Museum Studies (Minor)

Aurora University’s minor in Museum Studies provides students from a wide range of majors a working knowledge and historic foundation of the role of museums. The Museum Studies minor pairs well with majors in History, English, Spanish, Education, Graphic Design, and more.

The courses are designed to train students for entry-level jobs in museums and serve as a stepping stone for graduate school where advanced studies can lead to careers as archivists, conservators, and curators.

All students in the Museum Studies program at AU are encouraged to take the Museum Exhibitions course, where they learn about exhibit design and have the opportunity to curate their own exhibit as a class. Students also learn about collections care, collections management, and museum education practices.

AU has its own teaching museum on campus called the Schingoethe Center. The museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate, which allows the center to borrow works from the Smithsonian collection and invite scholars to give talks at the AU campus.

• American history
• Art history
• Cultural anthropology
• Design
• Museum education
• Museum exhibitions
• Museum methods

As a Museum Studies minor, you have the opportunity to work at the Schingoethe Center. Every year the Schingoethe Center hires Museum Studies minors to assist with customer service, social media, installation preparation, education initiatives, and caring for the collection.

In Our Own Words

In Our Own Words: Schingoethe Center Director Natasha Ritsma on what to expect as a Museum Studies student

Aurora University’s on-campus museum is a creative extension of the classroom. As a teaching museum, the Schingoethe Center engages students in interdisciplinary thinking and provides opportunities for first-hand experience in collections care and exhibiting.