News Release

University offers Minor in Museum Studies

Ever walk around the halls of the Detroit Institute of Art and think about the what goes into the coordination of its exhibitions? University of Detroit Mercy’s History department now offers a minor in Museum Studies with course work focusing on collections management, exhibitions, education and different aspects of museum studies.

Students who elect to complete the minor will be prepared for entry-level positions in museums or graduate programs in Museum Studies. A wide range of museums will be covered in this program, including: art museums, museums of science and technology, history museums, botanical gardens, and zoos.

Courses will be taught by Dan Kroupa, history instructor and undergraduate coordinator for the Museum Studies program, as well as other UDM faculty and local museum professionals. Kroupa has previous experience working with the Henry Ford Museum, the Automotive Hall of Fame, and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

Minor classes offered winter term include: Museum Education and Interpretation, Museum Collections Management and Care, and Topics in Museum Studies. An advisory committee of local and national museum professionals was formed to oversee the direction of this new minor program.

The Metropolitan Detroit area hosts a vast array of museums where Museum Studies students will complete internships, both providing and enriching hands-on experience. A mini-portfolio showcasing individual students’ talents and experiences within their studies is required upon completion of the minor.

Students with liberal arts or science majors are urged to consider a Museum Studies minor to gain entry-level positions at museums. For more information, contact Museum Studies minor coordinator Daniel Kroupa at kroupadr@udmercy.edu or visit the program web site.

Release date: January 12, 2011

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