Undergraduate Students

Museum Studies and Public Engagment Minor

The Museum Studies and Public Engagement Program at the University of Delaware offers a flexible, interdisciplinary museum studies and public engagement minor, open to all undergraduate students at UD. This minor is ideal for students interested in museums, archives, historical sites and other cultural institutions.

Program Overview

Who can enroll?

Any undergraduate student at the University of Delaware can pursue the Museum Studies minor.

How many credits are required?

The minor consists of 18 credits, distributed as follows:

  • Core courses, 9 credits:
    • Introduction course
    • Internship course
    • Museum studies elective course
  • Elective courses, 9 credits: Approved options from a range of departments

Can I double count courses from my major or other minors?

Yes. You may count up to 6 credits from your major(s) or other minor(s) toward the elective requirement. However, no more than 3 credits may be counted from any one major or minor.

See UD Catalog for Requirements

Internship Requirement

An internship is a required component of the minor. Student may complete internship coursework in art history, history or museum studies.

The MSPE 464 Museum Studies Internship includes:

  • 135 hours of supervised on-site (or approved virtual) work

  • Hands-on experience at a museum, archive, historic site, public garden, or related organization

  • Opportunities to complete other approved service projects in the field

Students may take the internship course twice for credit. All internships must be pre-approved and documented using official Museum Studies forms and reporting materials.

Internship Resources

The following resources include the requirements for setting up and completing internships for both students and sponsors; advice on finding internships; and policies associated with various academic programs. Contact the Museum Studies and Public Engagement Program early in the academic year to begin planning.

Lois S​toehr

Internship Coordinator
Arts & Humanities
 302-831-6103

Lois' Appointment Schedulers for Current Students

In-Person Appointments

Virtual Appointments

Lois Stoehr came to the College of Arts and Sciences from the museum field, where she empowered people of all ages to learn and grow through programs designed to nurture creativity, curiosity, and community. As a museum educator she mentored many UD interns (who were invaluable!) and taught as an adjunct professor for UD's Museum Studies program. She earned her B.A. in history from the College of William and Mary and her M.A. through the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture at the University of Delaware. She enjoys helping students navigate their professional paths forward, guided by their unique interests and values.