Museum Internships


Application Form



Museum Internships


Michigan State University Museum offers a variety of internship opportunities including experiences in collection care, archives, public relations, fundraising, visitor studies, festival production, educational programming, and exhibition development.


Length of Internship

During the MSU academic year, internships generally last four months (a MSU semester). Fall semester usually starts the third week of August and ends the second week of December. Spring semester generally starts the first week of January and ends the last week in April.

During the summer, internships typically run from May 15 - August 15, but starting and ending dates for individual internships are negotiable.


Work Schedule of Internship

Most interns are expected to work a regular schedule of 9-12 hours per week. A few internships require full-time (40 hours a week, usually 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with some weeknights and weekend hours).


Supervisor/Mentors

Each intern works closely with one or two primary supervisors/mentors but also has an opportunity to meet and work with other museum professionals. Interns usually also participate in department and museum meetings and are invited to attend museum studies special lectures and workshops.


Housing/Transportation/Insurance

Interns are responsible for their own health insurance and housing, though East Lansing has many possibilities for low-cost housing, especially in the summer, through student sublets. Some on-campus housing may be available (see website). Interns are also responsible for transportation to and from East Lansing.


Paid/Unpaid Internships

Most internships are unpaid though sometimes paid internships are available through special funding and are indicated below by an asterisk. AS OF FEBRUARY 2008, THERE ARE NO PAID INTERSHIPS.


Academic Credit (including for MSU Museum Studies Program)

Academic credit may be possible through academic programs and departments at MSU as well as other colleges. Internships for MSU credit require 3 hours for each credit sought. MSU Museum internships require a 3 credit minimum (representing 9 hours/week). Potential interns are encouraged to contact their academic program advisors for information about available credit options. NOTE: Internships at the MSU Museum can fill the requirement of the MSU Museum Studies Program but must have prior approval. Contact information is provided below for two possible options.
    MSU Museum Studies Internship Program: website
    MSU College of Arts and Letters Internship Program: 517-355-6519

Requirements of Internships

In addition to the activities defined by each specific internship position, each intern is expected to complete a weekly log, a portfolio, and a short self-evaluation/summary report. Supervisors will also complete an evaluation.


How to Apply

Applicants interested in applying should fill out the application form, download a form and send a hard copy to:
    MSU Museum Internships
    Michigan State University Museum
    East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1045
NOTE: Applicants for the paid internships must provide additional materials and must submit their applications by February 28 of the year of the internship.

If you have specific questions, feel free to email the coordinator: interns@museum.msu.edu


Review Criteria and Process

Decisions are made on a revolving basis by the primary supervisor and the coordinator of MSU Museum interns. Selections are made based on appropriateness of candidate to position and availability of internship opportunities (some internships are limited in number at any one time OR are only available for specific seasons).


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