Program Requirements and Opportunities

Museum Studies

Students may complete a minor in Museum Studies. 

Museum Studies is a program that offers students a rich and dynamic education in both museum theory and practice. Students have the opportunities to learn about the history of museums and their roles in society as well as to engage with critical, theoretical museum scholarship. Through coursework and internships, students will also have the opportunity to gain practical hands-on experience in Bryn Mawr’s Special Collections as well as in museums in Philadelphia and beyond. This dynamic and inter-disciplinary program intersects disciplines such as the History of Art, Anthropology, Archaeology, History, Education, Cities, Biology and Geology. The Bryn Mawr Museum Studies program aims to empower students to become significant contributors to various professions throughout museums, galleries and archives.

The Museum Studies program calls upon the College’s extensive collection of art and artifacts, rare books and prints, photographs and manuscripts, which facilitates research and experiential learning for students. Through Bryn Mawr’s Special Collections, students can draw upon the in-house expertise of a strong group of curators and other museum professionals working in the department. Bryn Mawr is in close proximity to the museum-rich Philadelphia region, and students have the opportunity to work with distinguished and diverse museum professionals across the city.

Museum Studies Minor Curriculum

The requirements for the minor are:

2 Core Courses:

HART B275: "Museum Studies: History,Theory, Practice”

HART B420: “Museum Studies Fieldwork Seminar” (or a similar praxis internship course)

4 Elective Courses:

A student can take four elective courses related to museum studies. These can be courses that are currently listed as official “Museum Studies” courses or any relevant courses that have museum studies content (with permission of the Director of Museum Studies).