High School
High school students interested in this career can prepare by taking mathematics courses at least through solid geometry, chemistry, electronics, and shop math and practice. They should have sufficient language skills to read instructions, and they should be able to read blueprints and wiring diagrams.
Postsecondary Training
For most jobs in this field, applicants are required to finish two to four years of postsecondary training. They should have at least two years of technical training beyond high school, taking courses in electrical and mechanical construction techniques, cabinet-making, and interior design or architectural design. They should become familiar with tools as well as plans. As part of their studies, students participate in internships or co-ops at museums to obtain hands-on experience. Students who are interested in becoming planetarium technicians should take basic astronomy courses.
Museum technicians who work with fossils and other natural specimens are often required to have bachelor's degrees. They may acquire the necessary skills by taking courses in geology, archaeology, or paleontology. In larger museums, a master's degree is necessary for advancement.
Some technicians train for the field via informal or formal apprenticeships at museums.
Certification
Some colleges and universities offer certificate programs in museum studies and emerging technologies. Such programs are a great way to explore various museum-related fields, as well as learn about new technologies, without making a major financial investment by enrolling in a degree program. Certificate programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.
Other Education or Training
The American Alliance of Museums offers continuing education (CE) opportunities via webinars and educational sessions at its Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo. Past sessions included Technology and Museum Visitor Experiences, Award-Winning Interpretive Installations, Multimedia and Interactive Kiosks, and Interpretive Planning Basics: Planning for Visitor Experiences. The International Planetarium Society also provides CE classes. Contact these organizations for more information.
- Active and Contemplative Religious Sisters and Brothers
- Anthropologists
- Archaeologists
- Archivists
- Artists
- Book Conservators
- Conservators and Conservation Technicians
- Directors of Corporate Sponsorship
- Directors of Fund-Raising
- Directors of Volunteers
- Education Directors and Museum Teachers
- Environmental Education Program Directors
- Environmental Lobbyists
- Ethnoscientists
- Exhibit Designers
- Fund-Raisers
- Gallery Owners and Directors
- Grant Coordinators and Writers
- Historians
- Historic Preservationists
- Land Acquisition Professionals
- Land Trust or Preserve Managers
- Librarians
- Lobbyists
- Museum Attendants
- Museum Directors and Curators
- National Park Service Employees
- Nonprofit Social Service Directors
- Park Rangers
- Proposal Managers
- Public Interest Lawyers
- Public Opinion Researchers
- Public Relations Specialists
- Rabbis
- Roman Catholic Priests
- Social Workers
- Taxidermists
- Tour Guides
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors
- Zookeepers
- Zoologists