Museology/Museum Studies.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Museology/Museum Studies.: The DTI for this program is 60.3%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Museology/Museum Studies., compare your expected starting salary (currently $35286) to the average debt ($21295) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Museology/Museum Studies.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 60.3%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Museology/Museum Studies., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($35286) against the typical student debt ($21295), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Museology/Museum Studies. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $35286, and with an average debt of $21295, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.6—which is about average for college grads.
This program sees about 892 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Museology/Museum Studies. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Museology / Museum Studies (CIP 30.1401) is an interdisciplinary field focused on how museums collect, preserve, interpret, and share cultural, historical, scientific, and artistic knowledge. It examines museums not just as buildings that house objects, but as powerful educational, social, and cultural institutions. This degree is designed for students who are interested in storytelling through objects, public education, cultural stewardship, and the ethical responsibility of preserving and presenting history to diverse audiences.
For a degree search site, Museology and Museum Studies is well suited to students who love history, art, science, or culture and want a practical, career-oriented pathway. It appeals to individuals who enjoy research, communication, organization, and public engagement. This field is especially relevant for careers in museums, galleries, archives, cultural organizations, and heritage institutions where education, preservation, and community impact intersect.
What Is a Museology / Museum Studies Degree?
A Museology or Museum Studies degree focuses on the theory and practice of museums and similar cultural institutions. Students learn how collections are acquired, documented, conserved, exhibited, and interpreted for the public. Unlike traditional history or art history degrees, museum studies emphasizes applied professional skills such as collections management, exhibit design, and public programming.
Universities offer these programs to:
- Train professionals to manage and care for museum collections and cultural objects
- Develop expertise in museum education and interpretation
- Prepare students for roles in exhibition planning and design
- Teach ethical and legal responsibilities related to cultural heritage
- Support careers in nonprofit cultural organizations and public institutions
Many programs incorporate internships, practicums, or project-based coursework within museums or galleries.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how museums function as organizations and learning environments. You’ll study both behind-the-scenes operations and public-facing activities, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how exhibits and programs are created and maintained.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Collections management—cataloging, storing, and caring for objects
- Exhibition planning—developing themes, narratives, and layouts
- Museum education—designing programs for schools and the public
- Research and interpretation—translating scholarship into accessible stories
- Documentation and archival skills—records, databases, and object histories
- Public communication—engaging visitors through labels, tours, and digital media
- Project coordination—managing timelines, budgets, and collaborators
- Ethical and legal awareness—repatriation, provenance, and cultural sensitivity
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies by institution, but commonly includes:
- Museum Theory and History: the evolution and purpose of museums
- Collections Care and Conservation: preventive conservation and handling practices
- Exhibit Design and Interpretation: visual storytelling and visitor experience
- Museum Education: learning theory, outreach, and public programs
- Curatorial Practices: research, object selection, and narrative development
- Digital Museums and Technology: online collections, virtual exhibits, and databases
- Museum Management: governance, fundraising, and nonprofit operations
- Cultural Heritage Law and Ethics: ownership, repatriation, and intellectual property
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A degree in museology or museum studies prepares students for entry- to mid-level roles in museums and related cultural institutions. Many positions are competitive and may require graduate education for advancement.
Common career paths include:
- Museum Collections Assistant: supporting cataloging and object care
- Museum Educator: creating and delivering educational programs
- Curatorial Assistant: assisting with research and exhibition development
- Exhibitions Coordinator: managing exhibit installation and logistics
- Registrar: overseeing collection records and loans
- Archives or Collections Technician: managing historical documents or artifacts
- Public Programs Coordinator: organizing lectures, tours, and community events
- Graduate or Professional School Path: preparing for advanced museum careers
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in a wide range of cultural and educational settings:
- Art, history, and science museums
- Cultural heritage and preservation organizations
- Archives and special collections
- Historic houses and sites
- Zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens
- Universities and research institutions
- Nonprofit and public cultural organizations
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by institution size, location, and role.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level museum roles: often $35,000–$50,000
- Museum educators and coordinators: commonly $45,000–$70,000
- Curatorial or registrar roles: often $50,000–$85,000
- Senior museum professionals: can earn $90,000+ in large institutions
Advanced degrees and specialized experience can increase earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Museum Studies is considered moderately challenging. It requires strong writing, research, organization, and communication skills rather than heavy math or lab work. Competition for jobs can be intense, so internships and practical experience are essential.
Students who are detail-oriented, curious, and passionate about cultural preservation often find the field rewarding.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love history, art, science, or cultural storytelling
- Enjoy organizing information and objects
- Want to educate the public outside of a traditional classroom
- Care about ethics, representation, and accessibility
- Prefer mission-driven, nonprofit work environments
- Are willing to gain hands-on experience through internships
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a museum studies program:
- Take history, art history, and literature courses
- Develop strong writing and research skills
- Volunteer or intern at museums, libraries, or cultural institutions
- Learn basic digital tools for documentation and presentations
- Practice public speaking and communication
Museology / Museum Studies (CIP 30.1401) is a purpose-driven degree for students who want to preserve, interpret, and share knowledge through objects and stories. It prepares professionals to serve as caretakers of cultural memory while making history, art, and science accessible to the public.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor