Museum studies is an exciting and active minor. You’ll learn by visiting museums and historic sites during international travel, joining an archeological dig, curating an exhibition at University of Lynchburg’s Daura Museum of Art, or gaining real-life knowledge at Historic Sandusky and and local museum partners including the Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum, Amazement Square Children’s Museum, the Lynchburg Museum System, and Old City Cemetery.
The Museum Studies minor examines museums of art, history, natural history, science, and more. The program stresses theoretical concepts and practical skills, and facilitates learning through hands-on activities such as conservation treatment, sensory exercises, and object documentation. The program is interdisciplinary and open to students in all major, it’s the perfect minor for anyone with a major in art, history, communication studies, business, sociology, environmental science, biology, education, theater, chemistry, marketing, sport management, and many other disciplines.

The Museum Studies minor prepares students for graduate school, entry level jobs, and administrative, curatorial and educational careers in museums, galleries, and historical sites.
Where have Museum Studies grads worked?
- Newseum
- International Spy Museum
- Clyfford Still Museum, Denver
- History Museum of Western Pennsylvania
- U.S. Army Center for Military History
- Maier Museum, Randolph College
- DISJECTA Art Center, Portland
- Redux Contemporary Art Center, Charleston
- Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
- Fort Ticonderoga
- Virginia Air and Space Center
- Atlanta History Center
- Galena Historical Museum (Illinois)
- National Park Service
- Amazement Square, Children’s Museum (Lynchburg)
- Phillips Collection (Washington, DC)
- Old City Cemetery, Lynchburg
- U.S. Capitol, Office of the Curator
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Park West Gallery (Washington, DC)
- Stratford Hall Virginia Museum of Fine Art (Richmond)
- Association for State and Local History (Nashville)
Where have Museum Studies grads attended grad school?
- The George Washington University
- Georgetown University
- University of Leicester
- Rice University
- Northern Colorado State University
- Salem State University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- University of Durham
- University of Lynchburg
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Oregon
- University of South Carolina
- Royal Holloway, University of London
Faculty Contacts
Robin Bates, PhD
Professor of English
Co-coordinator of the Museum Studies Program
434.544.8535
bates.r@lynchburg.edu
Siobhan Byrns, MFA
Professor of Art
Co-coordinator of the Museum Studies Program