Museum Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Museum Studies equips learners with the interdisciplinary expertise needed to manage, preserve, and present cultural heritage within museums, galleries, and related institutions. This program integrates practical skills with theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates for leadership roles in curation, collections management, and museum operations.
- Institutional Management: Explores the administrative frameworks, governance structures, and strategic planning essential for the effective operation of cultural institutions.
- Collection Acquisition: Focuses on ethical and procedural guidelines for identifying, evaluating, and integrating new artifacts and artworks into institutional holdings.
- Exhibit Design: Covers the creative and technical aspects of developing engaging, accessible, and educational displays that communicate cultural narratives effectively.
- Conservation Practices: Provides training in the scientific and preventive methods used to stabilize, restore, and preserve artifacts across diverse materials and environments.
- Packing and Handling Techniques: Teaches specialized protocols for the safe transport, storage, and handling of fragile or high-value cultural objects.
- Public Relations and Audience Engagement: Develops strategies for building community relationships, promoting institutional missions, and enhancing visitor experiences through inclusive programming.
Museum Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Museum Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Museum Studies degrees, including Postsecondary Teachers, All Other, Curators and Archivists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 183,930 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other 25-1199 | $78,490 | $39,720 - $172,850 | 151,530 | N/A |
| Curators 25-4012 | $61,770 | $37,110 - $105,520 | 12,280 | $29.70 |
| Archivists 25-4011 | $61,570 | $39,330 - $104,780 | 7,050 | $29.60 |
| Museum Technicians and Conservators 25-4013 | $47,460 | $30,720 - $82,790 | 13,070 | $22.82 |
Museum Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,405 in Kentucky to $81,220 in District of Columbia—a 68% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New York, and Hawaii. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 183,930 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Museum Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 77 institutions offering Museum Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Museum Studies is found at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) (101 graduates), Harvard University (85 graduates), George Washington University (GW) (55 graduates), CUNY Graduate School and University Center (29 graduates), and New York University (NYU) (29 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 838 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
101 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| Harvard University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
85 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
55 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center |
Master's
|
29 | New York, New York | Public | gc.cuny.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
29 | New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
27 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
|
26 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| SUNY Oneonta |
Master's
|
25 | Oneonta, New York | Public | suny.oneonta.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Postbac Cert.
|
22 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| University of San Francisco (USF) |
Master's
|
18 | San Francisco, California | Private | usfca.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
18 | Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
18 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| Georgetown University (GU) |
Master's
|
16 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
| Tufts University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
16 | Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Master's
|
16 | Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
15 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Other Award
|
15 | Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) |
Postbac Cert.
|
13 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | uwm.edu |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Master's
|
12 | Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) |
Master's
|
12 | New York, New York | Public | fitnyc.edu |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| Syracuse University |
Master's
|
12 | Syracuse, New York | Private | syracuse.edu |
| San Francisco State University (SFSU) |
Master's
|
11 | San Francisco, California | Public | sfsu.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Postbac Cert.
|
11 | College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Post-Master's
|
10 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| CUNY Hunter College |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | New York, New York | Public | hunter.cuny.edu |
| Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development (IAIA) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
9 | Santa Fe, New Mexico | Public | iaia.edu |
| University of Akron |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
9 | Akron, Ohio | Public | uakron.edu |
| Baylor University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
9 | Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) |
Master's
|
8 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | uic.edu |
| Western Illinois University (WIU) |
Master's
|
8 | Macomb, Illinois | Public | wiu.edu |
| Southern University (SUNO) |
Master's
|
8 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Public | suno.edu |
| Juniata College |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Huntingdon, Pennsylvania | Private | juniata.edu |
| The University of Alabama (UA) |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | ua.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Master's
|
7 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| Seton Hall University (SHU) |
Master's
|
7 | South Orange, New Jersey | Private | shu.edu |
| Augusta University (AU) |
Other Award
|
7 | Augusta, Georgia | Public | augusta.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
6 | Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| University of New Mexico (UNM) |
Master's
|
6 | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | unm.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| University of West Georgia (UWG) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Carrollton, Georgia | Public | westga.edu |
| Southern Illinois University (SIUE) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Edwardsville, Illinois | Public | siue.edu |
| Colorado College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Private | coloradocollege.edu |
| New Mexico State University (NMSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Las Cruces, New Mexico | Public | nmsu.edu |
| University of Tulsa (TU) |
Master's
|
4 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Private | utulsa.edu |
| University of South Carolina (USC) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Columbia, South Carolina | Public | sc.edu |
| University of Memphis (UofM) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Memphis, Tennessee | Public | memphis.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Post-Master's
|
3 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| Concordia College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Moorhead, Minnesota | Private | concordiacollege.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMD) |
Other Award
|
3 | Duluth, Minnesota | Public | d.umn.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Other Award
|
3 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| St. John's University (SJU) |
Master's
|
3 | Queens, New York | Private | stjohns.edu |
| School of Visual Arts (SVA) |
Master's
|
3 | New York, New York | Private | sva.edu |
| University of South Dakota (USD) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Vermillion, South Dakota | Public | usd.edu |
| The University of Tampa (UTampa) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Tampa, Florida | Private | ut.edu |
| Morgan State University (MSU) |
Master's
|
2 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | morgan.edu |
| University of St Thomas |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stthomas.edu |
| Cleveland State University (CSU) |
Master's
|
2 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | csuohio.edu |
| Walsh University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | North Canton, Ohio | Private | walsh.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| University of Oregon (UO) |
Post-Master's
|
2 | Eugene, Oregon | Public | uoregon.edu |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) |
Other Award
|
2 | Indiana, Pennsylvania | Public | iup.edu |
| Tusculum University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Greeneville, Tennessee | Private | tusculum.edu |
| Bennington College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Bennington, Vermont | Private | bennington.edu |
| Brightpoint Community College |
Other Award
|
2 | Chester, Virginia | Public | brightpoint.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| California College of the Arts (CCA) |
Master's
|
1 | San Francisco, California | Private | cca.edu |
| California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly Humboldt) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Arcata, California | Public | humboldt.edu |
| Earlham College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Richmond, Indiana | Private | earlham.edu |
| Eastern Michigan University (EMU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Ypsilanti, Michigan | Public | emich.edu |
| CUNY Queensborough Community College (QCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Bayside, New York | Public | qcc.cuny.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Master's
|
1 | Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Middletown, Pennsylvania | Public | harrisburg.psu.edu |
| Southern Adventist University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Collegedale, Tennessee | Private | southern.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Museum Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Museum Studies degree?
Salaries for Museum Studies graduates vary by role and location. Postsecondary Teachers, All Other earn a median of $78,490 annually, while Curators earn around $61,770. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $81,220 compared to $48,405 in Kentucky. Approximately 183,930 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Museum Studies programs?
Currently 77 accredited institutions offer Museum Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Johns Hopkins University (JHU) (101 graduates), Harvard University (85 graduates), and George Washington University (GW) (55 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Museum Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 381 in 2010 to a peak of 877 in 2020, before declining slightly to 838 in 2023-24. This represents a 120% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Museum Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Postsecondary Teachers, All Other, Curators, and Archivists. Related occupations employ approximately 183,930 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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