After high school, the first step in the process of how to become a museum curator is to earn a bachelor’s degree. When you imagine your own pathway toward becoming a museum curator, you might automatically assume that you’ll need a degree in museum studies. However, there is considerable flexibility regarding the type of degree you can earn.
The type of degree program you should enroll in depends largely on your particular specialization interests. For instance, if you think you’d prefer to work in an art museum, then majoring in art history or art studies would be a good choice. Other degree options include archaeology or public administration.
One popular choice is the ever-versatile history degree. If you aren’t quite sure about your specialization preferences yet, then a history degree is a solid choice that will enable you to develop foundational knowledge in the field. Of course, a history degree is also a suitable choice for students who are passionate about history and would like to specialize in working with historical collections.
Some schools may offer history degrees with a particular concentration. Alternatively, you can opt for a general history degree without a specialization. The curriculum will vary from one school to the next, but in general, you can expect to study topics such as the following:
- Historical research methodologies and critical thinking within historical contexts
- The cultural, political and economic factors that have influenced world civilizations
- Major developments and time periods in U.S. history, from colonial days to the 21st century
- Social, economic and political issues pertaining to various wars and revolutions
- The experiences of women throughout history in various cultures and geographical regions
You will likely have the opportunity to take a few electives during your time in college, and you might elect to take additional courses in history or art history. However, because museum curators are often involved with the management and promotion of their institutions, courses in marketing, public relations or public administration would also be good choices.
Although it may not be required, knowledge of a foreign language can be an asset. The language you choose to learn should mirror your historical interests. For instance, you could learn German or French if you’re interested in the World Wars, or Spanish if you’re interested in Spanish-speaking cultures.