Anthropology Department

Museum Studies

Interested in working in a museum? The Museum Studies Program in the Anthropology Department at CSU Chico offers two tracks toward a career in museum work and related fields in cultural heritage management. Our innovative program excels in merging theory and practical hands-on experience to prepare our students to meet the demands of a robust job market in both the private and public sector, including:

  • institutions at the local, state, and federal levels
  • colleges and universities
  • museums
  • visitors centers and collections repositories
  • historical societies
  • national parks and
  • preservation centers

Students have two options in pursuing a degree in Museum Studies: the Certificate in Museum Studies or the Master's Degree in Anthropology, with an Option in Museum Studies.

The program has a wide-ranging selection of coursework in:

  • collections care
  • museum education
  • administration
  • laboratory conservation
  • exhibition development
  • museology
  • fundraising, marketing, and public relations

Our program has graduated alumni for almost 50 years, who have gone on to be successful and fulfilling careers. The Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology functions as a multifaceted educational and training facility for students in our Museum Studies Program.

As a teaching museum, the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology hosts three exhibitions annually curated by department faculty, museum staff, and undergraduate and graduate students.

Certificate in Museum Studies

The Certificate in Museum Studies(opens in new window) is designed for undergraduate and graduate students attending CSU Chico, wishing to augment the degree in their major area of study. In addition to core courses and electives, the certificate requires one 180-hour internship in a museum.

Masters Degree in Anthropology, with an Option in Museum Studies

Students pursuing their Master's Degree in Anthropology(opens in new window) have an option to concentrate in museum studies. Along with course work in the required four-field anthropology core curriculum, students engage in two required internships and a master’s thesis.

Labs and Facilities

Heritage Resources Conservation Laboratory (HRCL)

The Heritage Resources Conservation Laboratory (HRCL) provides a professional environment for the examination of artifacts and ethnographic collection for their stabilization, treatment, and preventative conservation. In ANTH 465, Conservation of Archaeological and Ethnographic Resources, students are trained in the use of scientific laboratory procedures in the HRCL.

Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology(opens in new window)

The Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology functions as a multifaceted educational and training facility for students in our Museum Studies Program. As a teaching museum, the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology hosts three exhibitions annually curated by department faculty, museum staff, and undergraduate and graduate students.

Faculty, Lecturers, and Staff

William Nitzky, PhD

Coordinator, Museum Studies Certificate
Email: wnitzky@csuchico.edu
Phone: 530-898-4953

Adrienne Scott
Curator of Education
Email: ascott@csuchico.edu
Phone: 530-898-5397

April Kamp-Whittaker, Ph.D, Assistant Professor 
Email: akamp-whittaker@csuchico.edu

Phone: 530-898-6220