Learning by Preserving. Leading by Interpreting.
At St. Mary’s College of Maryland, the museum studies program gives students a hands-on chance to learn how we protect, explain and share cultural history. The program combines subjects like history, anthropology, art, and environmental studies. It focuses on caring for collections, involving the public and thinking carefully about what museums do. Whether students are planning exhibits, studying artifacts, or working with local groups, they learn how museums help us understand the past and start important conversations today.
Students get real-world experience by working with local collections, internships, fieldwork and group projects at places like Historic St. Mary’s City. Museum studies at St. Mary’s College prepares students not just to work in museums but to think deeply about museums’ place in society—and to lead with care, curiosity and honesty.
94%
career outcome rate: employed, in school, volunteering, or in the military
(Class Of 2023)
29
Study Abroad programs for students
10:1
SMCM's student-to-faculty ratio supports students through their time on campus and beyond
Museum Studies Minor
The museum studies minor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland lets students learn how to care for, explain, and show cultural and historical objects. It combines subjects like history, archaeology, anthropology, art and education. The program helps students think about the important social and ethical jobs that museums and similar places have.
Students get hands-on experience through internships, fieldwork, and classes. They learn how to manage collections, design exhibits and connect with the public. With special opportunities at Historic St. Mary’s City, local museums and the Sullivan Scholars program, students can explore museum work both in the classroom and in real life. This minor is great for those interested in museums, education, research, or preserving culture.
The Cross-Disciplinary Experience
Museum studies is a cross-disciplinary program that brings together the arts, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences to explore the role of museums in preserving, interpreting, and presenting culture, history, art and science. The program encourages students to think critically about how knowledge is collected and shared, and to develop ethical, inclusive and innovative approaches to museum work.
They involve at least three academic disciplines and require 18 to 24 credit-hours, at least eight (8) of which must be at the upper-division level.
Cross-disciplinary studies include an integrative component such as a common course or requirement. At the discretion of the specific cross-disciplinary studies committee, students may complete the St. Mary’s Project in the study area, provided they secure the approval of the department in which they are majoring. Completion of the course work in a cross-disciplinary study area is noted as a specific minor on a student’s transcript.
Courses Offered
Museum Studies Courses
- Museum Studies Courses>
Honors College Promise
At St. Mary’s College of Maryland—the National Public Honors College—the museum studies program focuses on hands-on, interdisciplinary learning that connects what students study in class with the real world. Students explore important ideas about how we remember culture, take care of artifacts and share stories with the public. This helps them develop flexible thinking and a strong sense of community responsibility, which are key parts of an Honors College education.
Whether digging up artifacts at Historic St. Mary’s City, organizing exhibits, or interning at local museums, students use what they learn to solve real problems. When they graduate, they have practical skills in research, communication and teamwork—as well as the ability to think deeply about how we keep and share the stories that shape our communities and the world.
Sullivan Scholars Program
The Martin E. Sullivan Museum Scholars Program honors Dr. Martin E. Sullivan, a well-known museum expert who connected art and history in new and meaningful ways. From 2000 to 2008, Dr. Sullivan was the executive director of Historic St. Mary’s City and helped shape the museum studies program at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Working closely with faculty from anthropology, art history and history, he helped create a program focused on hands-on learning, teamwork and sharing knowledge with the public.
After you Graduate
Graduates with a museum studies minor from St. Mary’s College of Maryland gain hands-on experience, strong thinking skills, and a deep understanding of how museums and cultural groups help people learn. Many alumni work in jobs like curating exhibits, managing collections, teaching museum visitors, caring for archives, or studying public history. Some continue their education in graduate programs such as museum studies, anthropology, art history, historic preservation, or library science. Whether they work at big national museums, local historical groups, or community art centers, St. Mary’s College students are ready to connect with different audiences and help share important stories.
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Connect with Your Professors
All the faculty here at St. Mary's College of Maryland want to help you explore your interests and set you up for success. We look forward to connecting with you and meeting you on campus.
Associate Professor of History | Museum Studies Program Coordinator
slmalena@smcm.edu