Museum and Archives Studies Minor

Beginning in fall 2026, the Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance in collaboration with Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies will offer an undergraduate minor in Museum and Archives Studies, developed by Purdue University Archives and Special Collections and Purdue University Galleries.

The Museum and Archives Studies minor offers students a unique opportunity to explore how museums, archives, galleries, and special collections preserve, interpret, and share knowledge. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, students examine the histories, theories, and practices that shape cultural heritage institutions while gaining hands-on experience in curatorial work, archival research, collections management, and public engagement.

Open to students from all majors, the minor combines classroom learning with experiential opportunities through Purdue University Archives and Special Collections and Purdue Galleries. Students develop valuable research, communication, and critical thinking skills while exploring careers in museums, archives, libraries, cultural organizations, and related fields. Whether preparing for graduate study or seeking to broaden their understanding of how institutions preserve and communicate the past, students gain practical experience and a strong foundation for future professional success.

Visit the university course catalog for more information on the courses and plan of study for the program.

The minor is open to students from all majors and requires no prerequisites.

To Enroll: 

• Contact your academic advisor to enroll in the Museum and Archives Studies minor.
• Have questions?
  • Beth Woodward, Assistant Professor of Practice of Art History, Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance
  • Neal Harmeyer, Assistant Dean and Head of Purdue University Archives and Special Collections