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

Bachelor’s Degree in Museum Studies

As Ohio’s premier bachelor’s degree program in Museum Studies, Walsh University offers students a strong foundation in nonprofit management with a dual focus on museology and hands-on experience. Our Museum Studies undergraduate program prepares future leaders in curation, education, and museum operations, while exploring a broad spectrum of collection types. Students gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as museum professionals, guided by principles of ethics, cultural stewardship, and historical interpretation.

Why Walsh?

Ohio's Exclusive Bachelor's Degree in Museum Studies

Walsh is home to the only full bachelor’s degree program in Museum Studies at a private university in Ohio. It’s a standout option for students interested in the study of museums, cultural institutions, and hands-on learning.

Real-World Experience

Our Museum Studies undergraduate program blends classroom learning with real-world application. Students gain valuable experience on and off campus—including at the on-site Hoover Historical Center.

Global Learning Opportunities

Students in our Museum Studies major are encouraged to participate in global learning experiences through our Study Beyond initiative during their time at Walsh, expanding their understanding of history and culture around the world.

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 Museum Studies students displaying a collection of antique women's hats
photo of a Museum Studies student participating in an internship at the Pro Football Hall of Fame
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

Two students wearing purple gloves work together in a lab setting, using a handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer to examine an artifact. They are smiling and engaged in the process.

A Walsh University Student’s Hands-On Journey into Artifact Conservation

Brianna Birkle never imagined her passion for art and chemistry would lead to testing historic artifacts for hazards. But as a Walsh University junior double-majoring in Museum Studies and Visual & Performing Arts (Studio Art) with a Chemistry minor, she did just that—working with museum professionals to uncover hidden dangers in centuries-old books and objects.

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