New for Fall 2026: Museum Management Skills for Exhibitions and Collections
Mason Exhibitions is pleased to launch Museum Management Skills for Exhibitions and Collections beginning in Fall 2026. Developed as a field-based learning opportunity, this course provides students with direct access to the professional practices that shape exhibitions, collections, and museum operations.
Drawing upon the resources of Mason Exhibitions, the University Art Collection, and the Provisions Library Research Center for Art and Social Change, the course bridges classroom learning and professional experience through hands-on engagement with active exhibitions, collections, research projects, and public programs. Students work alongside museum and exhibition professionals while developing practical skills in curatorial research, collections management, exhibition production, documentation, and museum communications.
Designed for students interested in museums, galleries, archives, arts administration, public humanities, and interdisciplinary cultural work, this course offers a unique opportunity to gain professional museum experience on campus while contributing to real-world projects and institutional initiatives.
Course Information
CVPA 489 (CRN 80096) 3credits
Cross-listed with CVPA 599 Independent Study (CRN 80095) 3 credits
Fall 2026
Monday | 10:30 AM–1:10 PM | In-person
Professional Museum Experience on Campus
Mason Exhibitions’ Hands-On Field Course
COURSE EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
Introduction to museum and exhibition professions, institutional structures, and professional practices
Exhibition research, preparation, and installation
Collections management, object handling, and collections care
Curatorial research, writing, and interpretive development
Photography, video production, and digital documentation
Archival organization, cataloging, and database management
Museum communications, outreach, and promotional content development
Students will contribute to active exhibitions and institutional projects while developing professional experience in museum operations, curatorial practice, and collections management. As students gain familiarity with the field, they will also have the opportunity to pursue an independent project aligned with their academic or professional interests, demonstrating applied knowledge, technical competency, and professional development.
Time commitment
Students are expected to commit 9 hours per week to the course, including a 3-hour class and hands-on field experience at Mason Exhibitions.
Ideal for students interested in:
Museums • Curatorial Practice • Collections Management • Arts Administration • Archives • Public Humanities • Visual Culture • Gallery and Exhibition Work • Communication • Art-related Interdisciplinary Research and Project
For additional information, contact Mason Exhibitions.
Steven Luu, sluu5@gmu.edu
Soo Paek, spaek2@gmu.edu