Education · 1 of 4
The path
A subject degree first, then a museum credential, then years of moving up through smaller roles.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Strong history, English and a second language if you can manage one.
- 2
Bachelor's degree
4 years
In the subject you want to curate: art history, history, anthropology, archaeology, biology or geology. The subject matters more than the school.
- 3
Volunteer and intern
During your degree
Museums hire people they already know. Front desk, collections help, summer programs, anything inside the building.
- 4
Master's degree
2 years
A museum studies degree such as the two-year Master of Museum Studies at the University of Toronto, or a subject master's plus museum experience.
- 5
Work up through the collection
3 to 10 years
Assistant, registrar or interpreter, then associate curator, then curator. Openings are scarce and you may move cities for them.