COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Museum Studies at Rochester Institute of Technology is a structured interdisciplinary program that prepares students for careers in museums, archives, libraries, and cultural heritage organizations by combining history, public engagement, exhibition design, and digital curation. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and hands-on professional experience, enabling students to learn how cultural and historical collections are preserved, interpreted, and presented to the public.In the first year, students are introduced to the field through foundational courses such as Introduction to Museums and Introduction to Public History, along with museum studies electives and general education requirements in writing, ethics, mathematics, and global perspectives. These courses help students develop a broad understanding of museums as cultural institutions while building essential academic and communication skills. The second year expands into core professional areas, including History and Theory of Exhibitions, Museum Education and Interpretation, and Exhibition Design, along with science and mathematics coursework and general education immersion requirements that broaden interdisciplinary knowledge.The third year focuses on more specialized training in archival studies, collections management, and additional museum and specialized electives. Students also complete immersive coursework and have opportunities for study abroad, enhancing their global and practical understanding of museum operations. During this period, students are required to participate in an internship or co-op experience in a museum, archive, or related institution, where they gain real-world professional experience and build industry connections.In the fourth year, students complete advanced coursework such as Research Methods and a Senior Thesis in Museum Studies, alongside additional electives and immersion requirements. This final stage emphasizes independent research, critical thinking, and professional-level project development. Across a total of 120 credit hours, the program integrates academic study, practical training, and experiential learning. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in museums, cultural institutions, archives, and galleries, where they contribute to exhibition development, collection management, education, and public engagement using both traditional methods and modern digital tools.