photo of the Birk Center on the Walsh University campus in fall

Museum Studies Degree

As Ohio's premier undergraduate Museum Studies program, Walsh University's Museum Studies major provides a solid foundation in non-profit management with a dual focus on the theory of museology and hands-on experiences. The program features three tracks—history, art, and the natural sciences—and thus encompasses a broad spectrum of types of collections. All aspects of the program focus on museums' missions, policies and procedures, professionalism, codes of ethics, and sensitivity to cultural material and historical perspectives.

Why Walsh?

Singular 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 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 hands-on practicum experience at the center, as well as internships in other area museums.

Global Learning

Museum Studies students are highly encouraged to participate in a Global Learning experience during their degree program at Walsh.

Experiential Learning & Internship Opportunities

  • The Birk Center for the Arts on Walsh's campus provides the setting for students to learn exhibition design by curating shows for the Atrium Gallery. 
  • Students take a Public History Practicum for one term at the Hoover Historical Center on Walsh's campus. This supervised experience working in an actual, operating museum provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in public speaking, exhibition design, object handling, research, and marketing.
  • Students take a two semester sequence of supervised museum internships off-campus. Placements may include, but are not limited to, the Canton Museum of Art, the Massillon Museum, the Professional Football Hall of Fame, and the National First Ladies' Library.
  • Students also work with museums on their Capstone Projects. These independent projects can be catered to a student's interest in a particular kind of work within a museum. For example, a student who wishes to be a curator may design an exhibition. A student pursuing museum education may design a school tour or family program. A future registrar or collections manager may do an archival project. Or a student with an eye on leadership may write a strategic plan or grant proposal.
photo of a Museum Studies student at an Arts in Stark event
photo of a Museum Studies student participating in an internship at the Pro Football Hall of Fame
photo of Museum Studies students displaying a collection of antique women's hats
infographic: 100% of Walsh students complete an internship prior to graduation

Graduates in the Workforce

The Walsh Museum Studies program has a proven track record of preparing students for careers in the museum field. Graduates stand out against the competition because they have the experience, knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to be successful. Our graduates hold such titles as:

• Curator
• Curatorial Technician
• Executive Director
• Director of Education
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Member Relations Manager
• Promotions and Grants Manager
• Collections Specialist
• Registrar

Graduates of the Walsh Museum Studies Program are working at:

National Gallery of Art, Monticello, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, Professional Football Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, COSI, Aurora Fossil Museum, Jacksonville University Special Collections, Visit Canton, Massillon Museum

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