Art History/Museum Studies

What can I do with a major in Art History/Museum Studies

Art History/Museum Studies students are part of a truly unique program that combines critical studies in art history and theory, with extensive hands-on museum and gallery experience. The program specializes in nineteenth to twenty-first century European and North American and First Nations Art History, giving students a deeper knowledge of the art that matters now. Students also choose a range of art studio courses that provide direct experience and first-hand understanding of art techniques and materials. The Museum Studies stream is an essential part of the program, in which students learn the ins and outs of gallery work.

Students can also choose to do a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Native American Art (Art History/Museum Studies). The dynamic curriculum showcases courses in contemporary First Nations art, Canadian art history, European art practices from the 19th-21st centuries, and critical issues in museum studies. Pick from a range of Native American Studies courses, which offer in-depth engagement with Aboriginal issues, and take Art Studio courses that provide first-hand understanding of art techniques and materials.

As part of the program, students intern in public galleries and museums to gain valuable, career-specific experience and work with the University’s renowned art collection. Students majoring in AH/MS may complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Art) degree or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Native American Art), where students specialize in Native American art and culture.

Students can complete:

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (Art History/Museum Studies)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts Native American Art (Art History/Museum Studies)

Program Planning Guides

Skills

  • Analyze Complex Textual & Cultural Phenomenon
  • Communication Skills
  • Critical Thinking & Writing
  • Critical Evaluation
  • Innovative Problem Solving
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Leadership Skills
  • Organization of Ideas & Materials
  • Problem Solving
  • Project Implementation
  • Relating Abstract Ideas & Visual Forms
  • Research Skills
  • Cultural Awareness and Respect
  • Teamwork
  • Creative Thinking & Writing
  • Time Management
  • Understanding Different Artistic Mediums
  • Independent Work

Work Environment

Graduates of the AH/MS program have a very high rate of employment in the museum field. Graduates may find employment in/with museums, art galleries, auction houses, advertising firms, publishing companies, university and research institutions, governmental organizations, fashion companies, community centres, cultural heritage organizations, media corporations or architectural firms. Graduates may also choose to pursue careers with publishing houses, photo studios, graphic design firms, consumer product companies or company marketing departments.

Key Areas of Specialization:

  • Heritage Resource Management
  • Art Conservation
  • Archival Studies
  • Art History
  • Gallery Design
  • Native American Art

Career Possibilities

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0to 2yearsof experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.

  • Archival Assistant
  • Art Foundation Program Coordinator
  • Arts Program Specialist
  • Collections Assistant
  • Curatorial Assistant
  • Display Officer –Museum & Art Gallery
  • Education Program Specialist
  • Gallery Assistant
  • Heritage Interpreter
  • Historic Programmer Interpreter
  • Museum Assistant
  • Museum Attendant/Guide
  • Museum Interpreter
  • Museum Program Instructor
  • Museum Programs Supervisor/Volunteer Coordinator
  • Program Coordinator
  • Program Facilitator –Arts & Heritage
  • Sales & Marketing Assistant Intern

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

  • Antique Specialist
  • Archivist
  • Art Advisor
  • Art Appraiser/Consultant
  • Art Book Editor
  • Art Conservator
  • Art Coordinator
  • Art Critic
  • Art Dealer/Distributor
  • Art Educator
  • Art Gallery Director
  • Art Historian
  • Art Insurance Agent
  • Art Librarian
  • Art Magazine Editor
  • Art Researcher
  • Art Restoration Specialist
  • Art Sales Associate
  • Art Teacher
  • Artifact Preservation Specialist
  • Artist
  • Arts Administrator
  • Arts Programmer (TV/Radio)
  • Audience Research &Visitor Studies Specialist
  • Audio Tour Developer
  • Book/Journal Editor
  • Children’s Gallery Planner
  • Collection Technician/ Manager
  • Collections Digitization Officer
  • Conservator/Restorer
  • Curator
  • Curatorial Assistant
  • Curriculum Writer
  • Documentary Editor
  • Editorial Art Director
  • Education & Public Programming Officer
  • Educational Programmer
  • Exhibit/Display Designer
  • Exhibition Coordinator
  • Fine Art Appraiser
  • Fine Arts Handler
  • Gallery Assistant
  • Gallery Director
  • Gallery Programmer
  • Grants Officer for the Arts
  • Heritage Advisor/ Interpreter
  • Heritage Policy Specialist
  • Historian
  • Historical Preservation Coordinator
  • Librarian/Information Specialist
  • Magazine Art Director
  • Manager of Museum Services
  • Manufacturer of Art Material
  • Movie Art Director
  • Museum Collections Assistant
  • Museum Communications Officer
  • Museum Community Resource Manager
  • Museum Curator
  • Museum Development & Fundraising Coordinator
  • Museum Director
  • Museum Workshop Coordinator
  • Preventive Conservation Manager
  • Retail Store Art Director
  • Showroom Manager
  • University Professor

On average people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings

  • Advertising Account Representative
  • Advertising Director
  • Archaeologist
  • Architect
  • Architectural Historian
  • Architectural Writer/Critic
  • Art Therapist
  • Artists’ Agent
  • Book Binder
  • Calendar Editor
  • Camera Operator
  • Copyright Lawyer
  • Cultural Development Officer
  • Cultural Events Planner
  • Cultural Festivals Organizer
  • Cultural Heritage Consultant
  • Design Consultant
  • Designer (Fashion/Industrial)
  • Digital Image Editor
  • Digitization Specialist
  • E-Learning Specialist
  • Environmental Planner
  • Fashion Art Director
  • Fashion Consultant
  • Fashion Display Director
  • Fashion Editor/Writer
  • Fashion Merchandiser
  • Film Editor
  • Film Maker
  • Fine Art Photographer
  • Fundraiser
  • Graphic Designer/Layout Artist
  • Interior Designer
  • Interpretive Planner
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Lawyer with Art Specialty
  • Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Media Relations Coordinator
  • Medical Illustrator
  • Photo Researcher
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalist
  • Print Journalist
  • Sculptor
  • Technical/Scientific Illustrator
  • Video Producer
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Web & Social Media Developer
  • Writer
  • Youth Program Facilitator

Useful Resources


Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.