School of Arts and Sciences

Heritage and Museum Studies

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Research local art, regional history and global culture.

Programs of Study

Major in Heritage and Museum Studies

The heritage and museum studies program offers an interdisciplinary major that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in careers in museums, galleries, archives, cultural and historical sites, libraries and digital humanities.

Our rapidly changing global environment is witnessing dramatic transformations in information and communication technologies – causing institutions that collect, curate and categorize knowledge to reexamine how our society curates and preserves our culture, tradition and heritage.

The heritage and museum studies major addresses these challenges by engaging students in contemporary methods, global perspectives and transferable skills to help them become leaders in the heritage and museum fields.

Degree Requirements and Courses

Interdisciplinary Advantage

The heritage and museum studies program is designed for students who are interested in disciplines that engage with the production of culture, tradition and heritage, as well as its critical analysis.

Special Opportunities at Concordia

The heritage and museum studies program offers numerous opportunities for students to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to valuable work experience on campus in the College Archives, Cyrus Running Gallery, and the college art collection.

Engaged in Community

Christian Belz '19 worked to preserve the memories and experiences of Fargo-Moorhead community members through his heritage and museum studies PEAK experience. 

Internship Opportunities

We partner with local, regional, and national organizations to open up opportunities for our students to gain valuable real world experience working in vital heritage and museum organizations and municipal offices in the Fargo-Moorhead area and beyond. Our students have interned at a variety of organizations including:

  • Dorothy Molter Museum, Ely, Minn.
  • Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, Moorhead
  • Norway House, Minneapolis
  • Plains Art Museum, Fargo, N.D.
  • Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
  • Village Family Services, Fargo, N.D.

Careers

A major in heritage and museum studies (HMS) offers not only theoretical foundations for a career in cultural heritage organizations but also hands-on experience through course work and internships. 

An HMS major prepares students for careers in a variety of fields: 

  • Archives
  • Cultural and Historical Sites
  • Galleries
  • Genealogy
  • Libraries
  • Museums
  • Public History
  • Tourism

Many HMS graduates have gone on to pursue graduate study in art history, library science, and more. The HMS major couples nicely with other majors offered at Concordia, such as history, art history, Greek and Roman studies, communication studies, business, biology, thereby allowing students to customize their educational program to fit their intended career focus.

It is never too early to contact the Concordia Career Center to determine how to identify and prepare yourself to apply for jobs that interest you.

Contact

Dr. Susan J. Lee
Associate Professor, Art History; Program Director, Heritage and Museum Studies Art, Women's and Gender Studies, Heritage and Museum Studies, Greek and Roman Studies
P 218.299.3310
E slee@cord.edu