall
500 Wilson Blvd
Rochester, NY 14627

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